Hamlin completed his first full race since suffering a compressionfracture in a vertebra in his lower back on March 24 and finished right behind Kenseth.
He also suffered a compressionfracture of his fourth thoracic vertebrae in the 2011 season finale at Las Vegas but missed no racing as he healed during the offseason.
Denny Hamlin successfully returned from a compressionfracture in a vertebra by turning 23 laps before getting out of his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota for replacement driver Brian Vickers during the first caution.
Menino, who used a cane to walk to the podium, has had persistent health problems including a six-week hospital stay last year to treat a respiratory infection and a compressionfracture in his spine.