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Dale Earnhardt Jr. to miss rest of 2016 NASCAR season

By Ted Fleming

May 13, 2016; Dover, DE, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr answers questions from the media after being awarded the second starting position after qualifying was cancelled due to rain for the AAA 400 Drive For Autism at Dover International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
May 13, 2016; Dover, DE, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr answers questions from the media after being awarded the second starting position after qualifying was cancelled due to rain for the AAA 400 Drive For Autism at Dover International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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Hendrick Motorsports released a statement saying doctors have not cleared Dale Earnhardt Jr. to get back in his car for the remainder of the Sprint Cup campaign.

Without medical clearance for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to get back into his No. 88 Chevrolet, he will have to sit out the rest of the 2016 Sprint Cup season, according to a release by Hendrick Motorsports. The 41-year old driver has missed the last six races due to concussion-like symptoms and was expected to miss this week’s race in Darlington and the next at Richmond. Now that has been extended to the final ten races as well.

NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver has been undergoing treatment and regularly evaluated at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program under the direction of Dr. Micky Collins and with Charlotte neurosurgeon Dr. Jerry Petty.

“I wish I could return to the No. 88 team this season,” Earnhardt said, in the release. “To say I’m disappointed doesn’t begin to describe how I feel, but I know this is the right thing for my long-term health and career. I’m 100 percent focused on my recovery, and I will continue to follow everything the doctors tell me. They’re seeing good progress in my test results, and I’m feeling that progress physically. I plan to be healthy and ready to compete at Daytona in February. I’m working toward that.”

“The support from both inside and outside the race team has been overwhelming. Everyone has been so encouraging and positive, from my teammates and sponsors to my family, friends and fans. It’s motivating and humbling at the same time.”

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As expected, Jeff Gordon and Alex Bowman will pilot the No. 88 for the last dozen races. The 45-year old Gordon, who came out of retirement to help out car owner Rick Hendrick, has filled in for Earnhardt at Indianapolis, Pocono, Watkins Glen and Bristol while Bowman, 23, took over at New Hampshire and Michigan.

“I know how hard Dale has worked and how frustrating this is for him,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “He wants to be back, and we want him back, but we want it to be for the long haul. We’ve had incredible support from everyone involved with the team, including all of our sponsors. They’ve put Dale’s health first every step of the way.”

“Jeff and Alex will give us a great opportunity over the rest of the season. Jeff is one of the best of all time and knows our system. He brings things to the table that no one else can. Alex is a young driver with a lot of talent, and he will give us a fresh perspective. We know they’re not only capable of running up front and giving us a chance to win, but they’ll help us get better.”

Gordon is now scheduled to take over at the following races: Darlington, Richmond, Dover and Martinsville. Bowman will take over the remaining eight. Those upcoming tracks are Chicagoland, New Hampshire, Charlotte, Kansas, Talladega, Texas, Phoenix and the season ending event at Homestead-Miami.

Earnhardt and Hendrick will be joined by Dr. Micky Collins of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program for a press conference at Darlington on Sunday.

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