ABC News reports Dale Earnhardt Jr. is unable to race for the rest of the Sprint Cup season due to symptoms related to a concussion he is believed to have received in a crash at Michigan International Speedway on June 12.
The seasoned racing veteran, who is being treated at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program, said in a statement:
Videos by PopCulture.com
“I wish I could return to the No. 88 team this season. 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.
The NASCAR driver is experiencing issues with his balance and focusing on objects while his head is moving. He has not been medically cleared to return to the sport.
Hendrix Motorsports team owner, Rick Hendrix said, “I know how hard Dale has worked and how frustrating this is for him. 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 Gordon will fill in for Earnhardt at Darlington this weekend as well as at Richmond (Sept. 10), Dover (Oct. 2) and Martinsville (Oct. 30).Alex Bowman will drive at Chicagoland (Sept. 18), New Hampshire (Sept. 25), Charlotte (Oct. 8), Kansas (Oct. 16), Talladega (Oct. 23), Texas (Nov. 6), Phoenix (Nov. 13) and Homestead (Nov. 20).
Get well soon!
This article first appeared on Womanista.com
