{"id":113,"date":"2016-09-02T13:11:45","date_gmt":"2016-09-02T17:11:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonmotorsport.com\/?p=113"},"modified":"2016-09-03T09:53:50","modified_gmt":"2016-09-03T13:53:50","slug":"dale-jr-to-miss-remainder-of-2016-sprint-cup-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2016\/09\/02\/dale-jr-to-miss-remainder-of-2016-sprint-cup-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Miss Remainder of 2016 Sprint Cup Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series<\/strong>\u2019 most popular driver will miss the remainder of the season as he continues to recover from concussion-like symptoms. A release<\/a> issued by Dale Earnhardt Jr<\/strong>.\u2019s Hendrick Motorsports<\/strong> team stated that he has not yet been medically cleared to return to the racecar.<\/p>\n

Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Miss Remainder of 2016 Sprint Cup Season<\/h2>\n

Earnhardt Jr. has been regularly evaluated at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center<\/strong> Sports Medicine Concussion Program. Through this difficult time,\u00a0he has still been engaging with his fans by sharing the progress of his recovery online. Through videos posted on Instagram<\/a>, fans could get a glimpse of what is involved in recovering from a concussion and how to eventually heal from the lingering symptoms. Jr. was optimistic of a quick return but unfortunately the healing process is taking longer than he had hoped.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI wish I could return to the No. 88 team this season,\u201d Earnhardt said. \u201cTo say I\u2019m disappointed doesn\u2019t begin to describe how I feel, but I know this is the right thing for my long-term health and career. I\u2019m 100 percent focused on my recovery, and I will continue to follow everything the doctors tell me. They\u2019re seeing good progress in my test results, and I\u2019m feeling that progress physically. I plan to be healthy and ready to compete at Daytona in February. I\u2019m working toward that.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Advocate for Safe Driving<\/u><\/h3>\n

Back in 2012, Earnhardt Jr. missed two races due to a concussion from a crash in a testing session at Kansas Speedway. The Hendrick driver is making a very bold statement to the entire racing community that health and safety comes first. He is becoming an advocate for safe driving and making smart, health-conscious decisions when it comes to getting behind the wheel. There is still a limited amount of examples of drivers suffering concussions and concussion-like symptoms in racing. Earnhardt Jr. should be applauded for making it clear that he will not race until the doctors are confident he can handle it, free of headaches, dizziness and vision problems.<\/p>\n

Driver Schedule<\/u><\/h3>\n

In early August, doctors had narrowed down the result of the concussion to a crash in the June race at Michigan. Since then, Jeff Gordon<\/strong> and Alex Bowman<\/strong> have done a masterful job filling in behind the wheel of the 88 car (despite not always getting the finish they deserved). The duo will continue to share the seat for the duration of the season. The Hendrick press release shared the details of which driver will fill in for the remaining races.<\/p>\n

Sept. 4, Darlington Raceway \u2013 Jeff Gordon*
\nSept. 10, Richmond International Raceway \u2013 Jeff Gordon
\nSept. 18, Chicagoland Speedway \u2013 Alex Bowman
\nSept. 25, New Hampshire Motor Speedway \u2013 Alex Bowman
\nOct. 2, Dover International Speedway \u2013 Jeff Gordon
\nOct. 8, Charlotte Motor Speedway \u2013 Alex Bowman
\nOct. 16, Kansas Speedway \u2013 Alex Bowman
\nOct. 23, Talladega Superspeedway \u2013 Alex Bowman
\nOct. 30, Martinsville Speedway \u2013 Jeff Gordon
\nNov. 6, Texas Motor Speedway \u2013 Alex Bowman
\nNov. 13, Phoenix International Raceway \u2013 Alex Bowman
\nNov. 20, Homestead-Miami Speedway \u2013 Alex Bowman<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n