Earnhardt Jr. concussion issues leave reasons for concern

A mid-July race during the long NASCAR Sprint Cup season may have a lot of news value attached, but a definite exception was made when a major item broke Thursday afternoon.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. – who has only been the most popular driver for the last decade – announced he will not be running at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday due to concussion-like symptoms. It’s a big blow for a driver who could not only use a win, but is barely hanging on to a spot in the Chase with just seven races left until the field is set.
In a statement released by Hendrick Motorsports, the driver of the No. 88 Axalta Chevrolet wasn’t cleared by his doctors following an evaluation. Alex Bowman, who will ride in the car this weekend, was 13th in the first practice at New Hampshire and qualified 20th for Sunday’s race.
But for Junior Nation, it’s a shock to the system to not see their guy behind the wheel. Then again, there’s a greater long-term issue at stake.
Earnhardt has had a history with concussions. He took a couple of bad hits at Michigan and Daytona earlier this season, and he admitted he wasn’t feeling right at Kentucky last week, where he qualified and finished 13th.
“I wasn't feeling great the week going into Kentucky and thought it was possibly severe allergies,” Earnhardt said in a statement provided by the team. “I saw a family doctor and was given medication for allergies and a sinus infection. When that didn't help, I decided to dig a little deeper. Because of my symptoms and my history with concussions, and after my recent wrecks at Michigan and Daytona, I reached out and met with a neurological specialist. After further evaluation, they felt it was best for me to sit out.
“I'm disappointed about missing New Hampshire this weekend. I'm looking forward to treatment with the goal of getting back in the race car when the doctors say I'm ready.”
Adding to the mystery, there is no timetable for Earnhardt Jr.’s return. If he can’t go when the series heads to Indianapolis next week for the Brickyard 400, the team announced a shocking bit of news.

None other than five-time Brickyard and four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon could come out of retirement to drive the 88. According to a USA Today story, Hendrick Motorsports general manager Doug Duchardt said a final decision on Gordon running at Indy would likely come by Wednesday.
As for anything beyond next week, it’s all speculation, so the discussion stops here.
Adding to the intrigue, should Gordon return to the track and race – something he didn’t rule out when he announced his retirement, although this potential Cup run is certainly a stunner – it would push his eligibility for the NASCAR Hall of Fame back a year, which would put him in the same class as Tony Stewart.
Two legends with seven Cup titles between them certainly makes the selection process easier for those who have the power to vote, but there’s something a bit more important at play here.
Earnhardt Jr. has already stated he’ll donate his brain after he dies to help with studies for CTE. No one can say if this injury is career-threatening, but concussions can’t be taken lightly anymore.
By their very nature, NASCAR drivers would much rather be in the car first. The stories of how much they risked to return from injuries are too numerous to document here, although Ricky Rudd taping open his eyelids is one story that immediately comes to my mind.
Concussions are an entirely different matter, though. Earnhardt Jr. will be 42 years old in October. He’s getting married after the season ends.
Popularity and success behind the wheel may be one thing, but it all means nothing in the end if concussions get in the way of life after racing.
Get well first, Junior. Your fans will be there all the way.
Follow Tom Zulewski on Twitter @Tomzsports or email tominator19@yahoo.com.