Allen Kee / ESPN Images(NEW YORK) — Dale Earnhardt Jr. will miss the remainder of the NASCAR season to recover from concussion symptoms that have kept him out of the last six races.
Earnhardt is believed to have suffered the concussion in a June 12 crash at Michigan International Speedway and has been undergoing repeated evaluations, as well as treatment for issues with balance and visual focus. “I wish I could return to the No. 88 team this season,” Earnhardt said. “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.”
Jeff Gordon has filled in for Earnhardt in recent races and will continue to do so for the remaining 12 races on the schedule.
Team owner Rick Hendrick said that he knows “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.”
Earnhardt was unlikely to make the Chase for the Sprint Cup, unless he came back next week and won.
