(image courtesy of NASCAR.com)
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. will not return to competition during the remainder of the 2016 season as he continues to recover from concussion-like symptoms.
Hendrick Motorsports officials made the announcement Friday morning.
The announcement also stated that Alex Bowman and four-time series champ Jeff Gordon would split time in the #88 Chevrolet for the remaining 12 races of the season. Gordon is scheduled to drive the #88 as Earnhardt’s replacement this weekend at Darlington Raceway.
“I wish I could return to the #88 team this season,” Earnhardt said in a release provided by the team. “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.”
A crash at Michigan International Speedway in June is believed to be the cause of Earnhardt’s injury. He has missed the last six Sprint Cup Series races with lingering concussion-like symptoms.
You can read the full report here.
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