No Jr this week

mike honcho

mike honcho

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. will not race at New Hampshire: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will not compete in the July 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway after experiencing concussion-like symptoms. Earnhardt, driver of the #88 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, was evaluated this week in Charlotte and today was not cleared by physicians to race. Alex Bowman will be the team's substitute driver this weekend at New Hampshire.
"I wasn't feeling great the week going into Kentucky (Speedway) and thought it was possibly severe allergies," Earnhardt said. "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."
A timetable for Earnhardt's return has not been established. Hendrick Motorsports will provide an update next week regarding plans for the July 24 event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"I'm proud of Dale for standing up," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "The number-one priority is his health, so we're going to give him all the time he needs. We completely support the decision by the doctors and will be ready to go win races when he's 100 percent. In the meantime, we have full confidence in Greg (Ives) and the team, and we know they'll do a great job."(Hendrick Motorsports)(7-14-2016)
 
Saw the news break on Racehub. Super unexpected and I wish Junior a speedy recovery, but I gotta say I am really excited to see Alex Bowman in the 88.
 
Yeah this could be bad for JR's chase chances.

On the flip side, it's a good chance for Bowman to finally show what he can do if given the equipment.
 
Hawaii808 said:
Now is the time for Junior fans to panic about getting in the Chase.
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You certainly don't speak for all of us. The Chase is of little importance IMO. He's got a lot of life to live beyond the World of NASCAR. Seems like even though he's apparently had his bell rung again, his head is still screwed on straight.
 
Hate to hear this for the Jr fans. But, he is making the right decision, what good is it to have the world by the tail and then be pushed around in a wheel chair drooling after you retire.
Maybe he is more susceptible to this type injury than others.
 
dpkimmel2001 said:
You certainly don't speak for all of us. The Chase is of little importance IMO. He's got a lot of life to live beyond the World of NASCAR. Seems like even though he's apparently had his bell rung again, his head is still screwed on straight.
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I've got no skin in that game...it's just that I read no more than three things today that talked about Junior fans beginning to sweat.

If nothing else, He's showing admirable judgement by staying out. He's got a whole lot of life ahead. CTE is real and I think we'll hear about drivers with it soon.

Get Well Junior
 
Smart. Successive concussion injuries result in terrible consequences.

These things have ruined many lives.
 
Praying for Junior.
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Nothing is more important than his health. It is a scary thing.
 
He's 41 with this concussion history. Might be time for him to think about hanging it up.
 
Jr is a smart man and putting his health first over pride.
 
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Very smart, admirable, and brave. The heck with everything else, his health is paramount. Setting a good example too.
 
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kk5fan said:
He's 41 with this concussion history. Might be time for him to think about hanging it up.
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Last year Gordon, this year Stewart, next year JR? JR is one of my favorites and I would miss him if he left Cup racing. But, you can't think about JR without thinking about his dad. He knows the risks are real and I just have to believe that given his current personal life next year could be his last.

Here is the flip side...I am a huge Blaney fan, and frankly it scares the bejabbers out of me to see Dave Blaney racing in the 410 sprints at over 50 years of age. I wished he would put that aside and if he wants to keep racing just focus on the big block dirt modifieds.
 
Michfan said:
Did they change the rule? I can't keep up with NASCAR
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Not that I'm aware of.

Drivers make the Chase, not their cars. The owner points are kept separately from driver points ... that sometimes demonstrates when penalties are assessed and in the BuschXWide and the Truck series where the owner's champion is seldom the car or truck that the driving champion wheels. When Kenseth was suspended, Gibbs earned owner points in his absence.

If Kevin Harvick were to hasten his oh so obvious move to HMS and left Stewart-Haas after this year's Richmond race, he would run his Chase races in the 5. Owner points for both cars would keep right on tickin'.

The owners "race" for bigger checks for their so-called championship.
 
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Repetitive head injuries are really scary, and Dale has history with them. Awful news that he is having symptoms now. I could be wrong on this, but my recollection is that Dale's Michigan and Daytona hits didn't look especially big. Is that right or wrong? Makes the symptoms now even more scary, IMO.
 
LewTheShoe said:
Repetitive head injuries are really scary, and Dale has history with them. Awful news that he is having symptoms now. I could be wrong on this, but my recollection is that Dale's Michigan and Daytona hits didn't look especially big. Is that right or wrong? Makes the symptoms now even more scary, IMO.
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Apparently some of us are more susceptible to those injuries than others.
 
Can't fault the man.

Get well. The car'll be there when he recovers.
 
aunty dive said:
Apparently some of us are more susceptible to those injuries than others.
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Yeah, that is exactly my point. Makes it even more scary for Dale.

BTW, Cup owners points are subject to Chase resets with 1,000 points added for advancing to the next round, etc. So I wonder if the prior common practice of Xfinity owners champions being different from drivers champions might be ending now that Xfinity has a Chase of its own?
 
I would imagine the points scenario will mirror Cup.
 
TexasRaceLady said:
I applaud Dale for this decision. Screw the race and maybe the Chase --- health is a heck of lot more important.
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Isn't this the second? Maybe third time he's going to excuse himself after a concussion?

Health first, for sure. But this is worrisome.

One might begin to wonder if now isn't a good time to walk away from the sport when the getting is good.
 
I think Jr. is smart and realizing his mortality...... He saw his Dad taken away at the time when he was just being able to enjoy the fruits of his labor....... Jr. is more than likely weighing the danger of his occupation against his health and making more money. He doesn't need the money.... he has an endless flow even if he retires...... I look for him stepping down in the very near future...... I don't blame him....
 
I fully expect to see a Dale Jr farewell season within 2 years. Athletes in all sports have been retiring at incredibly early ages lately due to long-term health concerns, and I Jr might be the next big one to call it quits.
 
Hate this for Junior.

But, its been entertaining on my Facebook watching the same guys that b*tched about NASCAR giving Kyle a Chase waiver last year because he didn't start all the races, suddenly start b*tching that NASCAR better give Junior one. (Of course they would)
 
I'm glad that he is using his head to sit out. Wonder how much of it was outside voices or his own concern? I'm somewhat surprised that they didn't have him start the car and change drivers. Gotta give him credit for it in any case and I hope the best for him. At his age I wonder it this is really going to become a common problem for him though.
 
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