NASCAR: A Timeline Of Dale Jr.’s Concussion Struggles

2013 and 2014

Towards the end of the 2013 NASCAR season, NASCAR announced new concussion protocol that would start at the beginning of the 2014 season. While Earnhardt Jr.’s struggles the season prior were not the only reason for this effort, it’s hard to say that it wasn’t part of the equation.

The new NASCAR protocol mandated that all drivers submit to baseline testing prior to the start of the 2014 season. These baseline tests would then be used as needed when it came to diagnosing and treating a driver for a concussion or concussion-like symptoms.

At the time of the announcement, Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR vice president of racing operations spoke of the importance of the new protocol.

"NASCAR made this decision because we think it is important to drivers’ health for doctors to have the best information and tools available in evaluating injuries. Before announcing this rule, we provided drivers concussion and baseline testing education and created opportunities for them to ask any questions they may have to a top neurosurgeon that specializes in traumatic brain injuries. Also, remember that ImPACT tests are not new to our sport and have been used for treatment through the years. We are extremely confident that our concussion protocol is among the best in sports."

The new protocol in NASCAR mirrored some of the efforts being taken at the time by other leagues to better protect their athletes from the risk of concussion.

Next: Donation Proclamation