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

Dale Jr. Doesn’t Race

It was a shock to the NASCAR world when Hendrick Motorsports announced that Earnhardt Jr. would not be in the No. 88 machine in New Hampshire. The news came after he finished 13th in Kentucky in a race where he did not have any issues.

After the announcement that he would not be driving in New Hampshire and that Alex Bowman would be filling in for him, Earnhardt Jr. released a statement via the team.

"I wasn’t feeling great the week going into Kentucky and thought it was possibly severe allergies. 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."

The initial statement was released just over five weeks ago. Since steeping out of the No. 88 machine after the race in Kentucky, Earnhardt Jr. has not been back behind the wheel.

Next: The Last Five Weeks