Race Weekend Central

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to Miss Michigan, Darlington

He’s going to be away from the track for another few weeks.

Hendrick Motorsports announced in a press release on Wednesday that doctors have not yet cleared Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to return to racing action in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

That mean Alex Bowman, who previously filled in for Earnhardt in his first missed race earlier in the season, will drive the No. 88 at Michigan International Speedway this weekend, while Jeff Gordon will return to the driver’s seat for the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

“We know Dale is working hard to get back,” team owner Rick Hendrick said in a press release. “He’s following what the doctors are saying, to the letter, and doing exactly what he needs to do. Everyone wants to see him in a racecar, but his health is first and foremost. We’re behind him.”

No further time table was given for Earnhardt’s ongoing recovery.

Bowman has four prior Sprint Cup Series starts at the 2-mile oval, with a best finish of 26th coming in 2014.

Gordon’s return at Darlington will be the 36th start of his career at the historic South Carolina speedway. His seven wins are the most of all active competitors in the Sprint Cup Series. Gordon has filled in the last four race weekends for Earnhardt.

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kb

RETIRE!!

kb

After last year’s total BS regarding the legitimacy of the Cup winner….

…With the sick and twisted logic of “waivers” and “The Chase”. They gave the L’enfant Terrible a waiver after missing 11 races!!!! He received a bunch of well orchestrated cautions, his team mates ramming and crashing the competition with glee and wide eyed “WHO ME?” innocence (sarcasm) etc. and poof a chump after a one race fixed deal. The SEASON LONG CHAMP!

Who in their right mind seeing Brian’s addiction to this dramatic, does not think we will see the story of Kyle play out with Earnhardt this year? Would it surprise anyone?

I can see it all now…the wording, the constant cheer leading for the special and brave Dale Jr…. constant references to the God, his father…Jr’s struggles over the years….his new found happiness at the age of 41…his love of driving…everybody constantly kissing his behind…his love of “Mr. H”..etc. The Jerry Springer story line is ripe for the pickin’s just like last year with the baby. Oh the possibilities………….

kb

It might be too late for the script like last year…but I am of the opinion with NASCAR and Brian’s thought process and the cash cow Dale..well it just won’t due not to have him fit in the glory somewhere. IMO.

Ken

I have never been a Junior fan, but, if Junior wants to have any idea about what to do about his future in racing, he should sit down with Ernie Irvan and talk about his experiences with multiple concussions. Irvan was told after his last one that he had two choices, go back and race again and risk another concussion that would be fatal, or retire and live to see his son grow up. Irvan wisely chose the latter. As has been said, what does Junior have to prove? He has his race teams and his western town-like play ground to get away to. He has had a successful career, despite never winning a championship. He’s of age and at a point where he doesn’t need racing to live. Personally, I think it’s fan pressure that’s forcing Dale to try and get back too soon. Too, in addition to Irvan, remember what happened to Neil Bonnet, and for that matter, his own father.

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