CONCORD, N.C. (AP) – Dale Earnhardt Jr. has not been cleared by doctors to return to racing and will miss at least two more races – at Michigan and Darlington – as he recovers from a concussion.
Hendrick Motorsports announced Earnhardt’s status Wednesday. Earnhardt was evaluated by doctors at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program.
Owner Rick Hendrick said Earnhardt is working hard to get back and will follow doctors’ recommendations for his recovery. Hendrick said the program is fully behind Earnhardt.
Alex Bowman, who drove for Earnhardt at New Hampshire, will return to drive the No. 88 Chevrolet at Michigan this weekend. Jeff Gordon will fill in at Darlington, where he has won seven races.
Gordon has driven the past four races for Earnhardt.