For anyone waiting for some sudden revelation or precise resolution to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s concussion recovery situation, Sunday’s press conference at Darlington Raceway didn’t necessarily shed a whole lot of new light on the situation. Each type requires a specific type of treatment. He is having fewer and fewer symptoms and is doing very well.
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Dale Jr. chats with fill-in driver Jeff Gordon.
Photos and graphic for Headline Surfer / Jeff Gortdon and Alex Bowman will continie to fillin in for Dale Earnhardt Jr who will sit out the last 12 races as he has the previous six with concussion-like symptoms. While he still struggles with balance and vision after a third concussion, Earnhardt is steadily improving under the direction of doctors and is expected to be healthy in time for 2017.
Ocular or eye movement problems, moving one’s eyes in tandem. The other races left in 2016 will be filled by Alex Bowman, who has also subbed for Junior already this year.
DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) Dale Earnhardt Jr. returned to Sprint Cup success after a concussion in 2012.
“My heart wants me to continue and Rick (Hendrick, team owner) wants me to continue to work with the guys”.
“Stress and concussion don’t get along well and we see stress can really exacerbate and worsen things”, Collins explained. I think this is one of those instances.
Collins said the decision to have Earnhardt sit out the remaining 12 races was made to alleviate any stress Earnhardt may have been feeling to return and focus exclusively on his recovery.
Collins said that as long as Earnhardt completely heals, he sees no reason why he can not continue to racing. To me, that is the No. 1 goal is to get Dale feeling as normal as a human being. “He says do that more, push yourself and you will see those symptoms start to fade in those environments that are upsetting you”.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. poses for a stylized portrait during the 2014 NASCAR Media Day. He also noted he was now completing all of his sponsor requirements and appearances.
“I wish I could return to the No. 88 team this season”, Earnhardt said, in the release. Collins made the decision in conjunction with Dr.
Joey Logano said he understands how hard this choice was to make for Earnhardt. Dale has been able to perform a number of routine activities associated with typical daily living without very many complications or hiccups along the way.
While he feels comfortable driving a vehicle and doing things in everyday life, Earnhardt said there are still times where he would be in the auto and stumble.
“I don’t think we’re ready to go there with that mindset yet”, Gordon said about thoughts of Earnhardt retiring.
As for Earnhardt, he had this to say when queried about the possibility of retirement.
“I certainly feel the same way”, Earnhardt said. I’m 100 percent focused on my recovery, and I will continue to follow everything the doctors tell me.
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“[Retirement] is not something I think about”. We’re trying to focus on just getting well and getting normal. That is the first goal.
