Dale Earnhardt Jr. Injury: Updates on NASCAR Driver's Concussion and Return

Joseph ZuckerJul 14, 2016

Hendrick Motorsports announced on July 14 that Dale Earnhardt Jr. would be unable to compete after suffering concussion-like symptoms. Hendrick Motorsports announced on Sept. 2 that he would miss the remainder of the season, but Earnhardt will race in 2017.

Continue for updates.

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Earnhardt Medically Cleared for Competition

Thursday, Dec. 8

"Following a test session Wednesday afternoon at Darlington Raceway, [Earnhardt] has been medically cleared to resume NASCAR competition after making a full recovery from a concussion. He will return for the beginning of the 2017 season at the Feb. 26 Daytona 500," Hendrick Motorsports announced Thursday.

"I feel great, and I’m excited to officially be back," Earnhardt said. He continued:

"
I expected things to go really well yesterday, and that’s exactly what happened. Actually getting in a race car was an important final step, and it gives me a ton of confidence going into 2017. Thanks to the staff at Darlington for hosting our team and to NASCAR for giving us the opportunity to put a car on the track. I’ll do more testing in January to help knock the rust off. When it’s time to go to Daytona, I’ll be ready.
"

Team owner Rick Hendrick originally said on Nov. 18 that Earnhardt was on track to race in the Daytona 500, per the Associated Press (via USA Today).

"Dale deserves so much credit," said Hendrick. "I’m proud of him for listening to his body and standing up to take responsibility for his health. He’s worked extremely hard and set a terrific example for others. It’s great news as we go into the off-season, and we can’t wait to see him back on the racetrack at Daytona."

Earnhardt Comments on Recovery, Return to Racing

Wednesday, Oct. 19

Joe Menzer of FoxSports.com noted that Earnhardt stated he is making progress and plans to drive during the 2017 NASCAR season.

Earnhardt announced on Sept. 26 during his Dale Jr. Download podcast that his vision issues have mostly subsided "and his rehabilitation exercises no longer are provoking symptoms that they are designed to cause," according to NBC Sports' Nate Ryan. "The symptoms mostly come from being in unfamiliar situations that are 'busy' with 'lots of people talking, movement and stimulation.'"

Earnhardt spoke to reporters on Sept. 4, saying, "I definitely don't belong in a race car today." Despite that, Earnhardt said his recovery is going well and that he's "seeing improvements." He added that his "balance is miles better" since he started visiting the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program.

On Aug. 5, Earnhardt said he's continuing rehab but still doesn't have a timeline for his return, per Tom Jensen of FoxSports.com.

"I think my doctors have a good understanding of my history and what I've been through," Earnhardt added, per Jensen. "Our intentions are to get cleared and get back to racing, and we’re just taking it one evaluation at a time."

"No change lately. Symptoms have plateaued over the last week. Balance/gaze stabilization are only issues. Docs preaching patience," Earnhardt tweeted on July 30.

"Today is the [first] day in many that I sensed improvement," Earnhardt tweeted on July 22. "Seen small gains during my physical therapy as well. Light at the end of the tunnel."

In the Hendrick Motorsports press release on July 14, Earnhardt explained his situation:

"
I wasn't feeling great the week going into Kentucky [Speedway] 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.
"