Dale Earnhardt Jr. Injury Update: NASCAR Star out for Season with Concussion

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will miss the remainder of the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup season as he continues to suffer from concussion-like symptoms.

According to NASCAR.com's Kenny Bruce, Hendrick Motorsports announced the news Friday. Junior, 41, had missed the last six races already.

Earnhardt said the following, per Hendrick Motorsports' official website:

"

I wish I could return to the No. 88 team this season. To say I'm disappointed doesn't begin to describe how I feel, but I know this is the right thing for my long-term health and career. I'm 100 percent focused on my recovery, and I will continue to follow everything the doctors tell me. They're seeing good progress in my test results, and I'm feeling that progress physically. I plan to be healthy and ready to compete at Daytona in February. I'm working toward that.

The support from both inside and outside the race team has been overwhelming. Everyone has been so encouraging and positive, from my teammates and sponsors to my family, friends and fans. It's motivating and humbling at the same time.

"

Hendrick Motorsports announced Jeff Gordon and Alex Bowman will split the remainder of the schedule in the No. 88 car, with Gordon running four races (including Darlington this weekend) and Bowman starting eight.

Jordan Bianchi of SB Nation provided the full breakdown:

Earnhardt's absence will break a five-year streak of qualifying for the Chase for the Sprint Cup, although his chances of making it were already slim. He would have needed to come back next week at Richmond and won to qualify.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.