NASCAR has just announced Dale, Jr. will not return to the driver's seat this season. Confirmed by Hendrick Motorsports. No further information available at this time.
I seem to recall this possibility being mentioned during the discussion on chat on August 23.
For his own health, I hope he decides on his own to never return.
Full announcement:
http://www.hendrickmotorsports.com/news/articles/70378/dale-earnhardt-jr-to-miss-remainder-of-2016-season
Alex, you are exactly right. In fact, I have had the discussion with several race fans, many of whom agree with me that Dale, Jr. will take some other position in racing other than driving. Many of those fans are Dale, Jr., fans and, rightfully so, they are more concerned about Jr.'s health than seeing him on the track. Of course, several have said that without Jr. on the track there will be no reason for them to watch, attend, or pay attention to racing anymore.
I totally agree with you Dave. Thanks for getting the full announcement linked here. I have such an issue with linking things and "copying and pasting" things. Sometimes the copy and paste works for me other times not.
I do think Jr. is smart enough to know what risk he faces if he returned. Racing, in and of itself, is a risk. To take the chances he would be taking would certainly not be worth it in my opinion. I'm sure NASCAR's main concern is the damage the loss of Jr. will do to the sport. Just another blow. I would assume the 50 million Nationwide put into his sponsorship is subject to end immediately, although that is just a guess depending on the "out" clause I'm sure that contract contains. Wait and see.
Thanks for all you do Dave. I really appreciate it. I also appreciate you "introducing" me to Dave. Love his writing and what little I have learned about him in these couple of weeks and what I know about you already curls my almost absent hair thinking of the adventures shared by you two.
Take care.
