Dale Earnhardt Jr. will not return to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series this season as he recovers from concussion-like symptoms.
Earnhardt, who has already missed the last six races, will be replaced in the No. 88 Chevrolet by Jeff Gordon and Alex Bowman for the remaining 12 races on the 2016 Sprint Cup schedule, Hendrick Motorsports announced Friday.
Earnhardt, 41, has not competed since the July 9 race at Kentucky Speedway.
“I wish I could return to the No. 88 team this season,” Earnhardt said. “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 said Gordon is again driving for Earnhardt this weekend at Darlington, at Richmond (Sept. 10), Dover (Oct. 2) and Martinsville (Oct. 30). Bowman will drive at Chicagoland (Sept. 18), New Hampshire (Sept. 25), Charlotte (Oct. 8), Kansas (Oct. 16), Talladega (Oct. 23), Texas (Nov. 6), Phoenix (Nov. 13) and the series finale at Homestead (Nov. 20).
The 45-year-old Gordon, who came out of retirement, filled in for Earnhardt at Indianapolis, Pocono, Watkins Glen and Bristol. Bowman, 23, drove at New Hampshire and Michigan.
“I know how hard Dale has worked and how frustrating this is for him,” team owner Rick Hendrick said in a statement. “He wants to be back, and we want him back, but we want it to be for the long haul. We’ve had incredible support from everyone involved with the team, including all of our sponsors. They’ve put Dale’s health first every step of the way.”