Earnhardt says no change in concussion-like symptoms

He returned to racing at the Brickyard in Indianapolis.

Team owner Rick Hendrick tapped Gordon, who drove for the organization for the entirety of his career, and seems inclined to keep him behind the wheel until Earnhardt is medically cleared. “There’s zero chance of that happening, at least produced by us”. But when concussion-like symptoms sidelined Dale Earnhardt Jr., Gordon was summoned from the Hendrick Motorsports bullpen. Gordon has assured his one-time teammate that his recovery should be his only priority. But how much longer he’ll be needed remains unclear.

“We’ve conscientiously made an effort that there wasn’t going to be Gordon on the auto anywhere, nothing like that”, Gordon said.

Gordon has been doing a balancing act because he had commitments planned after his duties when NASCAR on Fox ended their half-season of television coverage. Do I need to arc it a little bit more with this aero package? I’ve not even been home to get a new set of clothes. “Road courses remain the most risky tracks in motorsports for good reason because of that, but we know that going in”. And so that’s what I’m seeing right now.

Earnhardt hasn’t competed since July 14, missing the last three NASCAR weekends. Alex Bowman substituted July 17 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Stewart went out in style at Indy, inviting Gordon to join him in a farewell lap following the race.

Yes and no. Gordon might not be looking for attention, but he’s still the driven competitor who won four Sprint Cup championships.

Gordon admitted that his return was one of the toughest things he’s ever done.

The Sprint Cup Series has an open week after Watkins Glen, which would give Earnhardt additional time to recover. “It wasn’t just being out of the vehicle”. In his podcast earlier this week, Earnhardt Jr. said that given his prior history, he’s being cautious.

Would Gordon be willing to continue as Earnhardt’s replacement beyond this weekend?

“You want him to have the comfort of knowing somewhere is there for him”, Gordon said.

“Just get well at the pace that is the right pace to do it”, Gordon said. He may be putting it on himself more than anybody else.

“Then there is the side of who is the best person to be in the vehicle to get the most points. So far from what Rick (Hendrick) is telling me, that seems to be me”.

Gordon would make his 800th start next week – if he races – at Watkins Glen. “Not speculating about anything at this time, but I wouldn’t be here in Pocono if I wasn’t committed to being there for Hendrick and this team in any way that they need me”. And with the team, I feel comfortable with all them.