Dale Earnhardt, Jr., is out for the next two races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, watching along with fans as Jeff Gordon drives his No. 88 Axalta Chevrolet. However, a recent update the 41-year-old indicates that he may be starting to see signs of recovery.
Earnhardt tweeted a brief update on his status on Friday morning, shortly before a press conference involving Gordon and Rick Hendrick.
Today is the 1st day in many that I sensed improvement. Seen small gains during my physical therapy as well. Light at the end of the tunnel.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) July 22, 2016
The tweet reads: “Today is the 1st day in many that I sensed improvement. Seen small gains during my physical therapy as well. Light at the end of the tunnel.”
Asked about Earnhardt’s condition during the press conference, Hendrick noted the driver’s improvement.
“Wednesday he came by the shop, and we got to visit. He looks good; he is encouraged,” Hendrick said. “He is following the Dr.’s orders. We’re really excited. He is in great spirits. He wants to get back in the car. He wants to race, but he also knows that the regime they have him on will get him right for a long time. He’s following Dr.’s orders, but I can tell he is getting antsy. But, he is going to do what they say. He is doing well.”
With no timetable for Earnhardt’s return, there’s potential that a substitute could be required beyond Pocono. However, Gordon didn’t indicate any desire to extend his brief return from retirement.
“Let’s not speculate. Right now it’s through Pocono,” Gordon said. “We were very encouraged by Dale, Jr’s tweet today and comments and the way he is feeling and hope that continues to progress and that he is back as soon as possible. The one thing I was encouraged by when I saw him on Wednesday is his passion for racing, how much he loves being in the car and how much, like Rick said, you know he is getting antsy he wants to get back in there. We just want him to be there when he is ready and when the doctors say he is ready.
“I will do whatever I need to do, but I’m also thinking what is going to get the team the most points and give them the best opportunity to advance into the Chase. You’ve got the two sides. The owner and the driver side of that.”
Aaron Bearden is a Frontstretch alumnus who’s come back home as the site’s Short Track Editor. When he isn’t working with our grassroots writers, he can be found talking about racing on his Morning Warmup newsletter, pestering his wife/dog or convincing himself the Indiana Pacers can win an NBA title.