Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR’s 14-time most-popular driver, is retiring as a full-time driver at the end of the current 2017 Monster Energy Cup Series season, Hendrick Motorsports announced Tuesday morning.
According to reports, the 42-year-old Earnhardt will explain his reasoning for retiring in a Tuesday afternoon press conference that will include team owner Rick Hendrick. A Hendrick Motorsports statement says Earnhardt and Hendrick first met about Earnhardt’s decision on March 29. Hendrick Motorsports will announce Earnhardt’s replacement for the 2018 season at a later date.
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However, Earnhardt missed the entire second half of the 2016 season (18 races) with concussion-like symptoms stemming from a crash at Michigan International Speedway. Shortly after the June 12 race he began experiencing pressure buildup inside his head, a loss of balance, and nausea he thought was brought upon by either a sinus infection or allergies, but raced July 9 at Kentucky Speedway and then removed himself from the car.
Earnhardt underwent a strenuous rehabilitation program and was cleared to return to competition in early December. He has started all eight Cup races this season with a best finish of fifth at Texas Motor Speedway.
Source: SB NATION
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