Competitors surprised, but commend Dale Jr. for decision to sit out

Of course, everyone was familiar with Earnhardt’s issues in 2012, when he sat out two races in the championship Chase due to concussion symptoms.

But that was the last thing on Ryan Newman’s mind when he was exchanging texts with the driver earlier this week.

“I mean the news I think kind of came as a shock from my standpoint because it was after a weekend that he really only thought he had sinus troubles. In fact, I was actually texting him back about trying different kinds of honey because that is what my wife uses,” Newman said Friday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

“It’s kind of like, here I go talking to a guy about trying different honey and he is out of the race car the next week. I don’t have a lot of knowledge to elaborate on, but I think with his past he is the most experienced driver with respect to concussions and concussion symptoms and things like that. 

“I think he had to make a decision for himself and for his family that was probably the right decision. The race track will be here the next time.”

Kyle Busch no stranger to injury

Reigning Sprint Cup Series champion Kyle Busch commended Earnhardt for “taking action” in regards to his health.

“It’s a tough subject. It’s about how you’re feeling and you’re the only one that knows how you’re feeling. You can’t show these types of injuries as well as you can a broken bone or something to that respect,” Busch said.

“Obviously that is what’s best for him, is his health. It’s a tough situation to be in as a race car driver. I’ve never been in that situation where I have felt something within my head.”

Carl Edwards said he had a lot of respect for Earnhardt for making the decision to seek doctors’ opinions and step out of the car.

“For him to step out of the race car, it must be something serious. I hope he recovers quickly and second, I have a lot of respect for making the decision,” he said. “I can’t imagine how tough that decision would be.

“Right now with the (Chase) format, you do have the opportunity to take care of yourself, do what you think is right and still have a shot at the championship.”

The ever-present risk

Joey Logano said he spends more time thinking about safety and possible ramifications of racing injuries, but not when he is behind the wheel of the car.

“That is a huge distraction if you think about it in the race car and you will never win again. I think about when I am away and not in the race car, in the shop and talking about that stuff, it is something you should talk about,” Logano said.

“Your safety and your life is something you should put some thought into. As I get older I think about that stuff more often and don’t do as many crazy things away from the race track as I used to.

“I think you just become smarter. You just know you shouldn’t do things because you know what is on the line here at the track.”