(Eds: APNewsNow. Will be updated. With AP Photos.)
By JENNA FRYER
Auto Racing Writer
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) – Dale Earnhardt Jr. grew up a town away from Charlotte Motor Speedway, running wild with his friends through the infield as his daddy thrilled the hometown crowd on race days.
He became NASCAR’s most popular driver, and is presently the only North Carolina native who drives full-time in the Sprint Cup Series.
But Earnhardt won’t be at the track on Saturday night. He’s out two races after a doctor benched him because of two concussions in six weeks.
It marks the first time an Earnhardt won’t race at Charlotte since 1978, and the first time an Earnhardt won’t run a Cup race since the 1979 Southern 500.
Add A Comment