CONCORD, N.C. — It’s been six months since fans of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. have seen him behind the wheel. But in just a couple of months, the NASCAR star will be back out on the tracks.
Earnhardt suffered a season-ending concussion after a crash in Michigan in June. But on Wednesday he was medically cleared to get back into racing, after a test session at Darlington Raceway.
Channel 9’s Blaine Tolison went to Hendrick Motorsports, and for the first time, Earnhardt opened up about his journey through recovery and his anticipated return to the track.
(WATCH: Blaine Tolison's full interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr.)
“I missed it and I was happy that my guys could go race, the team could continue to compete,” Earnhardt said.
During his time away from the track, Earnhardt kept to his treatment, which included walking backwards in the dark with disco lights, an exercise designed to improve vision and balance.
The issue of concussions and its dangers has come into the spotlight since Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and linebacker Luke Kuechly suffered concussions that forced them to sit out games. Even athletes as young as high schoolers are getting diagnosed with head injuries.
Earnhardt said all athletes need to be open about their symptoms if they suffer a head injury.
“Don’t lie to yourself, and getting back out there with issues is so dangerous,” Earnhardt said. “You need to be transparent about what you’re feeling, so people can help you properly diagnose what’s going on and get on the path to fixing those issues.”
Earnhardt said he feels his issues are behind him as he prepares to return to the Daytona 500 on Feb. 26.
“By the time the 500 rolls around, you’re ready for that race. You’re ready to go ahead and get it going,” Earnhardt said.
As for his future in racing, he said he’s not done yet.
“When I’ve tried to press myself to make a decision, it’s just so hard. I feel young. I feel, I don’t feel 42,” Earnhardt said.
He said his next test is in Phoenix at the end of January. He said that it will give him even more confidence before heading into Speedweeks in Florida.
(Watch Blaine Tolison and Phil Orban discuss Earnhardt's return)
Dale Earnhardt Junior will be back on the track at the Daytona 500 after being out 18 races with a concussion. I talked one on one with Junior about his return.
Posted by Blaine Tolison on Friday, December 9, 2016
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