Should Dale Earnhardt Jr Take the Rest of 2012 Off?
After suffering a concussion at Talladega Dale Earnhardt Jr said he would miss the following two races at Charlotte and Kansas. That leaves just four more races in 2012; Martinsville, Texas, Phoenix and Homestead.
Yes, he is likely 12th in the Chase at the end of the season no matter what. And yes, his fans wanto to see him race as much as he wants to be on the track.
Taking time off now would give him a chance to make a complete recovery and begin fresh in 2013′s Daytona 500. But Daytona is four months away and that is a long time for a racer to be out of a race car. Racing tends to keep the edges sharp.
It is a tough decision either way. What should Dale Jr do?
Comments
85 Comments on Should Dale Earnhardt Jr Take the Rest of 2012 Off?
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Having suffered from a concussion once I am not going to tell him what to do. I never knew from one day to the next for several weeks how I was going to be feeling. He is a smart man and will follow his Doctors orders. He has already put his health before his job and for that I am a grateful fan! I enjoy watching him race and hope he has alot of years ahead of him.
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I love him no matter what and will support whatever decision he makes!!!
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I would hate for Jr to miss any more races, with that said if it means he can continue his racing career, then by all means take the rest of the season off. I simply cannot imagine NASCAR without him. BORING!
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Dee Reply:
October 16th, 2012 at 5:06 pm
I so admire Dale for going to the doctor he already knew how a concusson felt from having one before. People are making such a big deal out of this in my opinion he did the right thing not putting himself or anyone else in danger my stepping aside and not driving. I know this is hard for him but I command him for want he has done. He could have not said anything and went along and raced had a wreck hurt or even killed someone or himself. I support him more now than before as a race care driver this just shows me he is much smarter and wiser than I thought. Keep up the good work and good luck…………………..
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He should do what a trusted family physician tells him to do…hopefully one who is not connected to racing at all
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He needs to do whatever is best for him and whatever his doctor says. We want him healthy and will support him no mater what.
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Joyce Reply:
October 16th, 2012 at 7:01 pm
I think he should follow his doctor’s orders and hopefully not rush to get back in the car too soon. I really would love to see him race again before the end of the season but his safety and health are the most important decisions at this time. Miss you Jr. and am praying for a full recovery for you.
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That is for jr. to decide! let his own body tell him what is best for him! he will always be my #1 driver ! I think ,he was very brave , to step out of his car, and put his health ,first! his fans , will alwaysbe with him, in what ever he decides!
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Dale has nothing to lose at this point as he will come in 12th. The best thing for him to do is pack it in for 2012. He could use the rest of the time till Daytona to recover from the two concussions. He always does things for his fans but now it time for Dale to think about himself. His true fans will always support him!
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Dale Jr knows how he feels – if & when he thinks he is ready and the Doc’s all clear him and they feel he is ready, and he wants to climb in the 88 then he shud
do it – but not until then – wwe can not tell him what to do – I have been and always will be behind him no matter what he does..>
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Dale should get back in the 88 car when he is fully recovered from this injury.
Period.
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Susie Powell Reply:
October 17th, 2012 at 5:42 pm
Completely agree with Rob……..His health and safety is #1…….Period!!!!
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As a Dale Jr. fan household we feel Dale should and will do whatever is best for him and those around him. We will be Jr. fans no matter what he decides! Good luck and a speedy recovery!
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only Dale Jr,Dr Petty and maybe Rick Hendrick/Steve Letarte can answer that question as only they have full knowledge of the concussion situation, im sure the details that the media have is what they have decided to release,the only ones fully in the know are mentioned above
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I believe he will do what’s best, and listen to what his personal Dr. believes is best for Dale, not NASCAR! I MISS him already and have suspended my interest in NASCAR. I use to follow several drivers for 28 years, but I believe I’m done! I was always a Earnhardt fan. New carsevery other year, new rules and more money for everything. REALLY?
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Yes a good chance to recharge and start 2013 fresh i support whatever jr does
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I’ve always enjoyed watching the late Dale, Sr and now Dale Jr race on NASCAR tracks and even in Non-NASCAR Events on different tracks and driving different style race cars. Jr. Has had a great 2012 year in NASCAR. Jr. also has been in a few serious wrecks in all types of events he entered over the years. Have these caused harm to his head? Any sudden events with the body and head can cause injury including some which are unknown until years later.
I hope Dale Jr., his team, and the owner of his team and the sponsors of his team understand how serious his injury is and the time it takes for complete healing of the injury. Dale Jr. should indeed be grounded from any style racing for the rest of 2012. He certainly has nothing to gain racing to the end of the 2012 Season. I’m sure after a complete healing of his head condition, Dale Jr. will be an even greater Driver in 2013 with more Wins and be much better in the 2013 Chase. Jr. please rest your head so you can make a very strong Championship Run in 2013!!!
Make
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Without Junior in Nascar,that would end my interest to watch every week,his father was my reason before him,without a Earnhardt in the field will pretty much finish my interest,unless the young fellow Jeffery comes along…
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ann yancey Reply:
October 16th, 2012 at 11:24 am
I have always been Dale Jr, fan but i agree if not for him, i would lose interest in the sport.
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After suffering a really bad concussio myself due to a car accident, JR needs to do what is best for himself. He needs to listen to Dr. Petty. I want JR to race this season, but only because he is healthy.
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Having had three concussions in my life time, I have had some problems in my later years that doctors say are related. That is remembering things. Jr and his doctor will answer that question. We will always support him in what he does. Your health comes first over all. Get well soon Jr. were behind you.
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JR already has his own team with his sister….He should switch to playing owner and surrond his team with top drivers and drive once in a while like Stewert does…….He has plenty of $$$$ so this should not be a problem……….
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ann yancey Reply:
October 16th, 2012 at 11:22 am
Jr will not do that, and you must not be a real member of Jr. nation, he will drive for many years unless something happens too him and we want him back in the 88 in 13 and he will be there.
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It won’t be racing without dale jr. b ut he will be better if he took the rest of year off.Start new in 13.Dale take care your health is more important right now.A conussion is something that you can play around with.Take care and rest.
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Dale jr you know how you feel my baby, it took courage too stand up and say something was wrong, I know it was a hard decision, for you but I would rather you take the rest of the season off and please take care of yourself, next season you will be back strong and ready for a championship, I love you baby and all Jr nation wants is for you too get well and come back too us, after all You are the reason I love this sport so much, take care baby and i love you.
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Jr. knows what he wants to do, and what he can do. The only thing I would like is for him to make sure he is completely recovered and not get back on the race track like he did after the first concussion testing at Kansas. If he wants to retire and be only an owner, maybe drive once in awhile, then of course, racing would never be the same without him, as much as I love racing, I probably wouldn’t watch too much, but it’s what is best for him and his health. I had much rather he retire than to go out and do something that might injure him for life. Regardless of what you do Jr. we’ll always love ya!!!! FANS GO TO: “MOST POPULAR DRIVER.COM, VOTE EVERY DAY, we can give this to Jr.
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Dale Jr Should Do Whatever He Feels Is Right To Get Himself Back To 100%. If That Means Sitting Out The Rest Of The Season, So Be It. The Season Is Shot After A Great Run By Jr Prior To The Chase. He Probably Will Finish Way Out Of The Top 12 Anyway. Only Jr Knows How He Feels. Whatever He Decides, His Loyal Fans Will Stick With Him.
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I think it depends a lot on how he feels and what the doctor and the tests tell him. I would hate to see him go back and then have another accident.
I hope he doesn’t make the decision based on his fans. We all want him back but not if it’s going to harm is health.
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This is fore Dale Jr., I wish you could come and see for your self what a race care can do to a person. Sam still knows us, but he can’t stand on his 2 feet any more. Jr. it can hurt you in the long run and it can kill you too. I’m very sorry this has to happen to one of friends and I pray every race to keep all the drivers safe. I don’t watch all of the race, but I do watch the last 10 laps to see who will win a race. There is still a lot of hurt for me to see you boys race the way it was this pass Sunday. I know a lots of people go to a race just to see what will happen at the end of a race. No one likes to see any one get hurt and them again that is the reason they do go to a race. Jr. I would stop and look at the big picture before something could happen to myself. If you want to get back in that car or just sit back and fine something else to do with your life. Racing want be the same without you in the race. Your life means more than a race car. We love you and pull for you every race and I know God has a plan for you.
May God bless you and he will heal you from this.
Sam and Jo
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I Just Want Jr To Be back To 100%, I Am Not A Doctor So I Will Leave That Up To Him, But I Do Know If Jr Stays Out The Rest Of This Season I Will Not Watch The Races Until Next Year But I Will Be There Rooting Him On. Jr Is The Only Reason I Watch Nascar , I Want Him Back In the 88 Where He Belongs But Only If He Is 100% Well. Love Ya Jr #1 fan # 1 Always Your In My Prayers, Your One Special Guy.
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paul bishop Reply:
October 16th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
One of the only reasons I watch also Jr rocks
Was a sad day for the sport when Sr left Would hate too see same thing happen to jr
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ASK JEFF GORDON HE SEEMS TO KNOW ALL THE ANSWERS
RIGHT!
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I think Dale was smart it what he did. Because of what happen to his father, and you know that is on his mind let his Dr. say when he should drive. I would like see him to finish the season driving the 88.
Also I would like to see NASCAR set up some gidlines on this problem. You know how NASCAR works they correct the problem after somthing happens.
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I THINK JR SHOULD DO WHAT HE THINKS IS BEST, BUT I SURE WILL MISS HIM IF HE STAYS OUT FOR THE REST OF THE RACES. AND I WON’T BE WATCHING THEM THE REST OF THE SEASON.
I HAVE HEARD RUMORS (AND I AM SURE IT IS ONLY RUMORS) THAT JR WASN’T COMING BACK AT ALL, AND THAT HE WAS NOT GOING TO EVER RACE AGAIN. BUT I GUESS WE SHOULD ASK JEFF GORDON AGAIN, SINCE HE KNOWS IT ALL. JR IS THE ONLY REASON I WATCH THE SPRINT CUP RACES.LOVE YOU JR. GET WELL
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JR’S DOCTOR SAID THAT JR HAD TO GO 4 DAYS STRAIGHT WITHOUT ANY HEADACHES, SO WHO KNOWS WHEN THAT WILL BE. MAYBE, THE REST OF THE SEASON.
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WE LOST YOUR DAD…………….. WE DO NOT NEED TO NOT HAVE YOU YOUNG DALE
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It should be left up to a magnificent neurological dr. witha joint decision with Dale. His health is most important!!!! #88 always
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Well I beleave he is a smart Man. He should tell his doctor everything, Write his questions done, keep a daily log of what His body is doing no mater how small he thinks it is. Then take a guess if he will need more than usual time to talk to the Doc,and call the doc’s office and let them know he will need more time with the Doc. When he goes to the Doc’s office hand the Doctor the questions and his daily log, Have him/her read it all, then discuss it,. even a eye iratation, of hearing crickets all the time, or part of the time,. took 2 asprins today, any thing and everything. Then discuss it with the Doc atleast each week then make a sound disssion about racing. You do not just put an engine together then drive it. do at least more time checking your head and body more that you would a race car. Listen to you body, the Doc, and make a positive dissions. The heck to the record book, or what people think. With his following of fans He might save his or one of his fans some serious side effects
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Dales health comes 1st…I am behind him whatever he decides & I think he will follow whatever his Dr. tells him to do
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I HAVE BEEN A NASCAR FAN FOR A LONG TIME AND I HAVE HAD LOTS OF FAVORITE DRIVERS DALE EARNHARDT SR. WAS ONE OF MY FAVORITES AND I WAS WATCHING THE RACE WHEN HE LOST HIS LIFE. THIS WAS A TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT I WOULD HATE TO SEE THIS HAPPEN TO DALE JR. HE IS A VERY TALENTED DRIVER AND HE REALLY HANDLES HIMSELF WELL BUT HE CANNOT CONTROL HOW OTHER PEOPLE DRIVE. HE NEEDS TO BE SURE THAT HE IS COMPLETELY WELL BEFORE HE GETS BACK IN THAT CAR. DALE TAKE CARE OF YOUR SELF AND PLEASE DO AS YOUR DOCTER THINKS YOU SHOULD DO. GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS YOU.
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Yes with the 2012 season almost over, Dale Jr. should take the rest the chase off. Why should he keep putting his health in jepordy over some points. Besides he will have a better chance NEXT YEAR in 2013.
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Yep take the rest of season off Jr heal up come back stronger next season
There simulators too stay sharp .
Rock on 
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the races aren’t the same with out jr— won’t even watch the rest of the season–to boring– can;t wait for jr to get better nad back in the 88
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I do want junior to get better and to be the best driver, I do hope he comes back this year, if he’s not back I will not be watching NASCAR till next February. I will still however be voting for him every day as he still is the most popular driver.
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I respect whatever decision Jr. makes. Only he will know if he is able to race again this year. I hate to think I have to wait till next year to see him race again, but his health and safety come first. It must have been terribly hard for him to climb out of that car as he bleeds racing, all he has ever known and all he wants to do. I can’t imagine him not racing again. He will be back as soon as he can. I also respect him for taking the stand that he did not want to risk hurting another racer, that is Jr. thinking of others and his sport. I am sure there are a lot of drivers out there that have had concussions whether they knew it or not, too many bad crashes not to have affected them. Jeff Gordon has probably had a few with all the wrecks and terrible crashes into walls over the years, but his comment that he would have kept quiet shows that some think winning is the only thing, hurt or not. I hope he does not pay for that attitude someday. Jr. will never retire, he will always be in some type of racing and there is no way he would sit on the sidelines and be an owner. By the way, Tony races in every race, it is Waltrip that only drives occassionally. I did not watch all of the race Saturday nite because without Jr. there is no race. I did watch some of it to see who was leading and I was pulling for Regan & the 88 for Jr’s sake. If not him I hoped Kasey could win. He is much like Jr.. quiet and laid back. Was it just me or did there not be a mention of the small crowd or Tony? Nascar must have sent a memo…hmmmmm
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I agree with a lot of folks that say he should fallow his own doctors advice. I did miss seeing him this past weekend at charlotte and may not watch racing again until he returns if that isn’t until next year. I would hate to be so selfish to demand he return and then something happen to him. I heard what Crusty wallace said saturday night. Good for him……
I know it is hard for Jr to sit out but if it means he returns loaded for bear next year then so be it… GO JR!!!!! Get well soon…
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I will always suport Dale, but he needs to what is best for him to always be around.
Gitty up Jr.
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He needs to take it off Lets all pray he will do so, I don’t want tol loose him, like his Dad.God be with him.
Helen
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After suffering from a Concusion and not giving myself enough time to heal properly, I now don’t know how I am going to feel from one day to the next. I think Jr. should do what he feels is right for himself. The rest of the year would feel like an eternity for him if he does take the rest of the year off. I would say yes take the time off to heal but if he feels like he can’t go any longer without driving his race car, so be it, let the decison be his, he knows his body better than anyone. A Big Fan From Norfolk, Va.
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I think Dale Jr will do what he thinks is best for him.And he knows what he can do.His sister helps him.Love to watch him race not the same without him.
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dale jr still has too much life to live not to take a few month’s off. what he has learned will be just like riding a bike, he,ll be just like he did,nt take any time off atall.
dick johnson long time race person.
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I would see what the doctor will say before he get into a race car again. If it were me, I would sit out the rest of the season and just prepare for next year. If Jr. came back, he would have to climb up to the top and it would be hard to do that with only 4 races left if he came back after two races. So, it better to be safe than sorry !!!
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It might be time for Dale Jr. to ask the Lord what direction his life should be taking.
Maybe it’s time to settle down and have babies before he gets too old!
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Sammi Adkins Reply:
October 16th, 2012 at 5:51 pm
I agree with you! Dale has always said he wanted children and now might be the time for him to act on it. It is always a good idea to ask the Lord for guidance.
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I Think Dale Should Listen To His DR. And Return When He Feels Better We Will Support Him What Every Choice H e Make His Fans Will Support Him And Be There For Him . We Miss You Dale Can’t Wait Until You Are Back In Your Car.
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the MOST IMPORTANT THING is for junior to make a full recovery! staying out the rest of the season is the right thing to do and don’t all we fans want a full recovery?
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I think jr should do what he thinks is best whatever his choice i will be happy but in my view seeing him not race is boring and sad because you race to win and taking time off may be a benifit but in the long run the more you race the better you get so the decscion is jr’s. Im sure Big E would want jr to race after he recovers
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i think jr should do what is best for his health and i hope everyone stands by his decision and nascar needs to rethink a few things like blown tires and talladega and daytona ive been a fan of nascar since 1992 and to tell you the truth the racing has gotten boring in the last two years just go back to the way it was talladega and daytona are getting to dangerous and we are going to lose another driver
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I believe that he should take the time he needs to heal, and not worry about putting specific time frames on his health. I do think he needs to get back in the car as soon as able. If he does not drive he will loose some of that competative edge. His fan base will stick with him. It is hard for me to judge what he need to do, becauce I do not play roulet with a race car for a living, although I would like to try it. I think the decision is totaly up to him and there is more to life than racing or nascar.
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Hey, Jr love you and your dad.I got into this in 1990.I have so much stuff of you and your dad.Take time off.I am so much of a fan.You did a good job this year!!! Just talk to Doc..Please take care and you know your body.Take time off and you will win the CUP TITLE next year..
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my opion is dale is a smart man ,he will listen to his dr and how his body feels .racing is his life he will not take any chances with his life or some one elses . miss seeing you race dale your my favorit nascar driver will say a prayer for you good luck and god bless you
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I feel that Dale, Jr. is man enough to discuss this situation with his physician, Mr. Hendrick and Steve LeTarte. They should know what is best for Dale, Jr. and he should have the knowledge to decide what is best for him. I will stand behind him 100%. I wear a #88 necklace 24/7 to show my support for my driver.
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I think Jr and GOD has worked out a plan and I think it is for JR to sit out the rest of this season. I along with many thouslands of his ( JR ) fans agree with this. Jr’s life is more important than any championship. I think Mr Hendricks will agree with it also. Life is too short to go out there knowing that another wreck could take his life are mess him up in the years to come. I pray that he recovers from this issure and I sure will be in DEGA when he is ready to continue his racing and if this doesn’t happen. I will still support JUNIOR 100%.
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Folks get use to it Jr want be back….
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A concussion is nothing to fool around with. My granddaughter got a concussion from basketball in Dec. 2011. She is still going to therapy twice a week and has not been released to play sports. No sport is worth ruining your health even if it is your profession. Jr should sit out the rest of this season and then leave the decision up to his doctors. That is a hard thing for me to even say because he is the reason I watch NASCAR.
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I think he should chill and sit it out, its not worth getting worse.
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If the doctor gives the go ahead, then do it, but only if you yourself think you are ready, but it is a definite decision for Dale, Jr. by Dale, Jr. Wouldn’t be the same without you.
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I am very proud of Junior. He is not only an excellent driver, progressive representative of NASCAR , shrewd businessman, but innovative leader in Sprint Cup safety for drivers. It took a lot of courage to take his stand and advocate for driver safety. I am also proud of Rick Hendrick for standing by Junior. What is the Chase Standing in the relationship to “the most popular driver’s” future. He has a lot to live for in his future years. I’m with you Junior!
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Can’t keep a racer out of his car. If the doctors in Phliadelphia say he is ok then it is up to him. They are probably some of the best there is….Go – Jr.
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I know it’s a hard decision but we know Dale Jr knows how he feels. We just want what’s best for him. Jr fan 1000%. we miss him so much, but if it will make sure that he will be better and racing next year, then Yes. Jr Nation will go with what ever he desides to do.
WE LOVE YOU JR
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Jr. drive for your sponsors and your fans, not the 48 or HMS!!!!
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Tell me what you're thinking...
RacingWin Reply:
October 16th, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Hey Azomah, glad to hear all that from you, especially since Junior may miss a race at your home track. He needs to to what is best for Dale Jr, and not what is best, for NASCAR, ESPN and MRN.
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AZomah Reply:
October 16th, 2012 at 10:05 pm
I agree fully! Since my family has been in business here since 1912, I support alot of local businesses. I will go to PIR even if My Jr. isn’t here. I know that Jr. would not want his fans to punish tracks for something that really is not their fault or his! Injuries are apart of any sport! He has learned to live with injuries, the other drivers have also, so should the fans! The biggest problem I have with boycotting the races is the fact that sponsorships for the small teams will be even harder to get! If we don’t have them, where will the next generation of racers come from?
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