NASCAR: Gordon can't fill in for Earnhardt at MIS

Jeff Gordon will not drive the No. 88 Chevy for Dale Earnhardt Jr. next weekend at Michigan because of a prior commitment, NBC Sports reported Friday.

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Gordon said his unspecified prior scheduling conflict will only allow him to be at Michigan on race day. Alex Bowman, who drove for Earnhardt at New Hampshire, will likely get the nod, and Gordon shot down the idea that he could jump in the car.

"It doesn't make sense," Gordon said. "I've not driven that (reduced downforce) package. I think it's only fair, and I'm pretty sure that Alex Bowman would be in the car, it wouldn't be fair to him, it wouldn't be fair to this team. I'm not so sure I'm even the best choice for that package at that race anyway to get the most points for the car owner. That's my primary goal."

Gordon qualified 11th for Saturday night's Sprint Cup race at Bristol, his fourth as a replacement for Earnhardt.

Earnhardt will be missing his fifth race. He has been documenting his recovery process on social media – which includes eye tests, balance tests and even basketball – and there is still not a timetable for his return.