NASCAR: Earnhardt Jr. out for Michigan, Darlington

Hendrick Motorsports announced Wednesday afternoon that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has not been cleared by physicians to compete in at least the next two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events as he continues to recover from concussion-like symptoms.

As previously announced, Alex Bowman – who drove the No. 88 Chevrolet in Earnhardt's absence July 17 at New Hampshire – will race again for the team this weekend at Michigan, as Jeff Gordon has a clashing previous commitment. However, Gordon, who has substituted for Earnhardt in the 88 in the past four Sprint Cup events, will return to the cockpit the following week at Darlington.

Earnhardt underwent further evaluation today at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program.

"We know how hard Dale is working to get back," said team owner Rick Hendrick. "He's following what the doctors are saying, to the letter, and doing exactly what he needs to do. Everyone wants to see him in a race car, but his health is first and foremost. We're behind him."