NASCAR expands concussion protocol

NASCAR has updated its concussion protocol to add a consistent screening tool for all venues and increase neurological support for race event weekends through a new partnership with American Medical Response.

"NASCAR has worked very closely with the industry to ensure our concussion protocol reflects emerging best practices in this rapidly developing area of sports medicine," said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. "We will continue to utilize relationships we've had for years with leaders in the neurological research field who helped to shape these updates."

NASCAR's protocol now includes:

• As part of the new rule regarding damaged vehicles, a driver whose car sustains damage from an accident or contact of any kind and goes behind the pit wall or to the garage is required to visit the infield care center to be evaluated.
• The medical portion of NASCAR's event standards now require that infield care center physicians incorporate the SCAT-3 diagnostic tool in screening for head injuries.
• AMR will provide on-site neurological consultative support at select NASCAR events during the 2017 season and will work directly with NASCAR in the continued development of concussion protocol.

The new protocol goes into effect immediately for all NASCAR national series. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr., who missed most of last season while he recovered from a concussion, voiced approval via social media.

Seven-time champion Richard Petty recently said on Fox Sports 1's "Race Hub" that he was "disappointed" to hear Earnhardt would be making a return to competition after another concussion, saying that since Earnhardt has had "some pretty big knocks in the head," he doesn't wasn't Earnhardt to get "messed up" for the next half of his life.

Earnhardt responded: "I'm not disappointed in his comment. I think that he's just looking out for me, which I appreciate."

During last month's shocking announcement that he was stepping away from full-time racing, Carl Edwards cited his health, saying while he had no current issue, citing the dangers the sport presents.

“I can stand here healthy, and that's a testament after all the racing I've done and all the stupid stuff I've done in a race car, that is a true testament to NASCAR, to the tracks, to the people who have built my race cars, to my competitors, and to the drivers who have come before me who haven't been so fortunate,” he said.

“Having said that, though, it's a risky sport. I'm aware of the risks. I don't like how it feels to take the hits that we take, and I'm a sharp guy, and I want to be a sharp guy in 30 years. So those risks are something that I want to minimize.”

Kelly Crandall contributed to this report.