DARLINGTON, S.C. — It will be 232 days since Dale Earnhardt Jr. was in a racecar when he wheels the No. 88 Chevrolet in the 2017 Daytona 500, but NASCAR's most popular driver also expects be fully recovered from concussion-like symptoms that sidelined him from the final 18 races of the 2016 season.
Earnhardt's lead physician, Dr. Micky Collins, announced Sunday before the Southern 500 that Earnhardt is still experiencing symptoms related to his balance and vision but is making improvements that will help him get back in Sprint Cup competition.
Earnhardt has had evaluations at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program under Collins with help from Charlotte, N.