There's no doubt that fans are ready to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. back on track. Drivers are no different.
For months as he recovers from a head injury, Earnhardt received an outpouring of support from both competitors and fans. With the NASCAR Sprint Cup season winding down, thoughts are turning to his expected return for the 2017 season-opening races at Daytona.
Jeff Gordon has a better feel for that than most. He shared driving duties in relief for Earnhardt in recent months and returns to driving the No. 88 Hendrick entry this weekend at Martinsville.