Dale Earnhardt Jr. makes right call, sets example for next generation

Let’s say someone is about to punch you in the stomach. You know it’s coming, so you brace for it, clench your abdominal muscles and -- oof. It still hurts.

That’s how Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans are feeling after the news Friday their beloved driver will miss the rest of the NASCAR season.

If fans were honest with themselves in recent weeks, they could have picked up on some of the hints Earnhardt was leaving in the frequent updates about his condition. His vision problems from a June concussion still were lingering as of last week, when he posted a series of Instagram videos about his rehabilitation process.

With the Chase for the Sprint Cup fast approaching, it became obvious Earnhardt would not be able to return to the car in time to attempt a last-chance victory and win his way into the playoff. And if he wasn’t going to do that, what’s the point of rushing his return to the car?

Earnhardt’s latest concussion is one he shouldn’t have gotten under normal circumstances. The crash wasn’t unusually severe by NASCAR standards; his history of concussions almost certainly contributed to this one.

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The good news is doctors at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program have told the driver they can make his brain stronger and that the frequent exercises – mental and physical – could help keep that from happening again.

But that takes time. And it certainly would not be good for Earnhardt to jump back in the car with little at stake, go race at Talladega Superspeedway, get caught in the Big One and possibly get injured again.

If Earnhardt eventually feels better and is back at 100% by the final few weeks of the season, that’s fantastic. He still won’t race this year, though, and that’s absolutely the correct call. Focus on healing and strengthening, then deal with 2017 when it comes.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. to miss remainder of NASCAR season

For now, his vision issues don’t leave him much of a choice anyway. But the fact he’s the one who called attention to the symptoms and didn’t try to hide them – and has been honest about their ongoing presence – is a great example to the next generation of drivers.

Granted, he has more job security than most. No team is going to tell the 13-time most popular driver his seat is no longer available. And Earnhardt acknowledged if he was younger, the initial decision to speak up might be much scarier.

Earnhardt is 41. Even without the concussion, he might have been out of the car by 45. There's no point in jeopardizing his long-term future (marriage, kids and retirement) to risk a return too soon.

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Of course, that raises the question: Should he come back at all? Ultimately, that’s his call. If he has been symptom-free for long enough and his specialists – some of the best in the country – assure him it’s OK to resume racing, then shouldn’t that be enough if he has the desire to drive?

Earnhardt certainly couldn’t have predicted this when he sat out after his last race this year at Kentucky Speedway. But no matter what happens, none of it takes away from the fact he’s doing the right thing now.

That decision should be as much a part of his legacy as his 26 victories and his massive popularity.

Follow Gluck on Twitter @jeff_gluck