Dale Earnhardt Jr Urged to Use His “Considerable Influence & Platform” Amid the Current NASCAR Safety Crisis
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – JANUARY 12: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, speaks to the Media during the NASCAR Next Gen Test at Daytona International Speedway on January 12, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Following Alex Bowman reporting concussion-like symptoms similar to those of Kurt Busch from earlier this season, fans urged Dale Earnhardt Jr to speak about this by using his considerable influence in the sport.
Junior is no stranger to concussion-based brain injuries after hard wrecks. In fact, he was one of the first to openly speak about it when the same happened to him.
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Many people agree that junior has helped in removing the stigma surrounding injuries such as these. The former Cup Series driver and Hall of Famer soon took to Twitter to congratulate Bowman to take care of his health as a primary duty over anything else. He also mentioned that he was proud of Bowman.
In the Tweet, Junior mentioned, “Great decision to prioritize your health and your future. Stepping out at this moment in the season is extremely difficult but I’m proud of you Alex. You’ll get back to 100% soon enough.“
With the advent of the new generation of race cars, everyone would have hoped that safety would have improved considerably. But the harsh reality seems to be contradictory to the initial thought process.
NASCAR fans urge Dale Earnhardt Jr to speak up
Considering the wide support and influence Junior holds over the sport, fans asked him to voice his opinions through his public platforms so that the people responsible for drivers’ safety take notes and acknowledge that they’ll work towards it.
After Earnhardt posted a message via Twitter lauding Bowman to prioritize his health over anything else, fans thanked Junior and also asked him to use his platforms to get this fixed as soon as possible.
Thanks Dale
— Alex Bowman (@Alex_Bowman) September 29, 2022
You may need to talk with some folks with the Dolphins, it would appear.
— Erik Gibson 🥋 (@DrGib_Gibson) September 30, 2022
Dale I'd say you are a huge reason these guy are making these decisions bc of how you lead the way with these issues. Great example. And probably why nascar is making them take it so seriously. 👏
— Mike Green Jr (@Mike_Cyfair) September 29, 2022
Dale, this will be your biggest and best legacy in the sport. Making it "ok" for Drivers to protect themselves is all because of your courage and strength in addition to your position in the sport. Kurt, Alex and others do not happen without you.
— Keith Bananas (@KBana25) September 30, 2022
Dale, I hope you'll use your considerable influence & platform to hold Nascar accountable to failing to design a safe car. You more than anyone know the dangers of ignoring the signs of issues & it seems we're heading down a dark path this season with the impacts of this car
— Jamison 🐧 (@jtgensler) September 29, 2022
@DaleJr You need to use your platform to help get this fixed. Congrats to @Alex_Bowman publicly for his decision does the opposite. Call him. Text him. Help fix this before something terrible happens to these guys.
— CDUB (@DUBBALISCIOUS) September 29, 2022
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Speak out harshly on the danger of the car Junior, Nascar needs to hear your influential voice in order to finally do something.
— Royalty Kickz (@RoyaltyKickzRGV) September 30, 2022
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WATCH THIS STORY: Dale Earnhardt Jr bets on Kyle Larson fulfilling his non-NASCAR dream
Do you agree with what is being said? Do you believe that Junior should step up and use his influence to talk about these issues in order to get a faster fix? Let us know in the comments section.
Written by:
Edited by:
Ankit Sharma