
via Getty
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – APRIL 07: Dale Earnhardt Jr, driver of the #88 Hellmann’s Fridge Hunters Chevrolet, prepares to practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Call 811 Before You Dig 250 powered by Call 811.com at Martinsville Speedway on April 07, 2022 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

via Getty
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – APRIL 07: Dale Earnhardt Jr, driver of the #88 Hellmann’s Fridge Hunters Chevrolet, prepares to practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Call 811 Before You Dig 250 powered by Call 811.com at Martinsville Speedway on April 07, 2022 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Earlier, disaster struck the NASCAR community as former Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Steve Letarte was hospitalized. As it turned out, he was forced to be admitted for an emergency appendectomy. Owing to that, he was admitted to St. Joseph’s hospital for surgery on his appendix.
The good news is that he seems to be recovering well from his surgery. Recently, he took to social media to confirm his status and he insisted that he will keep an eye on the Cup Series finale. After all, the entire season has boiled down to this one final showdown. Out of the four contenders, two of them are competing for a maiden title, while the others are seeking their second.
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Many in the NASCAR community prayed for his speedy recovery
Of course, in a difficult time like this, the NASCAR paddock banded together to wish Letarte a speedy recovery. He confessed that he was gutted to miss the season finale, especially since it promises to be an exciting one. However, the former Hendrick Motorsports crew chief was eager to see his ‘NBC Sports family’, including Dale Earnhardt Jr, cover the race.
While I hate I’m missing it I can’t wait to watch my @NBCSports family cover the finish to this amazing @NASCAR season.
— Steve Letarte (@SteveLetarte) November 6, 2022
Whoa! Glad you’re ok, my friend. Hope u have a speedy recovery & safe travels home.
— Danielle Trotta (@DanielleTrotta) November 6, 2022
You will be sorely missed today on the broadcast, but health comes first – glad you’re seemingly okay!
Thank you for a fantastic year of coverage as a partner and friend. 👊 🏁
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) November 6, 2022
Get well soon Steve!
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) November 6, 2022
Get well soon, Steve!
— Pocono Raceway (@PoconoRaceway) November 6, 2022
We miss you, man ! So glad you’re ok!
— Rutledge Wood (@RutledgeWood) November 6, 2022
Many insisted that Letarte will be missed in the NASCAR booth, but they are glad to see that he is recovering well. Even Dale Earnhardt Jr retweeted the news, and no doubt he will be sending his good wishes too. Now, all that the crew chief-turned-commentator can do is watch the nail-biting season finale from his hospital bed.

Get well soon!!
— Dover Motor Speedway (@MonsterMile) November 6, 2022
DANG, get well soon!
— nascarcasm (@nascarcasm) November 6, 2022
Oh no!! Feel better Steve
— Cassie (@CassieFambro) November 6, 2022
Get well soon Steve!
— Kris Wright (@KrisOnNASCAR) November 6, 2022
Get well soon Steve!
— Anthony Alfredo (@anthonyalfredo) November 6, 2022
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Will miss you on the broadcast Steve, but health comes first!
— Chaos Ball is Back! (@brandonsblog) November 6, 2022
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The next opportunity that he will get, back in the booth, will be next year when the new season kicks off. By then, we will all know who the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series champion will be and whether they will defend their title. Now the big question is, who do you think will win the 2022 Cup Series title’?
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