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KANSAS CITY, KS – SEPTEMBER 30: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, looks on in the garag, during practice for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Banquet 400 on September 30 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
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KANSAS CITY, KS – SEPTEMBER 30: Jeff Gordon, driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, looks on in the garag, during practice for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Banquet 400 on September 30 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Being a NASCAR driver is no easy task, and it’s a job that involves a lot of risks. Naturally, Dale Earnhardt Jr. experienced it too, with his fair share of concussions and head injuries. But, the worst was in 2016, when he had to miss races before his final year in 2017. Fortunately, the four-time Cup Series Champion Jeff Gordon came to the rescue!
However, he didn’t want to race.
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CONCORD, NC – OCTOBER 11: Wife Ingrid Vandebosch (L) and Jeff Gordon (R), driver of the #24 DuPont Chevrolet, wait by his car before the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on October 11, 2008 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Jeff Gordon talks about the call he got from Rick Hendrick back in 2016 when he was on vacation in France!
Gordon said, “We were at this restaurant, having a great time, drinking some Rosé, having lunch with some friends from America that know a little bit about racing but not a lot. So, they’re saying ‘how is it, man? You’re not in a car anymore'”
Ironically, his friends asked the all-important question before the big call, “What if one of the drivers had an issues? Would you step back in a car?”
To which Jeff replied, “Well, I really don’t want to. I’m good for a while, I don’t have the itch to drive now. I’m enjoying life.”
But as soon as he got to his hotel, he got a call from Rick Hendrick, who asked him to drive the #88 since Dale Je. wouldn’t be able to because of a concussion.
Mr. H said, “No I’m serious, we really would like you to drive the car”
To which Gordon replied, “I didn’t even hesitate after that. it’s Brickyard, its rick, it’s you [Dale Jr.], and yeah, I’m there.”
What Happened To Dale Earnhardt Jr? That Caused Jeff Gordon To Fill In For Him
2016 was not the best year for one of NASCAR’s most popular men, as he had to miss over half the season.
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DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – JANUARY 12: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, looks on in the garage during the NASCAR Next Gen Test at Daytona International Speedway on January 12, 2022 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Unfortunately, in July 2016, Dale Jr. got diagnosed with concussion-like symptoms, forcing him to opt out of racing for over half the season, only to return in 2017.
However, the driver announced his departure from racing full-time in 2017, right after his crash at the Daytona 500.
WATCH THIS STORY: Dale Earnhardt Jr Bets on Kyle Larson Fulfilling His Non-NASCAR Dream
Finally, maybe it’s good that Dale Jr. quit, even though it’s very unfortunate what led to his departure.
Written by
Edited by
Ranvijay Singh