NASCAR star Earnhardt cleared to race again after concussion
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this Feb. 20, 2016, file photo, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is shown in the garage before practice at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Dale Earnhardt Jr. should be medically cleared from his concussion in December and ready to race in the 2017 Daytona 500. Team owner Rick Hendrick said Earnhardt recently sent a text that said he was just waiting for Daytona. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) (AP)
NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr., who missed the final 18 races of last season because of a concussion, has been medically cleared to return next year.
Hendrick Motorsports announced Thursday that Earnhardt will take part in the season-opening Daytona 500.
The 42-year-old driver completed 185 laps Wednesday at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina. In addition to the on-track test, which was observed by NASCAR, the driver has logged more than 15 hours in a racing simulator during his recovery.