FILE - In this Jan. 21. 2016, file photo, Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick , center, poses with his drivers from left to right, Jimmie Johnson, Chase Elliott, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kasey Kahne during the NASCAR Charlotte Motor Speedway Media Tour in Charlotte, N.C. Keeping a dynasty seems even more challenging than creating one. Just ask Hall of Fame car owner Rick Hendrick. The NASCAR titan has fielded 11 Sprint Cup champions over the past 21 years, won 242 Sprint Cup races and just two seasons ago had all four of his star drivers_ Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kasey Kahne _ in the 16-team championship chase. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
The Associated Press
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) - Dale Earnhardt Jr. has not been cleared by doctors to return to racing and will miss at least two more races - at Michigan and Darlington - as he recovers from a concussion.
Hendrick Motorsports announced Earnhardt's status Wednesday. Earnhardt was evaluated by doctors at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program.
Owner Rick Hendrick said Earnhardt is working hard to get back and will follow doctors' recommendations for his recovery. Hendrick said the program is fully behind Earnhardt.
Alex Bowman, who drove for Earnhardt at New Hampshire, will return to drive the No. 88 Chevrolet at Michigan this weekend. Jeff Gordon will fill in at Darlington, where he has won seven races.
Gordon has driven the past four races for Earnhardt.
Jeff Gordon, driving for injured Dale Earnhardt Jr., makes his way around Bristol Motor Speedway during practice for a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race, Friday, Aug. 19, 2016 in Bristol, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
The Associated Press