NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., who sustained a season-ending concussion in June, spent yesterday at Martinsville Speedway "doing sponsorship appearances" around the Sprint Cup Series Goody’s Fast Relief 500, according to David Scott of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. Earnhardt said, “I’m actively seeking out these opportunities to be visible and relevant. ... When I’m not in the car, it brings a sense of guilt for not doing my responsibilities.” Scott noted as Earnhardt continues to recover, he has “gradually become more active and returned to the public eye.” He is “making more appearances now, not only at race tracks but in and around" his Charlotte-area home. He said that he “expects to be recovered” by the ‘17 Daytona 500. He is “certain enough of that to feel comfortable dealing with sponsors who are already lined up” for next season. Earnhardt: “My intentions are to race, that’s the plan we have. We’re booking things (with sponsors) as normal, with the anticipation of focusing on the sponsors’ marketing with me as driver of the No. 88 car” (CHARLOTTEOBSERVER.com, 10/30). Meanwhile, USA TODAY’s Heather Tucker wrote under the header, “Dale Earnhardt Jr. Relaxed, Insightful From NBC Booth.” His 10 combined wins at Daytona and Talladega “helped him provide valuable insights to viewers last week” on restrictor-plate racing (USATODAY.com, 10/30).
