Dale Earnhardt Jr. to miss remainder of NASCAR season with concussion.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. will miss the remainder of the NASCAR season — 18 races in all — as he continues to recover from a concussion.

NASCAR’s most popular driver first began experiencing concussionlike symptoms in late July. He has been undergoing treatment from Dr. Micky Collins at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Medicine Concussion Program. He’s also being treated by Charlotte neurosurgeon Dr. Jerry Petty.

“To say I’m disappointed doesn’t begin to describe how I feel, but I know this is the right thing for my long-term health and career,” Earnhardt said in a statement Friday. “I’m 100 percent focused on my recovery, and I will continue to follow everything the doctors tell me.”

Earnhardt said doctors have seen progress in his recovery, and he plans to be back in the car next February for the season-opening Daytona 500.

Elliott Sadler, who drives for Earnhardt’s Xfinity program, said he had mixed feelings about his friend’s absence. He knows how desperately Earnhardt wanted to return this season.

“The flip side is I’m happy and proud of him to take a step back and get everything in line from the medical side,” Sadler said.

Jeff Gordon and Alex Bowman will continue to share seat time in the No. 88 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. Gordon will drive four races, including Sunday at Darlington Raceway for the Southern 500, as well as Richmond, Dover and Martinsville. Bowman will finish the year with eight more starts.

“Jeff and Alex will give us a great opportunity over the rest of the season,” team owner Rick Hendrick said. “Jeff is one of the best of all time and knows our system. He brings things to the table that no one else can. Alex is a young driver with a lot of talent, and he will give us a fresh perspective. We know they’re not only capable of running up front and giving us a chance to win, but they’ll help us get better.”

Earnhardt Jr.