When Hendrick Motorsports teased that an announcement for Wednesday was coming on Tuesday night, many connected [autotag]Dale Earnhardt Jr.[/autotag] to the team. Hendrick Motorsports posted a video of a driver in a fire suit with National Guard colors and the classic skeleton gloves that Earnhardt wears when he races. Some fans thought Earnhardt could return to the Cup Series at the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
However, it was announced that Elliott would run a throwback paint scheme from Earnhardt’s victory in the 2014 Daytona 500. Following the announcement, there was more disappointing news for those who want Earnhardt to return. According to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Earnhardt isn’t returning to run the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro.
This was a possible scenario since Kyle Larson will be dealing with Indianapolis 500 qualifying on the weekend of the All-Star Race. Larson is trying to accomplish “The Double” in May and could need a replacement if he doesn’t return in time. Either way, it won’t be Earnhardt, and it’s unclear if he will ever return to the Cup Series as a driver.
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