Retired Jeff Gordon to Race at Indianapolis if Earnhardt Isn't Cleared

Hendrick Motorsports general manager Doug Duchardt revealed the news during a Friday morning press conference at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Jeff Gordon was officially named as the replacement driver in the No. 88 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway next week, should Dale Earnhardt Jr. not be cleared to race. He is sitting out due to "concussion-like symptoms."

The team has until Wednesday of next week to make the call and a timetable has not yet been set for Earnhardt's return.

Gordon, who will turn 44 next month, has a series-leading five victories in the Brickyard 400. The news that he would serve as the substitute came as a shock with the NASCAR legend retiring at the conclusion of the 2015 season and currently in France with family.

Terrible what has happened in — Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb)July 15, 2016

Alex Bowman has been selected to pilot the car at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

The team originally believed it would only need the 22-year-old as a back-up driver with Jr. starting the race, but that plan changed less than 24 hours ago.

Bowman is currently running a partial schedule for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

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