He later left Dale Earnhardt Inc., the company his father had founded, to race for Hendrick Motorsports, a controversial decision that eventually helped his career.
The second concussion came last season, and Earnhardt sat out the final 18 races.
Dale Jr., who will turn 43 in October, made his first career Cup Series start on May 30, 1999, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Team owner Rick Hendrick said Earnhardt has been more than a winning driver, he became like a son.
And even though it might have been easier to ease into retirement then instead of easing back into a race auto, Earnhardt wanted to come back, not so much because he wanted to win, but because it's so hard to let go of what matters most to him about racing - the relationship with his team. "His unique ability to balance superior driving skills with an easygoing spirit, while tirelessly supporting his countless fans and sponsors, is something that I have always admired about Dale".
The 42-year-old said on Tuesday that his abrupt retirement announcement comes from a desire to depart on his own terms, having suffered from a number of concussions during his career that forced him to miss half of last season.
The 14-time victor of NASCAR's most popular driver award will retire at the end of this season.
"I'm at peace with the decision".
"I'm excited about what I'm seeing out of NASCAR being more proactive to keep drivers safe and err on the side of safety", he said.
The announcement of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s retirement following the 2017 season sent shock waves through the NASCAR community.
Tony Stewart, who retired following the 2016 season, tweeted, "I'm proud of my great friend @DaleJr for everything he's done for this sport".
"I never would assume that he was proud of me when he was alive", Earnhardt said.
Inspired Alves leads Juventus into Champions League final
The German midfielder is likely to be straight back into the starting lineup, with Claudio Marchisio expected to make way for him. Juventus are heading for their sixth successive Serie A title and produced an utterly clinical display in the first leg.
"I'm a better driver and a better person from my time with you guys", he said.
Two early front-runners for the position could be William Byron and Alex Bowman.
"Earnhardt Jr. means a lot to this sport and to his fans". He had delayed contract talks on an extension to drive the No. 88 Chevrolet, and the two-time Daytona 500 victor will now call it quits when the season ends in November. After leading for 116 or 160 laps, Earnhardt Jr. won the race, later saying that his father "was with me tonight".
Earnhardt first endured a concussion in the Fontana race in April 2002 but did not disclose the injury until September while continuing to race. "I'm sure God has many other great plans for him us!"
"I had a lot to think about over the last several months", he added.
Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Earnhardt's sister and one of the owners of JR Motorsports, called Dale's retirement "very sad". Less than 24 hours later, Earnhardt Jr. decided on a time his career would end. "I've got a whole other life beyond driving, and I really believe that".
"It's a little bit softer than what we had a year ago, so it'll give the tires a little more grip and we'll be able to go a little faster with the current aero package that we have".
"He's got flair and is personable with fans".
"We got a lot of people to consider", Hendrick said.
"I wouldn't be a race driver if it weren't for him", Earnhardt Jr said of his father. He was a seven-time champion in the sport's highest level.
FILE - In this February 20, 2016, file photo, Dale Earnhardt Jr looks from the garage before practice at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla.
National monuments: Stand up for them
It directs the Department of Interior to examine all lands designated as national monuments since 1996. Bears Ears National Monument in Utah is also on the list.
Justice Dept. Won't Bring Charges in Alton Sterling Death Louisiana prosecutors have vowed to launch their own investigation to determine whether state charges are applicable. As Sterling lies fatally wounded, the other officer removes something from Sterling's right pocket.
Silva, De Bruyne orchestrate City's 5-0 win over Palace Speaking to DH in his home country , he said: "My year has been frustrating, but, at the same time, I've continued to progress and learn".
Hertz reports 1Q loss
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'American Idol' to make comeback on ABC TV in 2018 A return for " Idol " had been rumored for months, and Fremantle reportedly entertained offers from NBC and Fox. I had no idea that it was being talked about to come here until late last week. "I say "yes" and bow to you".
Arsene Wenger Cool On Potential Appointment Arsene Wenger claims he would "love" to keep Lucas Perez at Arsenal this summer - provided he is still in charge of the club. His team plays away at Southampton on Wednesday needing a win to stay in contention for a top-four finish.
Oil prices edge up in anticipation of extended crude output cut OPEC's efforts to tighten the market and prop up prices have been undermined by a relentless rise in US production, especially from shale oil drillers.
Latest rumors suggest September 2017 launch and design leak
The iPhone 8 will reportedly introduce a 5.8-in., edgeless OLED display with minimal bezels said to measure in at just 4mm. Although he believes that this delay won't undermine the actual demand as long as the iPhone 8 lives up to the hype.
Virgil van Dijk: Southampton directors 'want to keep' captain
The surgery is finished, he can work normally, he can start on the gym work for the re-education to come back ready for the next season with us".
Australian man sues American Airlines for $100000
All 310 seats on the 77-300ER plane were occupied by other passengers during the December 28 flight. Dao settled with United Airlines for an undisclosed amount on April 29.
Sinclair Broadcast Group acquires Tribune Media
Sinclair Broadcast Group announced Monday that it will acquire Tribune Media in a deal valued at $3.9 billion. Sinclair Broadcast Group , one of the nation's largest local TV station operators, wants to get even bigger.
About 200 Indonesian prisoners in mass jailbreak
There was a spate of breakouts in 2013, including one where about 150 prisoners - including terror convicts - escaped from a jail. The prisoners broke out after pulling down a gate near a mosque located inside the prison complex shortly after Friday prayers.
Jets cut injured S Marcus Gilchrist, re-sign LB Bruce Carter
He was part of a secondary overhaul that included the additions of cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie . Gilchrist suffered a season-ending torn patella tendon injury against the San Francisco 49ers last season.
Brendan Rodgers keeping Celtic's standards high says Patrick Roberts
I don't know what the reason should be, but it shouldn't be that Celtic go into the game with less tickets than Aberdeen . They were all delighted for me and they were a bit emotional when I was playing as well.
The International 2017 Battle Pass For 'Dota 2' Is Now Available
The missions are part of a campaign called Siltbreaker , which is broken into two acts and will be released separately this year. Each year around this time, Valve rolls out a new Battle Pass for the coming DotA2 International Tournament.