Hendrick Motorsports general manager Doug Duchardt revealedthe 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." When asked about when they would make the call, Duchardt said, “I would say probably around Wednesday. For Greg and the team, certainly the way Jeff sits in the car and what we have to do to prepare the car for Jeff they have to get ready for that. But, I think I would be looking around Wednesday time frame.” 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.   More ...

At FenderSplendor® Paint Meters we are ‘pledged’ to keep you up to date on the most important news of the day.