Pirate Galaxy » the confidence this is going in the right direction, he s

DARLINGTON, S.C. -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. returned to Sprint Cup success after a concussion in 2012. Hes betting hell do it once more in 2017 and beyond.Earnhardt spoke Sunday at Darlington Raceway, two days after he and Hendrick Motorsports announced the sports most popular driver would end his season as he continues recovery from concussion-like symptoms after a crash at Michigan in June.Earnhardt, wholl turn 42 next month, has heard people say he should walk away as his recovery continued.I have the passion and desire to drive, Earnhardt said. My heart is there to continue and if my doctor says I can continue, thats an easier decision for me to make.Dr. Micky Collins, medical director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sports Concussion Program, also treated Earnhardt four years ago.Seeing his response to treatments has been very positive. So I am positive that we are going to get Dale back to being a race car driver, Collins said. Im very excited about that prospect.So are many in the Sprint Cup garage and the stands.Earnhardt stopped by to see his team preparing the No. 88 Chevrolet as fans in the pit area snapped pictures and wished him well. For Earnhardt, such interactions fuel his recovery -- one he expects to be complete in time for next Februarys Daytona 500.I havent put a lot of thought into the future until I get well, Earnhardt said. My heart wants me to continue and be working with the guys I got.Im only 41, Earnhardt continued. Ive got some good years left. I think Im as good as Ive been inside the car. I feel like Im still an asset to the team and to the company.Earnhardt has not raced since Kentucky, missing the past five races. Jeff Gordon will drive for Earnhardt at the Southern 500 later Sunday.Earnhardt acknowledged the difficulty seeing others in his seat or going to debriefing meetings at the race shop. I feel like a distraction, he said.His balance, vision and anxiety and mood have all improved since the diagnosis earlier this summer, both Earnhardt and Dr. Collins said.Earnhardt has attended sponsor functions and performed routine activities of daily life without too many bobbles, although he did say that he feels best when seated on the couch and can see a dropoff when he leaves to drive to the store or walk around a race track.It gives me the confidence this is going in the right direction, he said.Earnhardts confidence also comes from the treatment after a crash at a test session in Kansas four years ago left him concussed. He missed two races, but won later that season in Michigan. Since his previous concussion, Earnhardt has won eight of his 28 career Sprint Cup races in seasons hes called some of the very best of my career.Earnhardt reached NASCARs championship Chase all four seasons and Dr. Collins has told him similar success is possible going forward. I believe it, Earnhardt said.Car owner Rick Hendrick said the sponsors have unanimously backed Earnhardts cautious, get entirely well approach without squawking. Were excited about the progress. Were excited about him getting back in the car, Hendrick said. I can see how taking the pressure off the team, the pressure off him, the pressure off the sponsors and lets just have a plan.Earnhardt said part of the plan is once hes cleared to drive race cars, hell get to a race track and test his skills. Hes spoken with NASCAR, who gave their backing to an individual test to reacquaint himself with racing.Earnhardt remains confident that hes got great years ahead.Rick likes to say weve got unfinished business and I certainly feel the same way, Earnhardt said. Weve got races to win.Cheap Air Max From China . Galatasaray said in a statement on its website Monday that Mancini signed a three-year contract and will be paid 3.5 million euros for the upcoming season, with his salary upped to 4. Nike Shoes Outlet . Three came down to the fourth quarter while quarterbacks continued to shine in all four games; so important to the overall quality of the game. http://www.cheapshoesnikechina.com/ .J. -- Josh Cribbs was in the Pro Bowl in February and out of a job six months later. Cheap Nike Basketball Shoes From China . But the quarterback hopes to stay involved in football after officially calling it quits Tuesday. "Id love to look at those opportunities as they arise," Pierce said in an interview from his Winnipeg eatery. Discount Nike Shoes China . The Barrie Colts defenceman, who impressed many with his play for Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship, is the top-ranked skater in the February rankings. He has 19 goals and 24 assists for 43 points in 45 games with the Colts this season.Oceanographer confirmed his place in Tuesdays Emirates Melbourne Cup after claiming a last-gasp victory in the Lexus Stakes at Flemington on Saturday.Charlie Applebys British challenger finished with a rattle when third behind front-running stable companion Qewy in the Geelong Cup less than a fortnight ago and was a hot favourite to get back on the winning trail under Kerrin McEvoy.It did not look good for Oceanographers supporters rounding the home turn, with the market leader still last and the pacesetting Tom Melbourne looked set to score after going clear. However, once straightened up, Oceanographer engaged overdrive and got up to land the extended mile-and-a-half prize by half a length.Appleby said: The team down here have done a great job freshening the horse up since Geelong. I saw him on the track this morning jumping and kicking, so we knew he was in good form.Kerrin gave him a great ride. There was always a pace angle in the race and we were going to ride him how we have been doing of late - by dropping him in.ddddddddddddThe track suited him as the straight is longer at Flemington than Geelong and were delighted.The winner of the Lexus Stakes is given automatic entry into the Melbourne Cup and Oceanographer is set to be part of a five-strong Godolphin team.Appleby will also saddle Qewy, Saeed bin Suroor is set to run Beautiful Romance and Secret Number and John OShea has ante-post favourite Hartnell.Its great for our team to have the two runners and fantastic for His Highness (Sheikh Mohammed) to have the five, the trainer added.Hartnell is favourite, I think Oceanographer is second favourite with some bookmakers here now and Qewy is in good form as well.Saeed has his two runners, so its really exciting for all of us.Also See:Live results serviceFull racecardsGet Sky Sports ￡10 completely free bet! ' ' '