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Dale Earnhardt Not Yet Cleared to Race

2 September 1997

DAYTONA BEACH, FL -- Under a separate message we learned that Dale Earnhardt has been released from the hospital and is 'Ready To Race'. The question now becomes, 'is Dale Earnhardt cleared to race'. The answer to that question, in a word, is no - or at least not yet.

According to NASCAR, they will need a letter from a doctor stating that the seven time champ is ready to resume his duties behind the wheel of the #3 Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet.... something that they have not received yet.

"The press release that was circulated this afternoon, while very good news, does not constituent a letter from a medical doctor," said NASCAR Media Coordinator Kevin Triplett. "The good thing about this is the timing. It happened early in the week so they'll have time to get the necessary paper work together in time for Richmond."

We will continue to monitor the status of this paper work and let you know when Dale Earnhardt is cleared to pilot the RCR Winston Cup entry.

Mike Snow -- The Auto Channel