Dale Earnhardt Jr. situation raises more questions

— -- LOUDON, N.H. -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. made the decision to see a doctor, which he knew could affect whether he races again this year -- or ever.

Earnhardt has suffered concussions in the past. He even missed two races in 2012 following two concussions in a six-race stretch, so the 41-year-old could be a little more aware of the dangers and symptoms of this type of injury.

But even Earnhardt said as late as Tuesday that he thought the headaches and pressure he was experiencing were more likely caused by allergies or a sinus infection than a concussion. And so far, the official diagnosis is he's suffering from concussion-like symptoms, not a concussion. And he has admitted to having raced with concussion-like symptoms in the past.

"Because of my symptoms and my history with concussions, and after my recent wrecks at Michigan [on June 12] and Daytona [on July 2], I reached out and met with a neurological specialist," Earnhardt said Thursday. "After further evaluation, they felt it was best for me to sit out."