FILE - In this July 1, 2016, file photo, Dale Earnhardt Jr. prepares before the start of practice at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Earnhardt, who missed the final 18 races of last season because of a concussion, has been medically cleared to return next year. Hendrick Motorsports announced Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, that Earnhardt will take part in the season-opening Daytona 500. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
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