Charlotte "News" and Notes: Special Early Edition



A lot has happened in the past few hours, so lets see what changes you'll see on the track Saturday Night.

--Dale Earnhardt Jr. is sitting out the Charlotte and Kansas races while dealing with the after-effects of a concussion.  Dale Jr. thinks he suffered it after looking at the weird checkerboard pattern on his test-car at Kansas.
--Regan Smith will sub-in for Dale Jr. in the 88 car for the next two weeks.  Smith was originally going to be in the 51 Phoenix Racing car, having been released from the 78 Furniture Row Racing ride in favor of a driver with SEVERE brain damage.
--A.J. Allmendinger was tabbed to drive the 51 car this weekend at Charlotte, provided that he lays off the funny stuff, doesn't touch the wacky tabacky, and won't get hepped up on goof-balls.
--Kurt Busch, meanwhile, continues his quest for fun, stepping into the 78 car formerly driven by Regan Smith.  If you're keeping track at home, this is his fourth chance.