Earnhardt Jr.: 'I plan on driving' in Xfinity Series race at Darlington

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. tweeted Wednesday night that he still plans to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Darlington Raceway next week, as previously planned.

Earnhardt, his wife Amy and daughter Isla survived a frightening plane crash last week while traveling to Bristol Motor Speedway.

[ALSO READ: Earnhardt Jr. 'truly blessed' nobody was seriously hurt in crash]

Nobody was seriously hurt but Earnhardt skipped his broadcast duties as an analyst on NBC Sports to focus on recovering with his family at home in Mooresville.

On Wednesday, he tweeted that his lower back is bruised, but he’s been treating the area every day.

The 15-time Most Popular Driver retired from full-time NASCAR competition at the end of the 2017 season, and moved into the broadcast booth with NBC Sports. According to NASCAR.COM, he had two Xfinity Series races on the docket, though, for his own JR Motorsports team — last year at Richmond Raceway and this year at Darlington Raceway.

[VIDEO: Plane was on fire when Earnhardt Jr., family escaped crash]

[Plane that crashed with Earnhardt Jr., family on board brought to Georgia]

Earnhardt released a statement on Monday, and also topped a previously recorded episode of the “Dale Jr. Download” podcast with a heartfelt message to his fans, thanking them for their love and support, as well as privacy.

The Xfinity Series race at Darlington Raceway is scheduled for Aug. 31 at 4 p.m.

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