Jeff Gordon Happy In His Role As Substitute Driver

Jeff Gordon chats with Richard Petty in the Sprint Cup garage at Pocono Raceway

Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images

Since Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s immediate future is in the hands of doctors, it's appropriate that his substitute driver, Jeff Gordon, has also been brought in for a second opinion.

Not a medical opinion, mind you. But Gordon is invaluable in his role as a consultant for Hendrick Motorsports, and now that he's behind the wheel of Earnhardt's No. 88 Chevrolet, his opinions of the organization's performance are all the more informed.

"I think what this is like for the team is getting a second opinion," Gordon said on Friday at Pocono Raceway. "I think every driver out there sometimes would like to have a second opinion of their set-up or their car.

"To me, if I'm saying the same things that Dale is saying, if you are seeing the same results in qualifying, let's say, then there are obviously some things that need to be worked on besides the driver behind the wheel."

The four-time champion is filling in for Earnhardt for the second week in a row, having run 13th last week at Indianapolis. As Earnhardt recovers from concussion-like symptoms that have caused him to miss the last two races (with Alex Bowman subbing July 16 at New Hampshire), Gordon will compete in Sunday's Pennsylvania 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at the Tricky Triangle (on NBCSN at 1:30 p.m. ET).

Earnhardt, Jr. took to Twitter on Saturday to give an update on his condition, saying his symptoms have "plateaued" over the last week, and that balance and stabilization are the only issues.

"Docs preaching patience," wrote Earnhardt, Jr.

Gordon is formally committed only through that race but says he's prepared to do whatever is necessary for the Hendrick organization, which fielded cars for Gordon in 797 consecutive races before he exited the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series last year.

Earnhardt's status is uncertain, but the series' most popular driver won't get back in his car until he receives medical clearance to do so.

[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"] "We want to just keep going with how he is feeling," Gordon said. "The doctors are evaluating. I'm not speculating anything at this time. I wouldn't be here in Pocono if I wasn't committed to be there for Hendrick Motorsports and this team in any way that they need me. I think there is a balance between trying to make this transition.

"First of all you want Dale to have the comfort of knowing that somebody is there for him. He doesn't have to worry about that aspect of it through this process. Just get well at the pace that is the right pace to do it. So, nobody is putting any pressure or time frame on that. He may be putting that on himself more than anybody else."

There are other considerations, too, number one of which is the fact that six of Gordon's 93-career Sprint Cup victories have been at Pocono. The Cup tour will head next week to the road course at Watkins Glen, where Gordon has four victories to his credit.

"There is the side of who is the best person to be in the car to get the most points," Gordon said. "And then there is the sponsorship side of it as well. So far, from what (team owner) Rick (Hendrick) is telling me, that seems to be me. That is why I was at Indy and that is why I'm here."

Gordon finished 13th in his first race since November of 2015

Jeff Curry/NASCAR via Getty Images

Gordon finished a respectable 13^th last weekend at Indianapolis after struggling all day with a tight race car, but admitted it was a tough transistion after nine months away from the drivers seat.

"I do have confidence at this track. And I've gained confidence from running the race last week. And with the team, I feel comfortable with all them. But when you're not in the car week in and week out and going through that process on a regular basis, it's hard to get into a rhythm," said Gordon. "It's hard to be smooth and be consistent. And so that's what I'm seeing right now. I feel like I've got a pretty good feel for the grip level of the car, so then it comes down to getting the balance right."

Despite the long layoff, Gordon has been all smiles at the track and taking full advantage of the opportunity to get in the race car, and until Earnhardt, Jr. returns, he'll continue to try and get the best results he can.

"It hasn't hit me yet. It's a surreal experience. I don't know how to really describe it," said Gordon. "It's just something that you can't plan for or anticipate. It's even more odd that it went from one race to two races. And then will it be more? I don't know. I'm just thankful that the team believes in me and that gives me confidence in myself.

"So, this whole experience is something that is one that I want to enjoy and take a little bit more lightly, but I can't. It's just not in me. It's just not who I am. And so I wish Dale a speedy recovery. I'd like him to be back in the car. But at the same time if he's not, I feel like each time I'm in the car I'll be more confident and comfortable to get better results."

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