Viva Motorsports owner and driver Jamie Dick told CATCHFENCE.com Friday at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway that he is hopeful to make his NASCAR XFINITY Series return at Iowa Speedway in two weeks.
The Albuquerque, New Mexico driver has been sidelined since his second race of the season at Phoenix (Ariz.) International Raceway. Dick fell ill during the middle stages of the Axalta Faster. Tougher. Brighter. 200 and was taken to the infield care center post race.
Dick was later released, but drove to a local hospital for additional tests, which determined that Dick was suffering from new onset diabetes. Since then, Dick has undergone treatment, which has included exercise and an adjustment in his diet. Dick said he feels “good” and is anxious to get back in the race car.
The 26-year old driver had hoped for a return to competition at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway last month, but wasn’t granted approval. Jeffrey Earnhardt who has driven a number of races in the No. 55 Chevrolet Camaro substituted in the race and finished a season-best 15th.
Earnhardt carrying sponsorship from FW1 this weekend at Talladega says his only other planned race this season for Viva Motorsports is at Michigan International Speedway next month, but remains hopeful that will change soon.
Earnhardt was 18th in the lone XFINITY Series practice session Friday at the 2.66-mile superspeedway.
The team would not elaborate if Dick or another driver would be in their entry at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway on May 23.
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