Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s plane crash isn't going to stop him from driving.
The 44-year-old still intends to race in the Xfinity Series on Aug. 31 at Darlington Raceway.
"I plan on driving still," Earnhardt told a fan on Twitter after he was asked if he would race as scheduled. "My lower back is bruised up real bad. Lots of swelling and I just need that to go down and the pain to chill out. (I've) been treating the area every day solely to get well to race. I have a plan B but hope not to use it."
Yes. I plan on driving still. My lower back is bruised up real bad. Lots of swelling and I just need that to go down and the pain to chill out. I been treating the area every day solely to get well to race. I have a plan B but hope not to use it. https://t.co/O1J7jZU4kR
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) August 22, 2019
Earnhardt and his wife and daughter were landing in Bristol last week when the family's plane reportedly bounced on the runway and crashed at the end of the strip.
The plane then caught fire but the family and pilots were able to get out safely.
"Amy and I want to thank everyone who has lifted us up with phone calls, messages and prayers since last Thursday," he wrote in a statement shared on social media. "We are truly blessed that all on board escaped with no serious injuries, including our daughter, our two pilots and our dog Gus. With respect to the investigation, we will not be speculating or discussing the cause of the accident.
"I am thankful for the quick response of my pilots, local law enforcement, emergency personnel and hospital staff. Lastly, Amy and I continue to be very appreciative of the privacy extended to us to process everything. It has been important to do that together and on our own time."
Earnhardt announced in February he would be driving in Darlington Raceway’s Xfinity Series Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200 race on August 31. This will be his first race since the Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway in 2018.
He finished second in that event.