Dale Earnhardt Jr. made right, but tough, call, rival Ryan Newman says

Ryan Newman said he was shocked to learn Dale Earnhardt Jr. would miss this weekend's Sprint Cup race at New Hampshire because of concussion-like symptoms. He also understands just how tough this call must have been for Earnhardt to make.

After all, when it comes to the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Earnhardt and Newman are in essentially the same position. Neither has a win. Newman is two points ahead of Earnhardt in the standings. Both were in position to get into the field on points, with or without a win.

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Since Thursday's announcement that Earnhardt would miss the race, competitors applauded him for putting his health first. Earnhardt initially thought he had allergies or a sinus issue, but then delved further into the issue. Alex Bowman is driving the No. 88 this weekend.

Newman said he had been texting with Earnhardt about different kinds of honey at that point because that is what his wife uses to treat sinus issues.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Ryan Newman: no New Hampshire reunion (Getty Images)

Earnhardt missed two races during the 2012 Chase with concussion-like symptoms. Now he's out for at least this weekend with eight races remaining before the championship-determining field is set.

So, would points standings figure in a driver's decision on whether to seek medical help? Newman pondered that question, posed in a Friday media session, and admitted it would be difficult.

Newman's conclusion?

"Just in knowing Dale Jr. and some of his past that he knew it was the right thing to do," he said. "I think he has been in that position before and wished that he hadn't done it. I think we all kind of know that. He has taken a good lick whether it was at California or Kansas test and things like that where he feels the effects. … He made the right decision."

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Earnhardt, Newman said, put himself in position to "make himself healthier."

Still, it wouldn't be an easy decision for a driver in position to make the Chase, he admitted.

"It's probably one of the toughest things to do to be in the position that both he and I are in," Newman said. "Coincidentally right there within a few points of each other. If I was in the position it would be very tough for me I would think, but I don't have the past that he has to know the right move."

Earnhardt isn't necessarily eliminated from the Chase, though, in missing races. If NASCAR issues him a waiver from the requirement to attempt every race, he could make the Chase if he wins a race and is in the top 30 in the standings. Tony Stewart earned an exception to the rule this season and won at Sonoma and enters Sunday's race 30th in the standings. Kyle Busch also had a waiver last season after missing the opening Cup races recovering from injuries in an Xfinity race crash at Daytona. Busch went on to win the 2015 Sprint Cup title.

Sunday's race, the New Hampshire 301, is scheduled to begin after 1:30 p.m. ET. Newman starts 25th.

Chase standings

Chase field is 16; field to be set after Sept. 10 race at Richmond. Chase begins Sept. 18 at Chicagoland.