Jeff Gluck

USA TODAY Sports

Eight months after an emotional farewell to the sport he helped bring into the mainstream, Jeff Gordon is back.

Gordon will come out of retirement to replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. for at least the next two weeks after Earnhardt’s concussion-like symptoms have persisted, Hendrick Motorsports announced Wednesday.

Earnhardt already missed last week’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and will now miss events Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Pocono Raceway. Gordon, who drove the No. 24 in 797 races over 23 seasons, will race the No. 88 in those events.

“Our focus is giving Dale all the time he needs to recover,” team owner Rick Hendrick said. “There’s nothing we want more than to see him back in the race car, but we’ll continue to listen to the doctors and follow their lead. What’s best for Dale is what’s best for Hendrick Motorsports and everyone involved with the team. We’re all proud of him and looking forward to having him racing soon.”

It’s not clear when Earnhardt first got his injury, though he crashed during races in June (Michigan International Speedway) and earlier this month (Daytona International Speedway). The driver, 41, missed two races after sustaining a pair of concussions in 2012.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. describes concussion symptoms, prognosis

He told his Dirty Mo Radio podcast network this week his symptoms include struggling with balance and nausea. On Tuesday, Earnhardt returned to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Sports Medicine Concussion Program – where he had previously consulted with doctors – and a decision was made to hold him out of the car.

That left Hendrick turning to Gordon after 23-year-old Alex Bowman raced the No. 88 at New Hampshire. Gordon was vacationing in France last week when he received a call from Hendrick asking whether he’d be available to fill in.

The winner of four Cup championships, the 44-year-old Gordon is the all-time leader in wins at both Indianapolis (five) and Pocono (six). Now a Fox Sports analyst, Gordon will give his fans a reunion tour in the wake of his retirement tour last year.

“Jeff’s a team player,” Hendrick said. “I know he’ll be ready, and I know Dale has incredible trust in him. It’s going to be an emotional weekend with Dale not being there and seeing Jeff back behind the wheel.”

If Earnhardt is able to return this season, he will likely receive a medical waiver for the Chase for the Sprint Cup playoff but will be out of contention to race his way in on points. That would mean he would have to win a race in order to make the playoff.

PHOTOS: THE CAREER OF JEFF GORDON