That big wreck Sunday at Talladega not only crushed over 20 cars, it also crushed the hopes of Earnhardt Nation fans to see their beloved driver win the NASCAR title. 

The #88 was one of the cars involved in the last lap crash and on Wednesday, Earnhardt was diagnosed with a concussion. And now, according to Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt will sit out the races at Charlotte and Kansas. Regan Smith will drive the #88 in his place.

This, of course, ends Earnhardt's championship hopes, but that's not the real issue. The issue is that Earnhardt suffered a brain injury despite all the safety improvements now in place in NASCAR. 

All of this is too bad considering the great year Jr. was having. He is currently 11th in the standings, just 51 points behind the leader.