Will Gordon run the Glen? "We'll cross that bridge when we get there"

A decision on whether Earnhardt will return to his No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet for next weekend’s race at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International is expected Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

“Well, we have to cross that bridge when we get there,” Gordon said when asked how long he was prepared to fill-in for Earnhardt. “We want to just keep going with how he is feeling. The doctors are evaluating. I’m not speculating anything at this time.

“I wouldn’t be here in Pocono if I wasn’t committed to be there for Hendrick Motorsports and this team in any way that they need me.”

Sunday’s Pennsylvania 400 at Pocono Raceway will be the third consecutive Sprint Cup Series race Earnhardt has missed with what have been described as concussion-like symptoms. Gordon finished 13th last week at Indianapolis in his first race substituting for Earnhardt.

The best man for the job

Gordon said nobody is putting pressure on Earnhardt or a timetable for his return but there are outside considerations when finding a replacement for someone of Earnhardt’s status in the sport.

“There is the side of who is the best person to be in the car to get the most points. And then there is the sponsorship side of it as well,” Gordon said. “So far, from what Rick is telling me that seems to be me. That is why I was at Indy and that is why I’m here.”

Even though Gordon, a four-time Cup series champion, is also one of NASCAR’s most successful stars, he said he was taken aback by the attention his return last week to replace Earnhardt garnered.

“I thought Alex Bowman did an excellent job at New Hampshire. I tell you after going through what I went through at Indy, I have a much greater appreciation for him because that was one of the toughest things I ever did,” he said.

“Not just getting in the race car after eight months, but trying to fill-in for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. knowing the kind of attention that it gets. My heart was beating out of my chest because of the pressure and the eyes that were on you as much as just not being in the car.

“I will be here as long as they need me. I say that very loosely.”