NASCAR Cup Series

XFINITY Series driver Jamie Dick diagnosed with diabetes, Earnhardt to fill in

Published Mar. 16, 2015 4:15 p.m. ET

foxsports

NASCAR XFINITY Series driver Jamie Dick was released from a Phoenix-area hospital Sunday evening and is back in the Charlotte area resting, according to a Viva Motorsports press release.

Dick was reporting diziness and fatigue after Saturday's XFINITY Series race at Phoenix International Raceway, and went to the infield care center for medical attention. Team spokesperson Kate Richer told FOXSports.com on Sunday she drove Dick to the hospital Saturday evening, where doctors held him overnight to run tests.

Physicians diagnosed Dick with new onset diabetes, and he was release Sunday afternoon. The 26-year-old driver will undergo further evaluation and treatment in the Charlotte area.

Jeffrey Earnhardt has been named the replacement driver in the No. 55 Viva Auto Group Chevrolet for Saturday's XFINITY Series race at Auto Club Speedway.

Dick admitted he was surprised about the diagnosis, but thanked all the medical personnel that helped him out.

"I would like to thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. It was quite a surprise to hear the diagnosis from the doctors, but the response from the NASCAR and PIR medical staffs was outstanding. The support from the racing community, my Viva Motorsports team, and the fans has been overwhelming," he said in a statement released by the team Monday afternoon. "Now I need to learn about this disease and do whatever it takes to get back behind the wheel as soon as possible."