Earnhardt makes NASCAR return in Daytona 500 practice (The Associated Press)

NASCAR's most popular driver made his official return to racing Saturday by taking part in the first Daytona 500 practice of Speedweeks.Earnhardt turned nine laps at Daytona International Speedway during a four-hour session and ranked 11th on the speed chart.''Just trying to put as many laps as I can behind me and get further and further into this deal to where the events from last year become more of a distant memory and don't define me as who I am so much anymore,'' Earnhardt said.