Dale Earnhardt Jr., a legendary figure in the world of NASCAR, announced his retirement from full-time racing in 2017 after an illustrious career spanning 17 years and 631 races as a NASCAR Cup Series driver. While he may now spend more time podcasting and commentating, his passion for racing still burns strong. This weekend, Earnhardt Jr. will be making a return to the track for what could potentially be his final NASCAR race, competing in the Xfinity Series event at Bristol, Tennessee.
A Storied Career:
Throughout his nearly two-decade tenure in the Cup series, Earnhardt Jr. has made sporadic appearances in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, often choosing races at his favorite tracks to indulge in some fun behind the wheel. The No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, which he co-owns, has been his vehicle of choice for these outings at iconic venues like Darlington, Richmond, Homestead, Martinsville, and Bristol. Despite his impressive performances, including leading laps and contending for victories, Earnhardt Jr. has yet to secure a win in recent years. His last Cup victory dates back to 2015, and his most recent triumph in an Xfinity car was in the following year.
The Almost Victory at Bristol:
One of the most memorable moments from Earnhardt Jr.’s recent Xfinity Series starts was at Bristol last year, where he nearly clinched a victory. Despite starting 15th on the grid, Earnhardt Jr. showcased his skill by swiftly moving through the pack and eventually taking the lead by Lap 174 of the 300-lap race. However, his hopes of triumph were dashed when he was forced to retire from the race just 30 laps short of the finish due to an unexpected incident. Smoke filled the cockpit of his car, signaling that his pants were on fire, prompting him to pull off track and end his race prematurely.
The Last Hurrah?
As Earnhardt Jr. gears up for this weekend’s Xfinity Series race at Bristol, speculation looms over whether this could potentially be his final appearance in the series. Turning 50 in October, Earnhardt Jr. has hinted that this race may mark the end of his Xfinity Series endeavors, although he plans to continue competing in his late model. While he expressed uncertainty about definitively labeling it as his last race, fans are eager to witness the racing icon put on a show at Bristol, a track where he has tasted success in both the Cup and Xfinity Series in the past.
The Road Ahead:
With Friday’s race at Bristol marking his 147th Xfinity Series start, Earnhardt Jr. has the opportunity to secure his 25th career win in NASCAR’s middle series, adding to his impressive tally of 26 Cup wins and two driver titles in the Xfinity Series. While his accomplishments speak volumes about his prowess on the track, the inevitable question of how long he will continue racing remains unanswered. Earnhardt Jr.’s passion for competition and love for the sport are evident, but as he approaches a milestone age, the future of his racing career hangs in the balance.
Looking Ahead:
As qualifying kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on Friday and the green flag drops just after 7:30 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on Earnhardt Jr. as he takes to the track for what could potentially be a historic race. Whether it ends up being his final Xfinity Series start or not, one thing is certain – Earnhardt Jr. will leave it all on the track and put on a show for his fans. Tune in to The CW for full coverage of the event and witness the racing legend in action as he navigates the twists and turns of Bristol Speedway.