A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Dale Earnhardt Jr., 14-time NASCAR Most Popular Driver, to retire at the conclusion of 2017 season


After 18 seasons and more than 600 races behind the wheel, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will bring his NASCAR Cup Series driving career to a close at the conclusion of 2017. Tuesday, he shared the news with members of his No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports team.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. shows of his 14th consecutive Most Popular Driver hardware at the NASCAR Awards in Las Vegas in December. At the time, Earnhardt Jr. said he was looking forward to getting back to racing after an injury-shortened 2016 campaign. After 18 seasons and more than 600 races, Earnhardt Jr. announced his retirement Tuesday (photo by Mark Hansel).

The fan favorite and two-time Daytona 500 champion officially announced his decision in a press conference Tuesday afternoon. He was joined by Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, for whom Earnhardt has driven since 2008. The two first met about the driver’s decision on March 29.

Brian France, NASCAR Chairman and CEO described Earnhardt Jr. as among the most recognizable athletes in the world, adding that he unequivocally served as the sport’s most popular driver for more than a decade.

“His passion for the sport will leave an impact on NASCAR that will be felt over its entire history,” France said. “Over his 20-plus year career, Dale has proven himself a leader with a deep commitment to so many areas of the sport – all the way to its roots.  We’re excited about the next chapter of his NASCAR career and wish him success for the remainder of 2017.”

Earnhardt, who will turn 43 in October, made his first career Cup Series start on May 30, 1999, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Since then, the Kannapolis, North Carolina, native has captured 26 points-paying Cup race wins and been voted by fans as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver a record 14 consecutive years. He has qualified for the NASCAR playoffs eight times.

Now in the midst of his 18th full-time season at the elite Cup level, Earnhardt made his 600th career series start on March 26 at Fontana, California. He will compete in his final NASCAR Cup Series race on Nov. 19 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Hendrick Motorsports will announce plans for its 2018 team alignment at a later date.

Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR Integrated Marketing

*Note: Cover photo courtesy of Hendrick Motorsports


Related Posts

Leave a Comment