Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s decision to step away from the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series came down to one simple statement.
Earnhardt did go on to say that he would be racing in two Xfinity Series races next year for his team, JR Motorsports, and that he would be open to running more Xfinity races in the future when it benefits the race team.
"Dale Earnhardt Jr.is among the most recognizable athletes in the world, unequivocally serving as the sport's most popular driver for more than a decade", NASCAR Chairman & CEO Brian France said.
Earnhardt Jr. also has a very unique perspective on how costly and unsafe NASCAR can be as he lost his father in a wreck at the 2001 Daytona 500, and there is no doubt in my mind that this played a role in his decision.
Hendrick Motorsports says that Dale will discuss his decision in an afternoon press conference on April 25 and will be joined by Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick. "You gave me guidance and direction that will reward me for as long as I live".
"I always was open to hearing from people who knew him real well and what they think he would think".
"Normally when there was - we just extended [his contract] - I get the call from [Dale's sister] Kelley (Earnhardt Miller) saying, get the paperwork ready", Hendrick said. They, and eight-time Langley Speedway Late Model champion Shawn Balluzzo, raced against him in the mid-1990s at places like East Carolina Motor Speedway and Myrtle Beach Speedway. "I never would assume that he was proud of me when he was alive".
Earnhardt is still going to be around the sport, mentoring younger racers, and continuing to be involved with his JR Motorsports team. I just had it in my mind he could get healthy.
"I had a lot to think about over the last several months, and I was not sure I would have the opportunity to compete this season", Earnhardt said about being out of the sport almost half of last season while recovering from concussion symptoms.
He is NASCAR royalty but today Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced he is putting the brakes on his career. But he's also enjoyed success at smaller tracks like Richmond, where NASCAR heads this weekend as the sport comes to terms with the fact its most popular driver is becoming the third icon to retire in consecutive seasons.
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When I think of Dale Earnhardt, Jr., I think of the words bold and courageous.
Sons of NASCAR legends who go into racing rarely have superstar careers of their own, so Earnhardt said that he set no expectations for his own racing career. It would be the only time he'd take the checkered flag in the race. "I'm not going to quit working". Earnhardt said telling his boss of almost 10 years was the toughest part of his decision.
"I certainly know they get two shots of seeing him this year - which is great - in July and September, so we are excited for them for that, seeing how he missed both races here last year", said David McGrath of NHMS.
"I do have ambition to work", Earnhardt said.
"I guess what I'm saying is, I accomplished way more than I ever dreamed".
"You deserve everything, all the awards and all of the accolades", Hendrick said.
"I guarantee that we'll bring our best auto and our best stuff there", he said.
2003: Captures Aaron's 499 title to win at Talladega Superspeedway for a record fourth straight time.
Earnhardt said he plans to drive for Hendrick the rest of this season and added that he is contracted with sponsors to run two not-yet-selected Xfinity Series races in his JR Motorsports cars next year.
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