Dale Earnhardt Jr. retired from full-time racing in NASCAR after the 2017 season, but has since competed in its annual Xfinity Series race. Earnhardt will compete in the Xfinity Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 20; However, could it be the last? Based on Earnhardt’s comments, that wouldn’t be shocking.
According to Earnhardt on his podcast, The Dale Jr. Download, the race at Bristol in two weeks will “probably” be his last Xfinity Series start.
Earnhardt said that’s his answer when people ask if this will be his last race. The former Hendrick Motorsports driver also said he was “pretty sure” that would be the case; however, he will continue to race with his latest model for “a while”.
NASCAR is a better place when Earnhardt is in it, but that doesn’t mean he’s leaving just because he can stop racing. Earnhardt still has JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series and will be in the broadcast booths for TNT and Prime starting in 2025. The NASCAR Hall of Famer won’t drive much longer, but he won’t disappear into the shadows.
Martin Truex Jr. to drive the No. 56 or No. 78 car in 2025 Daytona 500
Martin Truex Jr. will retire from full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing after the 2024 season, but he isn’t completely leaving the sport. He plans to participate in several races in 2025, including likely the Daytona 500. Truex has indicated he will drive either the No. 56 or No. 78 car for the event, with the No. 78 holding sentimental value as his championship number and the No. 56 being his personal favorite.
Truex confirmed he will be in the 2025 Daytona 500, and although the specifics are not finalized, he says the arrangement is nearly complete. 23XI Racing is the expected team for Truex, potentially with his former crew chief, Cole Pearn, overseeing his efforts. While it’s a loss to see Truex leave full-time NASCAR, his future appearances, especially with a familiar number and crew chief, promise to be exciting.
