Since retiring from the NASCAR Cup Series in 2017, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has limited his racing to just a few select appearances each year. This weekend, he is set to return to the track once more for his annual Xfinity Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. However, this race holds particular significance, as it is being touted as potentially his final NASCAR race. For Earnhardt Jr., a beloved figure in the sport, this event carries special meaning, not only for him but also for his loyal fanbase.
With the possibility that this could be Dale Jr.’s last NASCAR race, the expectations are high. His fans are eager to see their favorite driver back in action, and many are hoping for a memorable performance. But even for someone with his experience, racing in NASCAR isn’t easy. The pressure can be overwhelming, even for a seasoned veteran like Earnhardt Jr. As he prepares to pilot the #88 JR Motorsports (JRM) car at Bristol, Dale Jr. acknowledges that the nerves are real. But he has a plan in mind for dealing with the pressure.
To handle the high expectations, Earnhardt Jr. is looking to emulate the approach of his fellow driver, Chase Elliott. Known for his calm demeanor and ability to stay composed under pressure, Elliott became a NASCAR Cup Series champion in 2020 by focusing on opportunities rather than stress. Dale Jr. has taken note of Elliott’s mentality, hoping to adopt a similar mindset as he heads into what could be his final NASCAR race.
Dale Jr.’s apprehension is understandable, especially given how his last race at Bristol unfolded. During the final 30 laps of the race, his #88 Chevrolet experienced electrical issues that led to a fire in the cockpit, forcing him to retire from the race early. He finished in 30th place that night, a result that no doubt left him frustrated. Now, with the added emotional weight of this potentially being his final NASCAR race, the pressure to perform is even greater.
However, instead of letting that pressure get the best of him, Earnhardt Jr. is choosing to see this race as an opportunity. On his podcast, *The Dale Jr. Download*, he reflected on how Chase Elliott handles pressure situations. “Some of us look at that and go, ‘That’s more pressure.’ And others look at it and go, ‘That’s an opportunity,’” Dale Jr. explained. He recalled Elliott’s approach to the 2020 Cup Series championship race in Phoenix, saying, “Chase gets to Phoenix for his first finals, and I’m sitting there thinking, ‘Man, I’d be sweating bullets.’ But when they asked him about the pressure, he said, ‘Pressure? This is an opportunity.’” For Earnhardt Jr., this perspective is crucial as he prepares for his race at Bristol.
In addition to adopting this mindset, Dale Jr. has also made it clear that he wants to enjoy the experience, regardless of how competitive the race becomes. “I wanna have fun, whoever it is that I’m racing. I don’t wanna get pushed around, and I don’t want to get pissed off,” he shared. He is focused on making sure that, at the end of the night, he can walk away feeling good about what he and his team accomplished. For him, it’s not just about the result but about enjoying the process and having fun along the way.
It’s worth noting that Dale Jr. still has the ability to perform at a high level. Last year, he competed in the Xfinity Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway and finished in the top five. This solid finish demonstrated that, even in semi-retirement, he remains a competitive driver when given the opportunity. His performance at Homestead has given both him and his team confidence heading into this weekend’s race at Bristol.
As for the race setup, Earnhardt Jr. and his team are opting for a strategy that worked well last year. They’re bringing back the same car that he raced at Bristol in 2022, a car that had the potential to win before the fire incident cut his race short. “We are bringing back the same car as last year. Totally stripped and rebuilt. Hope it handles as well,” he told fans through social media, expressing his optimism for the race ahead.
This weekend’s race at Bristol is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s racing career. While it remains uncertain if this will truly be his last NASCAR race, the anticipation is high, and the stakes are significant. If this is indeed his final appearance, Earnhardt Jr. and his team will be looking to deliver a performance worthy of the occasion.
Even if Dale Jr. steps away from major NASCAR events after this race, he won’t be leaving the racing world entirely. He will continue to participate in late-model races, a passion he has pursued more actively since becoming a co-owner of the CARS Tour. Whether or not this race marks the end of his NASCAR career, fans can be sure that Dale Jr. will give it his all at Bristol, drawing inspiration from Chase Elliott’s approach and focusing on enjoying the moment rather than letting the pressure consume him.
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