I'm gonna f'n cry. Been an Earnhardt fan my entire life. Never once doubted his talents. Make this season your greatest one yet! #ThankYouDale #EarnhardtForChampion
I was lucky enough to see Jr. win the Pepsi 400 race at Daytona from the stands. it was the first race at Daytona since Sr. died. Good luck in retirement Jr.
After his injury and time off, I told my family this was a possibility very soon. So grateful we got to watch him a couple weeks ago at Texas Motor Speedway before he departs from racing.
The only thing I'm surprised on is that it was this soon. I honestly thought Jr. would try to string out driving through the 2018 and possibly even the 2019 season, but I know his time was coming. It's a shame, though. Well, the silver lining for Jr. Nation is that he still has a chance to drive off into the sunset w/ a Cup Series Title. And boy, would THAT be big.
Its very sad news but a lot of people had a sense this would happen soon. I've been an Earnhardt fan forever and always will be. It will be hard to not hear or see the name Earnhardt on the track. Thanks for the ride Dale. NASCAR will never be the same without you.
Dale Jr has always been my personal favorite driver in the world of NASCAR. About 10 to 15 years ago when I first got into this incredible sport I admit I didn't know much about it but I knew that Dale Jr was something special as all the Earnhardt's are. Dale's legacy will be a man who followed in the footsteps of a giant in his father Dale Sr, a man I'll always have tremendous respect for. Jr you'll always have the everlasting love support and respect of us the fans. Have a great rest of the 2017 season and enjoy your retirement you've definitely earned it!
Matt is the only driver left to have raced in the cup series in the 1990s. He filled in for Bill Elliott once. But yeah it'll be the end of a era once the early 00s drivers do retire.
It's the right decision & the right time. Neither Ralph Earnhardt nor Dale Earnhardt Sr made it to 50 years old, enjoy retirement old friend, you deserve it...
I am absolutely dumbfounded on this one. Love you JR, may your future endeavors take you somewhere happy. I know this decision wasn't an easy one. Thank you for 17-18 great years of watching you grow. peace
will miss him dearly but so glad he is smart enough to quit while he is still healthy to enjoy his life with his family hope they have many children maybe we will have another Earnhardt to pull for some day good luck and gods speed dale jr
This is very sad, it is truly the end of the old school NASCAR connection. I admire Jr. most because he made his mark not because he is his father's son but because he purposed to become a great driver thru hard work that led to skill and a growing desire to win. This is a very sentimental day because it reminds me of the great loss we felt in losing Dale Sr. He reminds me of my father, a hard-nosed, hard-working man who had great character. Racing is a big deal in the South. It brings us commonality in a lot of things and something to cheer about. Blessings and prayers for the future to a man who INSPIRES!
jr is the greatest I have been a fan of his his whole career and forever will be a fan of his and his dad Earnhardt nation forever gonna miss him greatly
I cant beleive junebug is retiring we will miss him and we will always love him... cant wait to see him it the xfinty races love you junebug 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙.... we wish you a best of luck
Did anyone else notice he didn't seem "right" during the walkoff interview after the crash at Bristol? Something isn't right, and it's best for him to walk away now instead of being carried away later.
TELEVISIONARCHIVES Even if you are correct,...and you may be....It is a sad state of affairs to think that anyone would stop watching Nascar because a single driver has retired...regardless of who it is...When he is out there it is just another car that is a part of the race....One link in the chain.
TELEVISIONARCHIVES What does what I commented have to do with the number if Dale jr fans ?? Read it again and think about what is being said...You are clearly suggesting that since Dale Jr has a lot of fans (wouldnt matter if it were 90%) that his retirement would cost attendance and ratings..Suggesting that people dont care for racing if a certain person isnt out there driving with the other 42 competitors and it is another driver instead....
You don't know what you're talking about. NASCAR has admitted they have problems with attendance and ratings. That's why they've changed the point system over the last few years.
Based on those last statements, hopefully when he's finished he will help bring NASCAR back to what it was in the early 2000s. France and company have to go, it seems like every change they've made has been done out of fear. Anyone else want to see plate races with the wicker bill again?
Symphony_K All the dumb moves France and company made are the reason I stopped watching last year. I only stuck around the last few years because of Gordon. And I feel a ton of Jr fans will be done as well since they only stuck around for their driver. And Jr can't do anything. Whoever comes after France will be someone who continues with the stupid things he envisions. He's the worst thing to ever happen to NASCAR.
Dale Jr seen the stories of his dads best friend not able to retire, and die, and to see his father have the same thing happen. He wanted to take charge in his career and wanted what they never got....
2015 Gordon retires, Elliott takes over 2016 Stewert and Edwards retires, Bowyer and Suarez takes over 2017 Jr retires, Bowman maybe taking over Who's next?
I want to say that I grew up watching Jr when I was born and I never seen the best NASCAR driver in this sport and the most respected man and I want to say thank you for all you have done for nascar when winning the Daytona 500 back in 2004 and 2014 farewell junior finish strong your favorite fan
I say Matt Kenseth, because his contract expires at the end of this season w/ JGR, and I don't think it's been confirmed whether or not Kenseth will want an extension. Another driver I expect to retire soon is Greg Biffle.
Jimmy Johnson's not going to retire until he gets the 8th and I still don't think he will go he's shooting for nine I'm not a fan of him but I do have to say he's accomplished so much in such a short time I don't think anyone will ever be able to do what he's done
Well, very few drivers are fortunate enough to benefit from NASCAR fixing select races to work into JJ's outcome. Don't get me wrong; the amount of wins he got is at an amazing number, and Jimmie's at least a 3-time champion in my eyes, but I stand strong on my statement when I say that he got a couple of presents in 2010 and 2016. Those Homestead races were completely fixed in his favor. Just like the Bristol race was. That penalty that Larson got should've never happened.
nascarfanatic2425 that's it. keep hating on Jimmie. He'll keep winning like he ALWAYS does. Don't be mad that your driver isn't anywhere near as talented as Jimmie is.
I thought that this would happen next season. But I do think that this was the right decision for him to retire before something happens to him that will end his career or even his life. You may not like this decision, but it might be for the better.
Good call on Junior, he should have done this after last season, besides he no longer has the drive nor the performance. The high caliber team and equipment do not match his results!
The older guys like Waltrip, Petty, and Earnhardt were true racers. They didn't see the sport as merely driving a racecar. They saw it as a way of life. Quiting before they absolutely had to never crossed their minds. That is something anyone can respect. When they were gone, it is no wonder the sport went down hill.
Fluffy SlqyzMC I think nascar needs more road course races. America has some great circuits. They need to change with the times while keeping true to their roots.
Rain RC Ganassi's performance won't last. If Hendrick makes an offer he'll be gone in a flash. No reason why Larson wouldn't go to the most successful team over the last 25 years.
I got 2 honest questions about Dale Jr. Is his career Hall of fame worthy?? Not sure if it was, his name is what kept him in good rides. Who will be the person that replaces Dale Jr in the car?? Don't be biased just look at his stats and not know his name he is question mark for hall of fame. Yes most popular driver but no championships and beyond one or two seasons not really competitive for them Championship. Like Dale but let the numbers do the talking about his career and not his last name.
Jordon Matthews Is 26 wins (including 2 Daytona 500 wins) in 603 races or so with 253 top 10s great then yes he's HOF worthy !!!! Without a championship he will have a hard time, but winning 14 most popular driver awards will go along way !!!
Jordon Matthews I would say he is unfortunately after him and a few others I can see no more "Legendarily" drivers and soon people like Danica will get into the HoF
I'm gonna f'n cry. Been an Earnhardt fan my entire life. Never once doubted his talents. Make this season your greatest one yet! #ThankYouDale #EarnhardtForChampion
I was lucky enough to see Jr. win the Pepsi 400 race at Daytona from the stands. it was the first race at Daytona since Sr. died. Good luck in retirement Jr.
After his injury and time off, I told my family this was a possibility very soon. So grateful we got to watch him a couple weeks ago at Texas Motor Speedway before he departs from racing.
I got to watch him win at pocono :D
Matthew Matos i watched him win the 2015 Coke Zero 400 and the 2014 Daytona 500
Matthew Matos ya he did when austin dillon flew into the catch fence
=Larson,Elliot Larson is beast,Elliot is good Actually, he did win the Coke Zero 400 in 2015. Search it.
That was an awesome speech! Heartfelt, honest, gut wrenching.
This is killing me on the inside. He's been my favorite driver since I was a little kid watching the Budweiser #8. Thanks for all the memories Dale 😢
I'm honestly not surprised at all about that. I knew it was coming. I will totally miss Dale Earnhardt Jr.
As did my family and I. Things weren't quite right leading up to and post injury for Dale Jr. Nonetheless, he's done a great job over the years.
The only thing I'm surprised on is that it was this soon. I honestly thought Jr. would try to string out driving through the 2018 and possibly even the 2019 season, but I know his time was coming. It's a shame, though. Well, the silver lining for Jr. Nation is that he still has a chance to drive off into the sunset w/ a Cup Series Title. And boy, would THAT be big.
nascarfanatic2425 You could just tell his heart wasn't in it.
Jay Buzz Yes I could tell.
Your dad would be so proud of you. You're doing the right thing.
I liked because I strongly respect his decision because he's been through so much.
I will strongly miss him though :(
Its very sad news but a lot of people had a sense this would happen soon. I've been an Earnhardt fan forever and always will be. It will be hard to not hear or see the name Earnhardt on the track. Thanks for the ride Dale. NASCAR will never be the same without you.
MoparMuscle77 you'll still have Jeffery Earnhardt
Mopar77 that name will always be at the race track! I don't care what era it is!!!
Dale, you and your Dad are the reason I love nascar. Thanks so much for putting it all on the line for me every weekend.
Dale Jr has always been my personal favorite driver in the world of NASCAR. About 10 to 15 years ago when I first got into this incredible sport I admit I didn't know much about it but I knew that Dale Jr was something special as all the Earnhardt's are. Dale's legacy will be a man who followed in the footsteps of a giant in his father Dale Sr, a man I'll always have tremendous respect for. Jr you'll always have the everlasting love support and respect of us the fans. Have a great rest of the 2017 season and enjoy your retirement you've definitely earned it!
The young guns of the early 2000s are almost all gone. Once Jimmie, Kevin and Matt leave it's the end of a era
Camoz Jimmie won't be retiring for a long time
Camoz Kurt and Newman too.
"Seems like they are all dropping like flies, I might outlast them all" -Kenseth
E.G Productions I think age 45-46 is likely.
You missed McMurray.
Matt is the only driver left to have raced in the cup series in the 1990s. He filled in for Bill Elliott once. But yeah it'll be the end of a era once the early 00s drivers do retire.
Hate to lose Jr but I support this 100%. Save dat brain.
Save dat forest.
It's the right decision & the right time. Neither Ralph Earnhardt nor Dale Earnhardt Sr made it to 50 years old, enjoy retirement old friend, you deserve it...
I am absolutely dumbfounded on this one.
Love you JR, may your future endeavors take you somewhere happy. I know this decision wasn't an easy one. Thank you for 17-18 great years of watching you grow. peace
will miss him dearly but so glad he is smart enough to quit while he is still healthy to enjoy his life with his family hope they have many children maybe we will have another Earnhardt to pull for some day good luck and gods speed dale jr
I'm going to Daytona in July and now I have a great reason to go and you will always be my favorite
This is very sad, it is truly the end of the old school NASCAR connection. I admire Jr. most because he made his mark not because he is his father's son but because he purposed to become a great driver thru hard work that led to skill and a growing desire to win. This is a very sentimental day because it reminds me of the great loss we felt in losing Dale Sr. He reminds me of my father, a hard-nosed, hard-working man who had great character. Racing is a big deal in the South. It brings us commonality in a lot of things and something to cheer about. Blessings and prayers for the future to a man who INSPIRES!
Way to go out with dignity and respect, Dale. I support you 100% man. Best wishes on your future endeavors!!
jr is the greatest I have been a fan of his his whole career and forever will be a fan of his and his dad Earnhardt nation forever gonna miss him greatly
Thanks Jr! All the best this season and retirement.
Bring Jr nation that first championship brother , we support your decision 100%, stay safe and stay blessed, #LongLiveJRNation
Fast track Dale...Wishing you all the best! Will miss you bro!
I cant beleive junebug is retiring we will miss him and we will always love him... cant wait to see him it the xfinty races love you junebug 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙.... we wish you a best of luck
I joined Jr. Nation in 2008 when I saw Dale race for the first time. It breaks my heart to see him go... but I want to wish him the best of luck
Did anyone else notice he didn't seem "right" during the walkoff interview after the crash at Bristol? Something isn't right, and it's best for him to walk away now instead of being carried away later.
Guy Fawkes
I really did !! He seemed a little confused !!! Exactly my thoughts.
Guy Fawkes Yes I did I had a bad feeling then he just didn't look or act right it was almost like fear in his eyes, I thought it was just me.
It's been a Great ride June bug you will be missed . Wish You the best .
Say goodbye to nascar, it will never be the same Dale earnhardt sr you were misunderstood but loved by many .
Am I the only one who cried?😭😭😭 especially when he mentioned his dad
Good luck Dale Jr. Us fans will miss you!🏁
Sure gonna miss you Dale.
Bowman in the 88 in 2018
Good Call
#TeamChevy FordPerformanceNation that’s correct
I will miss you next year Dale jr I love you bor
After his concussion I saw that this day was coming fast and now i see it is here, 😳😳😳😫😫😫😩😩😩😭😭😭 But its for his own good now excuse me I got to cry 😭
Just has CLASS.
Notice when he said his Dad's name, no senior, he was Dale Earnhardt, and as Dale said, I'm Dale Earnhardt, he's Junior.
You can tell he's on the verge of tears
#ThankyouforthememoriesDaleJr.
I knew it was coming. Just was hoping he would have the 2018 year his last season...
Jr. nation isn't going anywhere except by your side no matter what
With the ratings dropping like a rock this won't help
TELEVISIONARCHIVES No it definitely won't, I'm really afraid to say it but NASCAR's future looks bleek:(
TELEVISIONARCHIVES
Even if you are correct,...and you may be....It is a sad state of affairs to think that anyone would stop watching Nascar because a single driver has retired...regardless of who it is...When he is out there it is just another car that is a part of the race....One link in the chain.
Eric Strickland have you ever been to a race and see how many. Dale jr. fans are there
TELEVISIONARCHIVES
What does what I commented have to do with the number if Dale jr fans ??
Read it again and think about what is being said...You are clearly suggesting that since Dale Jr has a lot of fans (wouldnt matter if it were 90%) that his retirement would cost attendance and ratings..Suggesting that people dont care for racing if a certain person isnt out there driving with the other 42 competitors and it is another driver instead....
You don't know what you're talking about. NASCAR has admitted they have problems with attendance and ratings. That's why they've changed the point system over the last few years.
Good for you Jr. - go live your life
Goodbye my Jr. Goodbye one of my favorite drivers
Based on those last statements, hopefully when he's finished he will help bring NASCAR back to what it was in the early 2000s. France and company have to go, it seems like every change they've made has been done out of fear. Anyone else want to see plate races with the wicker bill again?
Symphony_K All the dumb moves France and company made are the reason I stopped watching last year. I only stuck around the last few years because of Gordon. And I feel a ton of Jr fans will be done as well since they only stuck around for their driver. And Jr can't do anything. Whoever comes after France will be someone who continues with the stupid things he envisions. He's the worst thing to ever happen to NASCAR.
come on he is awesome, as awesome as his dad!
go win that championship go jr
I knew it was inevitable, just wish one more season. But, I know it's the right time for him and Amy. Hate to see Jr go. :(
Dale Jr seen the stories of his dads best friend not able to retire, and die, and to see his father have the same thing happen. He wanted to take charge in his career and wanted what they never got....
of the new or current drivers can satisfy my thirst I can't go on.
He was my mentor.
RIP nascar 2018
Im gonna miss Boomhauer next year
2015 Gordon retires, Elliott takes over
2016 Stewert and Edwards retires, Bowyer and Suarez takes over
2017 Jr retires, Bowman maybe taking over
Who's next?
Kenseth
It's so likely that he'll win the title this year. NASCAR wouldn't let him retire without that championship.
This is the same as Cars 3 :o
So......... Alex are you there?
I'm gonna miss Dale
dale your not retiring until i meet u i been a fan since you lose to Kasey khane in 2009 at auto club I want to meet u i hope u see this
Darrell Waltrip is crying in the booth.
DON'T LEAVE!
Wow
I want to say that I grew up watching Jr when I was born and I never seen the best NASCAR driver in this sport and the most respected man and I want to say thank you for all you have done for nascar when winning the Daytona 500 back in 2004 and 2014 farewell junior finish strong your favorite fan
Your health come's first ! Now back to the booth Larry Mac, Michael Waltrip and Dale Earnhardt Jr .
I love Nascar but after this season my 2 favorite drivers will be gone don't know if any
WHAT!!!!!
I feel Sad :(
no 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
I work six days a week oh poor buddy I give my life for my family I don't make as much as u do poor baby
Who do you guys think will be next to retire from NASCAR? My bet is either Kenseth or Jimmie Johnson if he gets his 8th championship soon
I say Matt Kenseth, because his contract expires at the end of this season w/ JGR, and I don't think it's been confirmed whether or not Kenseth will want an extension. Another driver I expect to retire soon is Greg Biffle.
Biffle already did semi-retire. He hasn't raced all year, and he now works as an analyst on NBCSN
Jimmy Johnson's not going to retire until he gets the 8th and I still don't think he will go he's shooting for nine I'm not a fan of him but I do have to say he's accomplished so much in such a short time I don't think anyone will ever be able to do what he's done
Well, very few drivers are fortunate enough to benefit from NASCAR fixing select races to work into JJ's outcome. Don't get me wrong; the amount of wins he got is at an amazing number, and Jimmie's at least a 3-time champion in my eyes, but I stand strong on my statement when I say that he got a couple of presents in 2010 and 2016. Those Homestead races were completely fixed in his favor. Just like the Bristol race was. That penalty that Larson got should've never happened.
nascarfanatic2425 that's it. keep hating on Jimmie. He'll keep winning like he ALWAYS does. Don't be mad that your driver isn't anywhere near as talented as Jimmie is.
lets go alex
Finally someone else gets a chance at hendrick.
😢😢😢
I thought that this would happen next season. But I do think that this was the right decision for him to retire before something happens to him that will end his career or even his life. You may not like this decision, but it might be for the better.
he don't race anymore he just shows up on sunday.
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Jr. you will be missed but you had been racing for a pretty good years
#jrnation
What if Dale wins a championship and change his mind about retirement or even get into the final four.
He said he would retire if he won the championship back at Daytona
Can anyone picture Carl Edwards in the 88 car?
Rellik Kazad nope
the end of nascar, as we see it .
Good call on Junior, he should have done this after last season, besides he no longer has the drive nor the performance. The high caliber team and equipment do not match his results!
The older guys like Waltrip, Petty, and Earnhardt were true racers. They didn't see the sport as merely driving a racecar. They saw it as a way of life. Quiting before they absolutely had to never crossed their minds. That is something anyone can respect. When they were gone, it is no wonder the sport went down hill.
I wish he didn't have to retire but it's about that time to retire
I maybe hope William Byron takes Dale Jr.s Seat.
Alex Kelley I think they are saving him for when Jr brings his team into the Cup series
I kind of wish his dad did the same thing before the fatal crash.
Carl Edwards in the car next year not sure what # they will use for a number;
hey I got an idea if we tell Jr not to retire from NASCAR he will say you got it
You know I maybe a Kyle Busch fan but #JRnation
Ready for the NASCAR Great Depression
its gonna be a ghost town sport lol hopefully indycar will rise back up, but i dont want it to replace Nascar.
Fluffy SlqyzMC
I think nascar needs more road course races.
America has some great circuits.
They need to change with the times while keeping true to their roots.
man why
Only driver had concussions
Please please please if there is any justice in this world Hendrick hire Kyle Larson!
Daniel Taylor Larson is not leaving the 42
Daniel Taylor I want him to stay with ginassi.
Daniel Taylor Larson ain't leaving Ganassi, he's performing well there
Unless Larson is given the 48 car there is no point the 5, 24, and 88 are just leftovers
Rain RC Ganassi's performance won't last. If Hendrick makes an offer he'll be gone in a flash. No reason why Larson wouldn't go to the most successful team over the last 25 years.
what sr think about this
I got 2 honest questions about Dale Jr. Is his career Hall of fame worthy?? Not sure if it was, his name is what kept him in good rides. Who will be the person that replaces Dale Jr in the car?? Don't be biased just look at his stats and not know his name he is question mark for hall of fame. Yes most popular driver but no championships and beyond one or two seasons not really competitive for them Championship. Like Dale but let the numbers do the talking about his career and not his last name.
Jordon Matthews Is 26 wins (including 2 Daytona 500 wins) in 603 races or so with 253 top 10s great then yes he's HOF worthy !!!! Without a championship he will have a hard time, but winning 14 most popular driver awards will go along way !!!
He has more wins than 90% of the drivers in the history of the sport. Of course he will be in the HoF.
Jordon Matthews I would say he is unfortunately after him and a few others I can see no more "Legendarily" drivers and soon people like Danica will get into the HoF
Once Jimmie, Kevin, and Matt r gone, nascar is actually nothing anymore
I dont know what Im gonna do with my life
I'm hopping on the Chase train.
AmericanPatriot76 OMG get over it fanboy
Smokey Bear You know, I thought the same thing
Smokey Bear somebody is smart
William Byron will probably take over idk or Alex bowman
End Me
William Byron can replace him.
Tony Green: The Ultimate NASCAR Fan perhaps not maybe Alex Bowman
Yeah, when Kasey Kahne plans on leaving Hendrick, we know who to call.
william Byron sucks
Why? He's looked good and has good finished consistency in the Xfinity series.
True i guess your right
Anyone else want Jeffrey to replace him?
Matthew Gesing nah bowman
That's big right there. Probably 96% of people are going to stop watching NASCAR after 2017 (Jr for the championship).
yay no more spammets
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
I mean he has the off season y retire o and dale better not be in arca