After an emotional weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was the center of attention as fans and drivers alike celebrated his final race at the iconic short track. However, amid the tributes and well-wishes, Shane van Gisbergen couldn’t resist taking a playful jab at the NASCAR legend, jokingly calling him “pretty old” after the race.
Van Gisbergen, who has been making waves in NASCAR since his transition from Supercars, was quick to follow up his comment with praise for Earnhardt Jr. “Dale’s a legend, no doubt about it. He might be ‘pretty old,’ but he’s still got that fire,” said van Gisbergen, with a grin. The quip sparked laughter from those around, adding a lighthearted moment to an otherwise sentimental weekend.
For Earnhardt Jr., the final Bristol race was a farewell to one of the tracks where he’s had some of the most memorable moments in his storied career. While he’s officially retired from full-time competition, his occasional returns to the Xfinity Series have always been highly anticipated events, drawing huge crowds and showing that, despite stepping away from the spotlight, his love for racing remains strong.
The camaraderie between Earnhardt Jr. and van Gisbergen highlights the respect between the old guard and the new wave of talent in NASCAR. Van Gisbergen, despite his humorous jab, was full of admiration for what Earnhardt Jr. has accomplished, both on and off the track. “To race against a guy like Dale is something special. Even in his final run here, you can tell why he’s so respected.”
Earnhardt Jr., always good-natured and understanding the humor in van Gisbergen’s comment, laughed it off when asked about it. “I guess I am getting pretty old, huh? But it’s all in good fun. Shane’s a great competitor, and it’s cool to see the next generation coming in.”
As NASCAR moves forward with new stars emerging, moments like these serve as a reminder of the legacy veterans like Earnhardt Jr. leave behind. Though his final appearance at Bristol is bittersweet, Earnhardt Jr.’s contributions to the sport will continue to influence both drivers and fans for years to come.
For van Gisbergen, his cheeky remark might have gotten him some attention, but it’s clear the respect is mutual, showing that even in retirement, Dale Earnhardt Jr. still has the admiration of those competing in today’s NASCAR.
