Dale Earnhardt Jr., one of NASCAR’s most iconic figures, has opened up about a lingering regret he feels after stepping away from full-time racing to focus on team ownership. While his transition from the driver’s seat to managing JR Motorsports has brought new challenges and success, Earnhardt Jr. recently admitted that he misses the thrill of competing behind the wheel.
The Confession
During a candid interview, Earnhardt Jr. shared how much he still longs for the competitive nature of racing in NASCAR, despite having embraced his new role as a team owner. “I’m going to miss it,” he admitted, referring to the adrenaline rush, camaraderie, and the feeling of being on the track. Though Earnhardt Jr. has made sporadic appearances in Xfinity Series races since his retirement, it’s clear that the racing bug never truly goes away for the NASCAR Hall of Famer.
The Transition to Ownership
After his final full-time NASCAR season in 2017, Earnhardt Jr. shifted his focus to JR Motorsports, the team he co-owns with his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller and business partner Rick Hendrick. Under his leadership, the team has grown into one of the premier organizations in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, winning multiple championships and nurturing young talent.
However, while team ownership has its rewards, Earnhardt Jr. confessed that the transition from racer to owner hasn’t always been easy. “There’s nothing quite like being in the car and feeling the power,” he said. “Being an owner has its own set of challenges, and it’s rewarding to see young drivers succeed, but there are days when I miss just racing.”
Reflecting on His Career
Earnhardt Jr., the son of the legendary Dale Earnhardt, carved out his own legacy in NASCAR with 26 career Cup Series wins, two Daytona 500 victories, and a devoted fan base. Though he retired as one of the most beloved figures in the sport, he’s not immune to moments of nostalgia. He often reflects on the special bond he shared with his fans and the excitement of battling it out on the track, particularly at places like Daytona and Talladega, where he was known as a master of restrictor-plate racing.
“It’s hard to replace that feeling,” Earnhardt Jr. explained. “No matter how much success you have as an owner, part of me will always be a driver at heart.”
Staying Involved
Despite his longing for the competition, Earnhardt Jr. has found ways to stay closely connected to the sport. His work as a commentator for NBC Sports has kept him in the NASCAR spotlight, allowing him to share his expertise and passion with a new generation of fans. Additionally, his occasional Xfinity Series appearances have been a treat for his longtime supporters, offering brief glimpses of the driver they cheered for throughout his career.
A Legacy Beyond Racing
While Earnhardt Jr. may miss the thrill of racing, his legacy extends far beyond his time on the track. As an owner, he’s played a critical role in developing the future of NASCAR, giving young drivers like Noah Gragson and Justin Allgaier the opportunity to shine. His impact on the sport continues to be felt, both through his contributions as a team owner and his voice as a broadcaster.
“I’m proud of what we’ve built with JR Motorsports,” he said. “But there will always be that part of me that wonders what it would be like to still be out there racing every weekend.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s confession is a reminder that, even for someone who has achieved so much, the love for racing never truly fades. Though his focus is now on team ownership and mentoring the next generation of drivers, there’s no denying that he still carries a deep passion for the sport he grew up in. Fans may miss seeing him on the track full-time, but his influence continues to shape the NASCAR landscape for years to come.
