Watch the Dale Jr Retirement Announcement Video Below
In a shock announcement, Dale Earnhardt Jr will retire from NASCAR following the 2017 NASCAR Racing Season. Watch the 42-year-old announce his retirement in the video video.
Dale Earnhardt Jr opened his retirement announcement with, “We’re here today to confirm the news you’ve received this morning. That I’ve decided to make this season my last as a NASCAR Cup Series driver.”
The Hendrick Motorsports #88 driver has his reasons, “You’re wondering why I reached this decision? It’s really simple. I just wanted the opportunity to go out on my own terms.”
Time away from the car helped him make the decision, “I’ll admit that having influence over my exit, only became meaningful when it started to seem most unlikely. As you know I missed a few races last year. During that time I had to face the realization that my driving career may have already ended without me so much as getting a vote at the table.”
In other words, his concussions could have forced him to retire last season. He doesn’t want that. He wants to leave on his own terms. Which is what he’s doing now.
As Dale Earnhardt Jr begins to fighting off tears, “It’s a privilege to race with this group.” Referring to the entire team at Hendrick Motorsports.
Dale Earnhardt Jr speaks on his father Dale Earnhardt Sr, “To my father, Dale Earnhardt: I would not have been a racecar driver if it weren’t for him. He believed in me. It might have taken a little encouragement from Tony Eury Sr, but dad came around. I appreciate my father, everything he put into my career and all the guys on the old A/C Delco team who gave me a shot.”
NASCAR’s most popular driver addresses JR Nation, “The fan support I received straight out of the gate is in large part due to my last name. I appreciate all the fans that stuck it out with me.”
Who’s going to fill Dale’s shoes, “The sport is in a great place with exciting young talent. Emerging as we speak. I look forward to seeing what the current and future stars of our sport can accomplish in years to come.”
He doesn’t see himself disappearing, “In closing, I’m eager to explore new opportunities. I don’t see myself really detaching from NASCAR. My intention is to still be involved in this sport on some level. In fact, I still have two Xfinity races to run for JR Motorsports in 2018. So even after this season is over you’ve not seen the last of me on the race track. More than that, I want to be apart of this sport for many many years to come”
Rick Hendrick speaks, “He’s more to me than just a racecar driver. He’s like a son. I really appreciate what we’ve been able to do together.” Speaking on the future, “Dale wants to help me here at [Hendrick] Motorsports, with JRM bringing the young drivers along. We’re in the automobile business together. I’m excited about the next chapter. There will never be another Dale Earnhardt Jr. ”
Dale Earnhardt Jr is excited to be a racer again, “Not 18 months ago I was on twitter complaining about 8:30 AM practice’s. And I can’t wait to get to ’em now. I feel healthy. I’m having a really good time driving the cars.”
On the remainder of his season, “I’m excited about the races that I have left. I used to complain about the season and how long it is. Well this one here can drag on for awhile.”
Watch the full Dale Earnhardt Jr retirement announcement video below.
Author: Shane Walters
Dale Jr Retirement Video
Links
Dale Earnhardt Jr
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Hendrick Motorsports
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
