While Earnhardt's statistics at Richmond are noteworthy, his impact on NASCAR has been immeasurable. His humble and genuine demeanor has endeared him to a nation of fans who have watched him emerge from his father's shadow to become an icon in the sport.
Will the retirement mark the end of NASCAR? Of course not. We may see a shift of loyalties (mostly to another driver at Hendrick Motorsports, maybe Chase Elliott) and some fans staying away, but just as was the case when other drivers retired, I don’t think this change will really change the landscape of the sport.
NASCAR travels to Richmond International Raceway this weekend for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 and the NASCAR XFINITY Series ToyotaCare 250. The XFINITY race will be broadcast on FS1 at 1 p.m. and the Cup Series event will be televised on FOX at 2 p.m.
"We're here today to confirm the news you received this morning that I've decided to make this season my last as a NASCAR Cup driver. The response just in the last six hours from teammates, colleagues and friends and fans has been incredibly overwhelming."
Jimmy Johnson took the lead from Kevin Harvick with 21 laps to go to capture his second win of the season and the 82nd of his career on Monday at Bristol Motor Speedway. Johnson led 81 laps in route to his second win at Bristol in 31 starts.
CONCORD, N.C. -- After 18 seasons and more than 600 races behind the wheel, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will bring his NASCAR Cup Series driving career to a close at the conclusion of 2017. Today, he shared the news with members of his No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports team.
BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Martin Truex Jr. rallied to an eighth-place finish after being busted for speeding with less than 40 laps remaining in the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
BRISTOL, Tenn. -- The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway has been postponed to Monday at 1 p.m. ET on FOX due to rain.
