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In news that shocked many and but came as little surprise to others, NASCAR’s biggest bro Dale Earnhardt, Jr., 42, has announced that he will be retiring from the sport at the close of the 2017 season.
After 18 seasons, @DaleJr will bring his Cup Series driving career to a close at the end of 2017.
Info: https://t.co/8n7dRjSc9l pic.twitter.com/REdWACH2KD
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) April 25, 2017
Hendricks Motorsports issued the following statement on Tuesday morning…
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.
The fan favorite and two-time Daytona 500 champion will discuss his decision in a press conference this afternoon. He will be joined by Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, for whom Earnhardt has driven since 2008. The two first met about the driver’s decision on March 29.
Earnhardt, who will turn 43 in October, made his first career Cup Series start on May 30, 1999, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Since then, the Kannapolis, North Carolina, native has captured 26 points-paying Cup race wins and been voted by fans as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver a record 14 consecutive years. He has qualified for the NASCAR playoffs eight times.
Now in the midst of his 18th full-time season at the elite Cup level, Earnhardt made his 600th career series start on March 26 at Fontana, California. He will compete in his final NASCAR Cup Series race on Nov. 19 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Hendrick Motorsports will announce plans for its 2018 team alignment at a later date.
While we knew this day would come, it’s still kind of a bummer. For years Junior was the biggest bro in the NASCAR garage, never afraid to tell it like it is, do a little hunting, slam back a few Buds and race his ass off.
Much like his legendary daddy, Junior was a monster fan favorite for those reasons and many more.
This announcement also explains this early morning tweet from the man himself…
Been up since 4. 😐
Woke up like 😳— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) April 25, 2017
Based on the outpouring of shock, sadness, support and tribute, he is going to missed tremendously by those in and around the sport…
First, some of his peers on track…
Now we know why…
You've helped make this a better sport for so many of us, we wish you all the best in your retirement.👍🏻😃 https://t.co/9Ze6JZgZ70— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) April 25, 2017
Gonna be different not watching my boss but also one of my closes friends in the sport retire but so proud of him and what he represents!! https://t.co/elXxIW6TD9
— Elliott Sadler (@Elliott_Sadler) April 25, 2017
I'm proud of my great friend @DaleJr for everything he's done for this sport. I'm even more proud of who he is as a man. Love you friend
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) April 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/KySpeedway/status/856860678761713666
https://twitter.com/TXMotorSpeedway/status/856859722204540931
We wouldn't mind just one more of these, @DaleJr. pic.twitter.com/qbM9TwWUAp
— Chicagoland Speedway (@ChicagolndSpdwy) April 25, 2017
What an amazing career it has been! Looking forward to the rest of 2017 and what the future holds. https://t.co/6hQHAW5v1L
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) April 25, 2017
Wishing you nothing but the absolute best, @DaleJr. pic.twitter.com/nF8EWcpCXW
— Richmond Raceway (@RichmondRaceway) April 25, 2017
We'll miss you @DaleJr! https://t.co/3ntl1lOXZi
— Michigan International Speedway (@MISpeedway) April 25, 2017
Nationwide’s Official Statement regarding @DaleJr retirement news. #NW88JR @nationwide88 pic.twitter.com/bsMb08dbtn
— Nationwide (@Nationwide) April 25, 2017
Happy for @DaleJr and wish him nothing but the best.. He has made all of us better through his career in many different ways.. pic.twitter.com/NUOZKo4jVa
— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) April 25, 2017
His family…
— Amy Earnhardt (@AmyEarnhardt) April 25, 2017
Fully support his decision although I've watched he and my dad all my life. It will be a little different for sure. https://t.co/mBYVbpfatz
— Kelley Earnhardt (@EarnhardtKelley) April 25, 2017
Excited 4 new chapters professionally w/ @DaleJr & our team of great people. And for he & @AmyEarnhardt & family time for us all!
— Kelley Earnhardt (@EarnhardtKelley) April 25, 2017
And some of the fans…
https://twitter.com/jrisgr88/status/856865985814556672
Pls don't leave pic.twitter.com/SIhcLKPHp1
— lacey (@laceyyyface) April 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/thatmanpearly/status/856859980053565440
https://twitter.com/wvredhead1278/status/856867212531044352
https://twitter.com/VicJ_Mcdonald/status/856857249771384833
Don't know if I can function today … 😰
— Julie Bailey (@b9bailey) April 25, 2017
Dammit.
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