As the NASCAR season heats up, speculation surrounds whether September’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway could mark Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s final appearance in a NASCAR Xfinity Series car.
The two-time Daytona 500 winner, a beloved figure in the racing world, has enjoyed a rich career in the sport, but recent developments suggest that his time in the Xfinity Series might be drawing to a close.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has long been a fixture in NASCAR, known not just for his impressive wins but also for his charisma and deep connection with fans. Typically, Earnhardt Jr. competes in one or two races per season, a tradition he has maintained for years. His involvement often includes high-profile races like the one at Bristol, adding a layer of excitement for fans eager to see the racing icon in action.
However, this year, the situation is different. JR Motorsports, the team co-owned by Earnhardt Jr., is undergoing significant changes. For the 2025 season, the team has signed Connor Zilisch from Trackhouse Racing to drive the No. 88 car, signaling a shift in the lineup. With Justin Allgaier and Sammy Smith also expected to return for their respective full-time roles in the No. 7 and No. 8 cars, the structure of JR Motorsports is set for a transformation.
Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, team co-owner and Earnhardt Jr.’s sister, recently discussed the situation on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. She revealed that there are no current plans for Dale Jr. to participate in the Xfinity Series beyond this season. “Yeah, I mean, he absolutely loves the racing, and he just ebbs and flows,” Earnhardt-Miller said. “He’s having a ton of fun in the Late Models and trying to run as much as he can. So, he wants to do that kind of four to six times a year or so. I don’t want to say that he is done with Xfinity racing, but we don’t have anything on the map right now for him. And it could just change; we gotta watch.”
This sentiment reflects Earnhardt Jr.’s current passion for Late Model racing, where he finds considerable joy and satisfaction. His involvement in the Xfinity Series has traditionally been tied to sponsorship deals, such as his partnership with Unilever-Hellmann’s. Without a clear plan for the future, it’s uncertain if his time in the Xfinity Series will extend beyond the Bristol race in September.
For fans of Earnhardt Jr., this potential final race at Bristol represents a poignant moment in NASCAR history. While there is still room for change, it’s clear that Earnhardt Jr.’s focus is shifting towards other racing endeavors, making this September’s race a significant event in his storied career.
