Dale Earnhardt Jr. gives major update on his NASCAR racing plans for 2024

Dale Earnhard Jr. has one more Xfinity race return in his pocket, scheduled for this October at Miami Homstead.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. gives major update on his NASCAR racing plans for 2024

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Via IMAGO)

Former NASCAR driver and current broadcaster Dale Earnhardt Jr. spills the beans on potential 2024 racing plans. After retiring in 2017, Earnhardt returned to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2023, creating waves with one at Michigan and another scheduled at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

In a recent radio interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Earnhardt Jr. provided a sneak peek into the future, expressing openness to new venues like Kentucky and Montreal. He also candidly discussed the controversy surrounding the Bristol dirt track and the possible removal of Charlotte Roval. 

YouTube video

Earnhardt Jr. navigated through potential schedule changes, stating, “I don’t really have a glaring desire to see a specific thing.” He reveals that he likes “the idea of going to these racetracks or a lot of these racetracks just once to be able to try the next-gen car at a place like Kentucky.” 

However, Earnhardt Jr. didn’t mince words about Bristol’s dirt track, expressing his thrill if it’s removed. The JR Motorsports owner stated, “If dirt’s going away from Bristol in the first race, I’m thrilled about that.” He emphasized his love for concrete and asphalt surfaces, ranking Dirt Bristol as the least favorable.

Discover: Why did Kyle Busch sell his Truck Series team to Spire Motorsports?

Dale Earnhardt Jr. doesn’t hold a sentimental value for his home track

Amidst the rumor mill, the fate of Charlotte Roval hangs in the balance. Earnhardt Jr., while acknowledging the speculations, doesn’t let sentimentality cloud his judgment. He notes, “I think the racing at Charlotte has been as good as it’s been. As long as I can remember, going back and running the oval twice a year at Charlotte.” 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Charlotte, NC
Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Charlotte Roval (Credits: Los Angels Daily News)

He added, “It’s my home track, I’m biased. I get it, but I would love to have two oval races there again like we used to have and go run.” His nostalgic desire for two oval races at his home track reflects a longing for the traditional racing experiences that have shaped his racing memories.

In the larger context, Earnhardt Jr.’s role in shaping NASCAR’s future is multifaceted. His involvement extends beyond discussions about schedules and tracks, evident in his occasional returns to the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The racing legend’s engagement isn’t confined to the track; it spills into discussions about NASCAR’s evolution. 

In case you missed it: