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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Rules Out 2025 Xfinity Series Start, Leaves Door Open for Future Races
Bristol, TN – In a recent episode of his podcast, “Dale Jr. Download,” NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. confirmed that he does not plan to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025, although he has not entirely ruled out racing again in the future.
“I don’t have any plans,” Earnhardt stated. “I like it that way. If I want to run one, I will. If I don’t, I won’t. Right now, there is nothing on the schedule for next year.”
Earnhardt’s comments come on the heels of his participation in the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he finished seventh. As he heads into a new chapter in his career, there are murmurs that this could mark his final NASCAR start, particularly given his focus on his broadcasting role with Amazon and TNT Sports set to begin in 2025.
Amazon will broadcast five NASCAR Cup Series races starting with the Coca-Cola 600, while TNT Sports will air another five races beginning at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Earnhardt will join the on-air team, providing analysis and commentary for both networks.
Reflecting on his broadcasting commitment, Earnhardt shared, “But knowing me, I’m probably going to go, ‘Man, I missed running.’ When ’25 is over with – actually when I’m done broadcasting and NBC finishes out the year – I’ll probably be sitting there going, ‘I should have run that race. I should have run one of these. Darn it.’”
Earnhardt, who retired from full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition in 2017, has made occasional appearances in the Xfinity Series, primarily driving for his own team, JR Motorsports. He participated in two races last year, often selecting tracks based on personal interest and sponsorship from Hellmann’s.
Looking ahead, Earnhardt hinted that if he decides to return to racing in 2026, he might target venues like Kansas Speedway, citing its exciting wall-running opportunities. “It looks fun as a viewer, and I enjoy tracks where a driver can run against the wall,” he said.
With 147 starts and 24 career wins in the Xfinity Series, Earnhardt’s legacy in NASCAR remains strong. Fans and fellow drivers alike will be watching to see if he ultimately decides to make a comeback in the coming years.
