Dale Earnhardt Jr. had a blast during his recent Xfinity Series race at Bristol, leaving fans curious if it was his final NASCAR appearance.
On his latest *Dale Jr. Download* episode, following the Food City 300, Earnhardt Jr. discussed his feelings post-race and whether he has any plans for 2025 and beyond in NASCAR.
“People asked, ‘Is this your last race?’ I have no plans,” Earnhardt Jr. shared. “I like it that way. If I want to race, I will. If not, I won’t. Right now, nothing’s scheduled for next year, but knowing myself, I’ll probably miss it. After 2025, when my broadcasting with NBC is done, I’ll likely think, ‘I should’ve raced.’ I might ask Kelly and LW to find something for 2026, and then get nervous again.”
While his 2025 plans are uncertain, Earnhardt Jr. reassured fans he isn’t done racing, though several priorities take precedence over returning to the Xfinity Series, even if it’s just one race.
“I’m not finished,” Earnhardt Jr. confirmed about returning. “People need to remember, I’m still racing my late-model. Amy and I plan at the start of each year, and I show her the races I want to run. We look at our family plans and my work schedule. Everything else comes first. Racing is much lower on the priority list. There are other important things in my life now.
“We try to fit racing into that puzzle. If I prioritize driving, it’s my late-model over Xfinity. That’s a personal choice, but I want to drive my late-model more. If giving up an Xfinity race means I get another late-model race, I’ll do it. However, if someone offered to sponsor me for an Xfinity race or a few others, I’d be back in that Xfinity car. Until then, I’ll stick with my late-model.”
Earnhardt Jr. remains a huge draw for NASCAR whenever he races, and after competing at tracks like Bristol and Homestead, he hinted he might race at new tracks next.
“Kansas looks fun, running the fence,” Earnhardt Jr. said when asked about future races. “I love running the wall, which is why I’ve raced at Homestead recently. Kansas is a place you run the fence. It was fun in the past. We’re just talking for now.”
Whenever Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns to the Xfinity Series, it’ll be a must-watch event. Hopefully, some last-minute plans for 2025 come together.
