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He isn’t happy What NASCAR Did: Dale Earnhardt Jr Sparks Rumors And Exposed NASCAR Next Move
He isn’t happy What NASCAR Did: Dale Earnhardt Jr Sparks Rumors And Exposed NASCAR Next Move
Short-track racing really hits the spot for fans and drivers alike. Ideally, NASCAR should be throwing more short tracks into the mix, like they did with North Wilkesboro, Iowa, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, instead of cutting them out. However, NASCAR’s got a bigger puzzle to solve when it comes to nailing down the right rules for these tracks. Richmond has been a particular concern, with races turning out kind of dull.
To shake things up, NASCAR is thinking about heading down to Mexico. This buzz first started floating around in early April, but it picked up steam again recently when Dale Earnhardt Jr chimed in, voicing his letdown over the move.
Dale Earnhardt Jr isn’t happy with how NASCAR seems to be drifting away from short tracks
During the offseason, NASCAR President Steve Phelps hinted that Richmond might lose one of its two annual race dates. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard such whispers about Richmond. Phelps mentioned that tracks typically hold onto their double dates if they sell out or deliver “extraordinary” racing. In recent years, NASCAR has pulled second dates from tracks like New Hampshire, Texas, Dover, Pocono, and Michigan due to underwhelming sales or performances.
Richmond hasn’t sold out a Cup Series race since 2008, and the quality of the racing there has been pretty hit-or-miss for the last decade. Combine so-so races with sparse crowds, and you’ve got a recipe for NASCAR looking elsewhere—Mexico. Dale Earnhardt Jr, a staunch supporter of short tracks, finds this shift particularly frustrating.
Junior laid out his frustration pretty straight, saying, “There’s nothing wrong with Richmond you know and we’re going to go we’re going to leave Richmond to go race in Mexico. We’re going to leave all these traditional ovals to go race a road course. […] What’s whittling away one of my favorite things short track seems to be because […] the package is not good right now. It’s uh easy for the industry to say let’s not go there. If our package isn’t good or our short track package isn’t exciting our fans are not enjoying it you know it’s the one that’s going to sacrifice.”
He agreed that NASCAR is pumped about showcasing their races to a global audience, and it’s pretty awesome for the sport to hit up a new country and strut their stuff—just like the NFL and F1 do. NASCAR is aiming big, hoping to be successful enough to take their show on the road internationally and host some killer events. But as someone who loves the old-school ways, Dale Jr admits, “That’s tough for me.”
However, whether NASCAR’s move to Mexico is actually a win for the sport is still up in the air. What if fans abroad don’t get into it as much as the home crowd, who cheer on drivers from their own backyards who’ve made it big in NASCAR?
Well, this year’s race at Richmond was pretty standard fare by their standards, but honestly, the broadcast was a snoozer. NASCAR tried to spice things up a bit—rainy weather had the cars starting on wet-weather tires, making the first 30 laps pretty lively. But then, they called all the cars in for a switch to slicks during a dull, non-competitive pit stop, which really took the wind out of the sails.
After that, the talks about NASCAR moving to a new venue became even stronger. Their options aren’t endless, though. That’s why they’re eyeing an international race for 2025, with Mexico looking like the top pick. Adding a new spot means another one might get the axe.
Additionally, the buzz is building. Thanks to that Netflix docuseries, folks from all over are tuning into NASCAR, not just the traditional fan base. Like, Formula 1 wasn’t a big deal in the U.S. until Netflix dropped its ‘Drive to Survive‘ series in 2019, and look at it now.
The NFL has been growing its fan base and raking in more dough by playing games in London since 2007, and more recently, in Mexico and Canada. NASCAR might just be on a similar track. Think about it—lots of us grew up on movies like “Cars,” and those kids are all grown up now, keeping the fandom alive. And, at every race, you see loads of kids and young adults in the stands. Maybe those “Cars” movies did leave a mark.
Or it could be those who watched NASCAR with their dads and carried that passion abroad. They’ve kept their love for the sport alive, even miles away from home. That’s why, NASCAR going international could be a dream come true for several drivers and audiences.
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Lewis Hamilton has opted not to make his Ferrari debut during the post-Abu Dhabi Grand Prix test, telling future boss Frederic Vasseur he wasn’t eager to jump into the red car so soon.
While Carlos Sainz, whom Hamilton will replace at Ferrari in 2025, will test for his new team Williams after the Abu Dhabi season finale, Hamilton will be focusing on pre-arranged commitments with Mercedes.
“I don’t want to block him,” Vasseur said, referring to Sainz.
As for Hamilton, Vasseur explained that Ferrari did not pursue the matter with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, citing contractual obligations. “They have a contract, so I didn’t even ask Toto,” Vasseur said.
Hamilton admitted in Qatar that missing the test could leave him slightly disadvantaged when he begins his Ferrari tenure.
“It will definitely slow down the process and make the start of next year more difficult, but we will do everything we can to make up for it,” he said.
The seven-time world champion also shared his personal reasons for skipping the test.
“I know that Fred wanted me to do the test, but I was in two minds,” Hamilton explained. “The idea of getting behind the wheel of a red car for the first time in Abu Dhabi did not excite me too much. In an ideal world, I would like the first runs to be done without much scrutiny.
“Toto and the team had planned ahead for me to meet some sponsors and say goodbye to them, so I don’t think I would have been allowed to take part in the tests even if I had asked,” he added.
Hamilton revealed that he had informed Vasseur of his feelings well in advance. “I have a contract with Mercedes until December 31, and it is not a problem for me because I told Fred in advance that I didn’t really want to do it.”
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All Hendrick Motorsports drivers won Cup Series races this year. Kyle Larson stood out with the maximum, clinching 6 race victories. However, his teammate holds the bragging rights to achieving more than just race trophies. Chase Elliott went from a despicable season in 2023, where he injured himself and got himself suspended to snapping a 42-race winless streak. At the end of the year, he can pose with more than just race wins, having picked up the Most Popular Driver title.
Elliott brought a guest to the NASCAR Awards banquet – a blonde woman with striking blue eyes. Her presence confirmed the active status of our Hendrick Motorsports star’s dating life. His newly ordained better half recently poured her heartfelt wishes as Elliott turned 29th.
Ever since Chase Elliott failed to crack the playoffs last year, he has been on a mission. His snowboarding injury and race suspensions lent him the fury of a man redeeming himself. So this year during the April Texas race, Elliott edged out Ross Chastain on the second restart in overtime to win. Although his victories ceased after that, Elliott put up a consistent performance – clinching 11 top-fives and 19 top-tens. In spite of his dismissal from the Round of 8, Chase defended his Most Popular Driver status, winning the award for the 7th time.
To accompany him in receiving this honor was Ashley Stephenson, twinning with her new boyfriend in all-black attire. The talented hair stylist and lifestyle vlogger publicly posted a photo with Elliott at the Awards ceremony. Similarly, Anderson proudly uploaded a story on Instagram to celebrate Chase Elliott’s 29th birthday on 28th November. She proclaimed her love as she wrote, “Happiest birthday, Bubs!” She added her heartfelt 3-word message for Elliott: “Thankful for you,” and followed it up with affectionate emojis.
Not much is known about Stephenson and Elliott’s dating life. Both of them hail from Dawsonville, Georgia, and have reportedly been friends for a long time. According to rumors in the NASCAR world, Stephenson and Chase Elliott began dating each other after the Hendrick star split up with his ex-girlfriend, Kaylie Green. Stephenson works as a hairstylist and lifestyle vlogger in Dawsonville, often posting her work on Instagram. They have made multiple appearances on the racetrack together, and Ashley’s oldest picture with Chase on her profile dates back to mid-2020. Her appearance at the NASCAR Awards ceremony was their first public appearance together after a long while. She also shares a relationship with Ryan Blaney’s fiancee Gianna Tulio.
Dale Earnhardt Jr’s First Sighting in Infamous Firesuit Has NASCAR Fans Losing Their Minds.
After 17 long years, Dale Earnhardt Jr finally reclaims his legacy. The 26-time Cup race-winning veteran will sport those bright red colors on a racetrack once again. His estranged stepmother, Teresa Earnhardt, offered an olive branch this year in June, allowing Junior to buy the trademark for the No. 8. She retained rights over the long-lost Dale Earnhardt Inc. team. But the update means one thing – Junior fans can relive a nostalgic dream!
The podcast host and JR Motorsports owner is already creating a flutter with a wardrobe drop. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s loyal army of fans will see a spectacle at Florence Motor Speedway on November 23rd. A fiery red firesuit embroidered with Budweiser’s famous logo is all that the NASCAR community is drooling over right now.
That Memory Lane was a long 2000-2007 journey, sprinkled with colorful victories. Starting from the 2000 DirecTV 500 win in Texas and ending with the 2006 Crown Royal 400 win in Richmond, Dale Earnhardt Jr collected 17 victories for Dale Earnhardt Inc. What stood out was his iconic bright red Budweiser fire suit that clung to the icon’s tired body during every Victory Lane celebration. From 2007, Dale Jr shifted to Hendrick Motorsports, as his stepmother tightened her control over DEI and the No. 8 logo. 17 years later, that scenario has finally changed.
Ahead of the upcoming spectacle in the South Carolina 400 race at Florence, Dale Earnhardt Jr dropped a teaser. A NASCAR fan shared a picture of modern-day Dale Jr smiling his heart out in the legendary ruby-red firesuit, holding a Budweiser beer can. The post caption encapsulated the soaring emotions of numerous fans’ hearts: “If you ever wanted to see present day @DaleJr in a Budweiser firesuit, here ya go.” Being under lock and key for so long, the famous logo will feature where it rightfully belongs – on the firesuit and car of Dale Jr, under his team JR Motorsports.
Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Florence entry will also mark the “Bud King of Beers” paint scheme’s first time on the track in 17 years. “It is an incredible opportunity for me to be able to reunite with Budweiser, and the No. 8,” Earnhardt, 50, said of the ride he made famous from 1999 to 2007. “Budweiser and I had some great memories with that iconic scheme and number. We’ve always supported each other over the years. It’s going to be really special for me to be able to represent that brand on the racetrack again.”
After all, Dale Earnhardt Jr has several precious memories in this firesuit. Less than four months after his father, the Intimidator, passed away in Daytona, Dale Jr roared back to win on the same track. Leading 116 of 200 laps, he won the Pepsi 400, and the pit crew, competitors, and fans all roared when he climbed out of his car in Victory Lane. Now that the same victory outfit is back in business, fans are ecstatic for more memories. One fan wrote, “Seeing him in a bud suit…nature has healed just a tiny bit more. The way I miss the old days though…” Another fan heaved a sigh of relief that we would be able to relive the golden era of NASCAR again. “All is right in the world,” they wrote.
Dale Earnhardt Jr holds the classic No. 8 close to his heart – given the numerous tracks he conquered wearing it. For instance, he won four of six Talladega races wearing Budweiser’s suit, the best memory coming in April 2002 when he led 133 laps. So the veteran sports an infectious smile while wearing that glorious suit today – enough to mesmerize fans. “Junior’s enthusiasm for everything NASCAR really is infectious. So glad he was/is my favorite driver,” somebody wrote.
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