Dale Earnhardt Jr. is heading back to a place that feels like home—North Wilkesboro Speedway. NASCAR’s All-Star Weekend is almost here, and fans just got some exciting news. The fan-favourite, former Cup Series star, team owner, and full-time racing ambassador confirmed he’ll be part of the big event later this month.
While he’s not going to suit up in race gear yet, the announcement has NASCAR fans excited. The event runs from May 16–18 and will shine the spotlight on a track that’s deeply rooted in NASCAR’s history. And with Earnhardt in the house, it’s sure to feel even more special.
A Legend on and off the Track
Earnhardt retired from full-time NASCAR Cup Series racing at the end of the 2017 season. He won the legendary Daytona 500 twice. He had also been voted the Most Popular Driver for 15 consecutive years from 2003 to 2017.
But stepping away didn’t mean checking out. Earnhardt’s still got his hands all over the sport. He’s the co-owner of JR Motorsports, a powerhouse in the Xfinity Series. He’s also one of the voices of NASCAR as a broadcaster, and he’s keeping short track racing alive through the CARS Tour. The veteran wears more hats than a souvenir stand at Daytona.
This year, NASCAR has mixed things up a bit for the All-Star Race. Fans can expect two heat races, a 100-lap All-Star Open, and a 250-lap main event. Plus, new twists like a Manufacturer Showdown, Promoter’s Caution, and the return of the Pit Crew Challenge have been added to spice things up.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Wants More Than Just a Seat in the Grandstands
On X (formerly Twitter), Earnhardt confirmed he’ll be attending the race after North Wilkesboro Speedway asked fans if they’d be showing up. Without skipping a beat, Earnhardt replied with a simple ‘waving hand’ emoji. That one post was enough to set off waves of enthusiasm among his loyal fan base.
Earnhardt has always been one to speak his mind, and he’s not shy about offering ways to improve the All-Star format. Earlier in his own podcast, he had pitched ideas to make the All-Star Race even more exciting. He had said, “I got a solution. This All-Star Race is, it’s an exhibition, no points.”
“And I know that, and this will never happen, but for the last handful of years, there’s been some conversation – when the All-Star Race was at Bristol a couple years ago before Wilkesboro came back, there were some calls and conversation going around of getting Jeff Gordon, myself, and some other drivers into the All-Star Race,” he added.
READ: NASCAR Veteran Stuns Dale Earnhardt Jr. With Untold Story About Dale Sr.
With him showing up at North Wilkesboro and throwing out ideas, maybe we’re one step closer to seeing him in a race car again—even if it is just for fun. Until then, fans will gladly take his presence and energy in the stands, pit road, or wherever he decides to pop up.