After retiring from the Cup Series in 2017, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has engaged in several ventures. One of them includes participating in the Xfinity Series in a limited capacity every year. For this year, Junior decided to compete at Bristol Motor Speedway in September. However, with strong rumors circulating that this might be his last Xfinity race participation, it has disappointed the fans.

It is no secret how the fans still adore Dale Earnhardt Jr. Despite his presence, mainly seen in the broadcast booths and his podcast, the former Hendrick Motorsports driver remains a popular face in NASCAR. Last year, he raced at Bristol and was on course for an impressive finish. However, a fire on his #88 car spoiled everything.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. in search for redemption

Ever since his retirement, Dale Earnhardt Jr. preferred to compete in select races in the Xfinity Series. Normally, he tends to race at short tracks like Martinsville Speedway, Richmond Raceway, Darlington Raceway, and Homestead-Miami Speedway. While he ran two races last year, this year it will be only at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Last year, while driving his #88 Chevrolet Camaro, Junior looked in a good position to win the race. Having led 47 laps, he could have gone all the way had smoke not filled his cockpit. Unfortunately, despite being close to an impressive finish, he finished P30 because the shifter tunnel column caught fire and burned the bottom of his uniform.

That said, he will be back in Bristol this year to make amends. Having competed in at least one race in the Xfinity Series since 2001, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will race the same car as last year. While he confirmed it through a social media post, he clarified that the car is totally stripped and rebuilt. It is worth noting that the car will be sponsored by longtime partner Hellmann’s.

Dale Jr. loves racing, but considering his comments in June earlier this year, it felt this could be his last race in the Xfinity Series. Back then, he said, “I don’t really share this publicly — but every year, I pretty much feel like it could be my last. I’m going into this race at Bristol this year knowing that it might be the last one I run. There’s nothing that really makes that decision. It’s just last year was a lot of fun, led some laps. But it is a big commitment.”

Interestingly, Dale Earnhardt Jr. competing at Bristol next weekend will be his 147th Xfinity Series start. While he has enjoyed victories both in the Cup Series and the Xfinity Series at the half-mile track, he would love to secure his 25th Xfinity win. A win or not, Junior’s fans would be delighted to see him back on the track. However, they seem to be disheartened.

Fans fear the legend might not continue after the Xfinity Series race at Bristol

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It is amazing how Dale Earnhardt Jr. has managed to continue competing in the Xfinity Series despite his hectic schedule. Perhaps, it speaks more of his passion for the sport. Nevertheless, his fans couldn’t have asked for more, especially with Junior not returning with broadcaster NBC Sports this year.

However, it is rumored that Junior will return in some capacity with Amazon and Warner Bros. next year. Either way, nothing beats the excitement of him running a race. While it is likely that the race in Bristol next week might be his last in the Xfinity Series, it has been difficult to digest, especially for his beloved fans.

One fan on social media thought this wasn’t true. “I hope this isn’t your last Xfinity race. I’m hoping whenever Wilkesboro gets an Xfinity date that you’ll enter that race.” Another fan spoke on similar lines. He said, “I really hope Friday isn’t your final NASCAR race but if it is thank you for all the awesome memories and give’em hell! Gonna enjoy the hell out of all 300 laps.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has given some amazing memories to his fanbase throughout his racing career. Understandably, one fan thanked him for competing in Bristol this year. He said, “I think you probably realize it, but I hope you know how much fun it was to turn the clock back as fans last year. We’ll be returning ticket buyers this year and can’t wait. Thanks for doing it.” 

Another fan understanding this might be Junior’s last had a special request for him. He said, “Please go back to Bristol 1 more time last year. I’m 1 among many that couldn’t go this year because of the economic crisis.”

Truly, Dale Jr.’s fans adore him like anything. No wonder they are disheartened by the fact he could not run in NASCAR anymore. Now, all eyes would be on Bristol next week. The hope is that Junior wins the race but also that he continues competing in the Xfinity races as long as possible.