Dale Earnhardt Jr is undoubtedly one of NASCAR’s most popular drivers. Even after his retirement in 2017, the 2-time Daytona winner still is the heartthrob for many fans, especially because of the driver’s humble personality and his down-to-earth demeanor. While the Cup Series action reaches the final of round of the playoff 16 at Bristol next week, Junior is gearing up for his yearly tradition.

The NASCAR commentator publically expressed his nervousness in the booth with his fellow commentators, Steve Letarte and Rick Allen.

Dale Earnhardt Jr bites his nails as the veteran puts on his race suit for Bristol

As the action reaches the gates of Bristol Motor Speedway next week, the NASCAR fandom is as frenzy as ever, awaiting the return of their favorite driver. While NASCAR’s most popular driver for a whopping 14 consecutive times left the fans in tears after lingering effects of head trauma he received during his time, next week’s Xfinity Series race on Friday will feature the 48-year-old putting on the helmet.

The scene is about to become colorful and cheerful in NASCAR nation, especially for Dale Jr and #88 fanatics. Ever since his retirement from the sport’s top-tier division back in 2017, the veteran has kept a tradition going. That is to appear in an Xfinity Series race every season.

Reflecting on the driver’s upcoming race, the commentary booth lit up. Rick Allen asked him what he would be doing next week’s race. To this, Dale Jr in his usual manner, said, “I don’t know.” Allen then mocked the driver, “Racing?” The trio including Dale Jr’s former HMS crew chief, Steve Letarte, who was in the booth alongside the veteran burst with laughter, hearing the obvious response.

Watch This Story: Dale Earnhardt Jr’s dilemma: Losing a prized pupil to Spire Motorsports 

He then revealed his nervousness, saying, “I’m nervous. I’m trying to not get nervous about this, I always sort of, my wife will tell you a month before I’m going to drive a race car I get really nervous and get hard to be around.”

While Dale Jr. is putting on the helmet to be inside the #88 JR Motorsports car, the 48-year-old also opened up about his driver getting picked up by a rival team.

Dale Jr’s JRM prodigy gets a push up the ladder

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Despite retiring from the sport, Dale Jr hasn’t been sitting idle. The veteran and his NASCAR team, his sister, and Rick Hendrick has been a major head-turner. Especially for bringing up drivers from the lower divisions into NASCAR’s elite and top-tier division, the Cup Series.

Josh Berry is the latest on that list. And one look at JRM’s Xfinity drivers and you’ll see why. It includes Sam Mayer, Justin Allgaier, Brandon Jones, and Berry himself, all aspiring and skilled drivers. Dale Jr’s Cars Tour driver, Carson Kvapil who also drives for Pinnacle Racing in ARCA Menards Series got a massive opportunity to drive for Spire Motorsports in the upcoming Truck Series race at Bristol.

While the youngster is currently a part-timer, if he delivers this weekend, he will have a shot at being a full-timer and climbing further up the ladder to the world of Cup Series. Reflecting on his driver’s situation, Dale Jr. expressed his emotion, saying, “It’s a little bit of a double-edged sword… kinda happy, kinda sad about it. Carson’s done such an amazing job for us in the CARS tour, but these opportunities you have to take.”

Read More: Dale Earnhardt Jr Builds Intrigue After Leaving a Crypted Message for Jimmie Johnson