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LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 16: Dale Earnhardt Jr. on camera prior to the start of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff South Point 400, on October 16, 2022, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV.(Photo by Christopher Trim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 16: Dale Earnhardt Jr. on camera prior to the start of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff South Point 400, on October 16, 2022, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV.(Photo by Christopher Trim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Being a part of the Olympics is a bestowed honor to any athlete across any sport in the world. The quadrennial event stands atop the world’s most prestigious sports competitions and is proof of an athlete’s caliber. In its immemorial history, it has given a place to various sports, and reportedly, motorsports seem to be in contention to get their chance. Unsurprisingly, Dale Earnhardt Jr had his say on it.
In recent news, this is one field the governing bodies are hoping to add to their event. Naturally, it has got racing enthusiasts across the world on the edge of their seats. While it is an interesting prospect, is it really possible?
Dale Earnhardt Jr still skeptical about the addition of motorsports to the Olympics
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The year 2028 could prove to be a turning point in the history of motorsports. With the organizers considering introducing it at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, they hope to widen the event’s spectrum. Dale Earnhardt Jr described his experience going through the news of the inclusion on his podcast The Dale Jr Download.
“I thought this was bulls**t when I saw this.” says the 2 x Daytona 500 winner. “In the Sports Illustrated, motorsports is being considered for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles? I don’t know, sounds hard to believe.”
I remember carrying the torch for the Olympics through Charlotte in 2001. I still have the outfit and torch. #Olympics2018
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 10, 2018
It is understandable why he was awestruck by the news. The only time the Olympics allowed any racing was at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. If the plan goes through successfully, it could become a regular occurrence in future events. Junior’s co-host Mike Davis had the million-dollar question on his mind as he enquired, “Hard to believe but if it was happening, would you love it?”
Junior affirmed his support for it as he goes on to name the other sports being considered apart from his forte. He said, “So there’s some other sports that are being considered. Flag football, cricket, baseball/softball, lacrosse, break dancing.”
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The organizing committee has not provided any hints so far about what form of racing or cars they are looking to bring in, but the vision of getting an environment-friendly and sustainable option in electric cars is highly possible.
Nevertheless, it is exciting to know how things turn out eventually. Having said that, it wouldn’t be the first time motorsport drivers would be seen representing their respective countries.
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Kyle Busch and brother Kurt Busch have raced at a country-level competition before
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If motorsports are indeed included in the Olympics, it will follow the suite of country-based representation like every other sport. Even individual sports like tennis have gone down the same road and stars of the sport have arrived at the event as representatives of their homelands. Yet, this is not something unique in the world of motorsports either.
What a privilege to be able to coach @kamui_kobayashi this week. Reminds me of “Race of Champions” pic.twitter.com/CBTqp7IDoz
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) August 13, 2023
Since 1988, the world-famous tourney, the Race of Champions has invited drivers from different circuits and disciplines to fight for the title. NASCAR legends like Kyle and Kurt Busch have also been previous participants in the widely acclaimed tournament. The competition focuses on giving the drivers an equal footing with neutral cars and is a great initiative for an annual racing event.
Another competition that followed a similar style was the A1 Grand Prix. From 2005 to 2009, it hosted multiple races in their season and had drivers being flagbearers of their respective countries. It also gave birth to some promising careers like Supercars driver and two-time Bathurst 1000 winner Will Davison and IndyCar driver Ryan Briscoe.
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If things go as planned for the 2028 Olympics, this will be a great boost for the motorsports community. Considering the abundance of racing talent across the world, it provides another great platform for the drivers to showcase their skills and most importantly as a representative of their country.
