In a heartwarming reunion with his racing past, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is set to make a special return to Homestead-Miami Speedway. A place filled with nostalgic memories of the NASCAR legend This weekend, the legendary driver will compete in his final Xfinity race in 2023. And as he gears up for the race, he shares emotional reflections on his past, where he won two consecutive Xfinity Championships in 1998 and 1999.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. hasn’t graced the NASCAR track for more than a single race in a season since his retirement. However, Homestead-Miami Speedway holds a special place in his heart. It’s not just about the victories. It’s about having his father watch him race and win. As he recalls these cherished moments, the emotions run high, and the memories come flooding back.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. gets emotional as he gears up for his final race in 2023

During the mid-90s, Earnhardt Jr. ran in about 160 Late Model races. But there was a poignant absence. His father never had the chance to watch him compete. However, that all changed when Dale Earnhardt Sr. witnessed his son’s triumph at the Xfinity Championships in 1998 and 1999.

As Dale Earnhardt Jr. gears up for his race at Homestead, he emotionally reflects on that time, stating, “So here I am driving a car with the No. 3 on it, just like my dad, at a track that he’s at watching. You know, I ran 159 Late Model races in the mid-’90s, and my dad never saw one. So, imagine going to the Xfinity Series in 98 and 99 and getting to race in front of him. It was a blast to win with him at the track, watching. The 1999 Busch Series Championship was really important.”

For Dale Jr., the 1998 Championship was unexpected and wild, an exhilarating surprise. But 1999 had a different feel, a sense of inevitability. “Nobody has a faster car, nobody has the crew that I have, all of us together, we’re unstoppable,” he said.

The presence of his father watching over him, along with a dedicated team, made it all the more special. The camaraderie with his crew members, especially Tony Sr. and Tony Jr., was a bond he cherishes to this day. “It was so special. And I never recreated that [for] the rest of my life. One thing I miss about those days is that we loved each other, we were family. We really did look out for each other and cherish the success we had together on the racetrack.”

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While Dale Jr. is ready to take on Homestead Miami once again, one of his predictions for the Cup Series is getting him some negative attention.

Dale Jr. responds to backlash over his Championship 4 predictions

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Earlier this year, Dale Earnhardt Jr. made a prediction regarding the Championship 4 contenders, omitting Kyle Larson. But his prediction turned out to be wrong, as Larson secured his place with a win in Las Vegas. This led to an onslaught of backlash on social media. However, the NASCAR Hall of Famer is not one to waver or change his stance.

Junior argued that predicting the Championship 4 should be a committed decision. During a recent episode of his podcast, he responded to the criticism, stating, “Here’s the deal. This is so convenient for everybody else. You get to just kinda decide who your Championship 4 is on a whim.”

In a firm tone, Earnhardt Jr. asserted, “But me, you know what? I don’t think you’re allowed to change. I picked my Championship 4 many, many months ago.” He’s committed to sticking with his original prediction and is unswayed by recent results, saying, “If you’ve got a different opinion, then it’s fine. But don’t give me a load of sh*t that I didn’t pick Larson because my 4 was way back. I’m not looking off the most recent results.”

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This unapologetic stance reminds us that in the world of NASCAR, predictions are made with conviction. And a true racing fan stands by their picks, regardless of the ever-changing tides of the sport.