Since retiring as a full-time Cup Driver in 2017, Dale Earnhardt Jr has raced just once every year in the Xfinity Series. However, he is revving up for a double comeback this fall, with his second race just around the corner. The starting lineup of the Contender Boats 250 has been decided.

Cole Custer clinched the pole position, blazing through with a lap at 165.604 mph, and John Hunter Nemechek, a playoff contender, secured a spot right beside him. Dale Jr, however, could only manage the 23rd slot. The positioning seems to have offered him a fresh perspective on the fierce competition, a sentiment echoed in a recent tweet he shared with his followers.

Dale Earnhardt Jr regrets taking the track for granted

Despite his full-time retreat from the NASCAR Cup Series at the close of the 2017 season, Dale Earnhardt Jr has sustained his fervor for racing. This includes an annual foray into the Xfinity Series, with memorable appearances at circuits like Richmond Raceway, Darlington Raceway, and Homestead-Miami Speedway. His rides were often adorned with Unilever’s Hellmann brand sponsorship. However, 2023 marks a departure from the norm for Dale Jr. Instead of his signature one-off Xfinity Series race, he’s gearing up for a second thrilling stint. This dynamic shift takes us back to 2017 when used to be a steadfast presence in the Cup Series.

Sporting the Bass Pro Shops colors, thanks to a longstanding alliance with JR Motorsports, Junior is poised to storm the Homestead circuit this weekend in the Contender Boats 250. Across his six Xfinity Series ventures at Homestead, Junior’s track record boasts four top-8 finishes, peaking with a runner-up spot in 1999 and a commendable fifth place just three years ago. His pinnacle in 17 Cup Series races at Homestead was a stellar P3 in 2013.

Yet, the recent 23rd position in the practice was a wake-up call for Dale Jr. It illuminated the sheer intensity of the competition and the extra mile he might need to traverse for a laudable finish. Particularly in Homestead, a track that he recently described for its treacherous walls demanding mastery of the Highline or “ripping the fence” technique—a skill he admittedly hadn’t recently honed.

Echoing these sentiments on social media, he mused, “Had top 10 speed in practice. Disappointed with my Q effort but I ain’t sure what I needed to do to be better there. Excited to be in the show though. Take nothing for granted. Tomorrow will be fun. 😀 @BassProShops”

Moreover, addressing fans’ concerns regarding his Bristol car, which had previously caught fire, Dale Jr also shed light on the enhanced safety measures in a recent podcast.

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Dale Jr provides an update about the safety improvements in his car that caught fire

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In the wake of the heart-stopping moment when his car was engulfed in flames, Dale Earnhardt Jr has been proactive in putting fans’ worries to rest. Ensuring that history wouldn’t dare to repeat itself, his team has made significant safety enhancements to his vehicle.

On a recent segment of The Dale Jr. Download podcast, Junior’s enthusiasm was palpable. “Alright everybody, this weekend, I’m leaving actually tomorrow to go to Homestead and buckle back into our Xfinity car for the race this weekend. I’m really excited about this. It is the same car we raced to Bristol,” he shared. Addressing the fiery elephant in the room, he added, “Yes, we fixed the problems that created the small fire we had in the cockpit. So all of that is taken care of. Looking forward to getting out on the track. I was able to get into the sim this week and do a lot of laps, and try to prepare.”

With the stage set, all eyes will be on this iconic racer. Given his vast theoretical knowledge of the track, it promises to be a spectacle watching him translate that into action!

Read more: Dale Earnhardt Jr Raises Concerns Over NASCAR’s Inefficient Penalties Despite Being Onboard With Their Plan