Besides the fast cars, rumbling V8s, and dramatic stunts, the NASCAR Cup Series drivers are also known for their ridiculously long careers, spanning more than 20 years. Longevity has always been associated with a legendary status. From 3-time Cup Series champion, Tony Stewart to the sport’s most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr, most of the sport’s greats have had long careers.

Being on top of their game for close to 10-15 years is certainly not everyone’s forte. In fact, there’s a new trend where younger generation racers are calling it a day, once they feel like their time is over. But there are legends that still give it a go just for the thrill and excitement of it.

The 7-time Cup Series champion, Jimmie Johnson is a perfect example of this. Now coming to the talk of the town, in the recent The Dale Jr. Download podcast, the conversation took a sharp detour into the matter with Dale Jr breaking down the hot topic with a simple analogy.

Dale Earnhardt Jr busts the myth with a simple analogy

Even after his retirement in 2017, Dale Jr is still a prominent face in the sport. Inspiring thousands, the 2-time Daytona winner has had a long and tumultuous career in the organization’s top-tier division. While his career was riddled with bumps and bangs, eventually prompting the veteran to take a break from it after receiving major head trauma, he still races occasionally.

Though drivers are still racing at the highest level with illustrious careers, the love and drive towards the sport have sort of taken a back seat. Speaking on his popular podcast, the JR Motorsports co-owner and his manager got to this topic deep with Mike Davis arguing that 20 years in the Cup Series is a long time while Dale Jr gave his honest impression.

With the podcast series reaching 493 episodes, 7 short of 500, the conversation took a sharp turn toward drivers’ careers and longevity. Davis felt like 500 career starts were too long, saying, “I’m gonna lower it from 500, say 250, I’ll split it,” said Davis. 

To which Junior said, “Easy to get man. That’s mid-career, 7 years that’s like the middle of the road.” Both friends then started a rant with Davis expressing that 20 years would be a stretch for the younger drivers despite them starting their careers in their mid-20s. Whereas Dale Jr argued saying that’s one of the reasons they’ll have an even longer career. 

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The other is the monetary benefit that comes with racing, the 47-year-old did not hesitate to say this. He said, “That’s what everybody says, they all last because they all love that money, they ain’t going nowhere. I dont know any driver that are getting fazed out at 35, 37 years old…..These guys are hanging around 240 at least.”

While older drivers are sticking to the sport because of their undying passion for the sport, the new generation of drivers(not all but some) are simply in it for the money that comes with being the sport. As mentioned earlier JJ is a perfect example of this, even with his prime years in the past, Johnson still fields a car to the track, putting on the helmet just for the thrill of it.

Dale Jr graces his fans with a fascinating collaboration with HMS’ ace driver

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Lernerville Speedway witnessed an awesome collaboration when NASCAR’s most popular driver for 15 consecutive times, Dale Jr graced the crowd for a fascinating collaboration. Junior came to Lernerville on Tuesday night to spectate the High Limit Sprint Car Series $50,000-to-win Commonwealth Clash.

The veteran then joined Kyle Larson and his co-host Brad Sweet for a live podcast session with his manager alongside him. Owned by Brad Sweet, the High Limit Sprint Car Series is currently in its inaugural season. Dale Jr then sat down for a live podcast on a stage near the flag stand in front of the grandstands.

Seeing the crowd, enthusiastic to see him, Dale Jr said this was the first time he had been to a winged Sprint car race. According to TRIBlive, he said, “I appreciate everyone being here, Mike Davis and I are excited to come and see the racing tonight. I’ve been to pretty much any kind of race except a winged sprint car race. I’ve been watching on TV for years but have never had a chance to go to one.” 

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The veteran recent outing certainly is a testament to his popularity, even after his retirement from the sport 6 years ago, Dale Jr is still the heartthrob of fans.