Photo Credit: Noel Lanier/OnPitRoad.com
On Tuesday, Dale Earnhardt Jr announced he would be retiring from NASCAR at the end of the 2017 season. The announcement shocked the world of auto racing. Fans, members of the media and sports insiders all knew it would happen one day, but nonetheless, were still stunned by the announcement.
Social media and NASCAR themed television and radio shows lit up with opinions of why he made the announcement and what’s next for the sport.
Some fans already expected this day was coming….
Drivers were very supportive of the decision…..
Other fans have opined that this will be the end of NASCAR and without out Dale Jr, already struggling ticket sales would fall to all-time lows…
There is little doubt in anyone’s mind that Dale Earnhardt Jr. is one of the most popular drivers, not just within the current generation of drivers, but in the history of the sport of NASCAR. In fact, based on popularity, one could easily argue that he has reached iconic status. Not only has he performed well, he has overcome the extreme pressure of fan’s expectations that his results would mimic that of his legendary father. Not to mention the fact that he seems to be a genuinely, down to earth good guy. He has the type of personality we need in this sport. It will be missed, without a doubt.
We must remember, however, we have had drivers reach “iconic” status before. They left the sport, and the sport survived.
Richard Petty is a legend. He had a legion of fans that a star from any sport would envy. Not only was he a great driver on the track scoring 200 wins and seven championships, he was very popular for being so fan friendly. When it was announced he would retire in 1992, many fans did not know how the sport would ever be the same. Though slightly different, it continued to grow. We had other stars such as Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Bill Elliott who were very popular. We also had up and coming stars such as Jeff Gordon to provide a long future. At the end of the 1992 season, the sport did not skip a beat.
When we tragically lost Dale Earnhardt Sr. in 2001, many fans thought it was over. There is no way NASCAR could continue without the Intimidator. But it did. Gordon had developed a following and was the hottest driver in the sport. We also had Dale Earnhardt Jr. to carry on the Earnhardt name. Though the sport did mourn for while, it did not skip a beat.
Now with the retirement of Earnhardt Jr., the fan base will be concerned for a while, and there will be much discussion for the remainder of this season about what’s next. But, there is still a plethora of stars and storylines that will keep the sport going.
Jimmie Johnson with a chance to win his record setting eighth championship. Kyle Larson having his breakout season. Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney impressing everyone with fantastic sophomore seasons. The new stage format. There are so many great things going on in NASCAR this year. The true fans of the sport of auto racing will still be here watching, listening and attending races. Just like Earnhardt Jr. himself will.
Icons come and icons go, but there will be new icons to take their place.
At the end of the 2017 season, NASCAR will not skip a beat.
