Dale Earnhardt Jr. has not driven in the NASCAR Cup Series since his retirement at the conclusion of the 2017 season. Earnhardt Jr., 48, has competed in select starts with JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series since the 2018 season.
This 48-year-old broadcaster will be competing in two Xfinity Series races during the 2023 NASCAR season. Earnhardt Jr. already announced he would run the night race at Bristol Motor Speedway in September. The other race has not been announced as of now.
Normally, he would run one race during the Xfinity Series season but as stated above, there will be an extra event on his plate in 2023. However, there is another race that NASCAR fans have been asking for Earnhardt to run this season.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. gives final answer on running the NASCAR All-Star Race in 2023
Earnhardt Jr. was a driving force in the revival of North Wilkesboro Speedway and will compete in more races at the venue this year. This has created questions about whether he will attempt the NASCAR All-Star Race this season.
The NASCAR All-Star Race was moved from Texas Motor Speedway to North Wilkesboro Speedway with hopes of making the event special again. It will be an incredible weekend that many did not expect a few years ago.
Earnhardt Jr. was asked on his podcast, The Dale Jr. Download, whether he would run the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro and gave what is likely his final answer on the subject.
“I don’t know that I’ve had an invite to do (the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway). I’m not going to run in it.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his status for the NASCAR All-Star Race this season
This is a disappointing thing to hear for NASCAR fans; however, there does not appear to be an opportunity for Earnhardt Jr. to attempt the event. The Hall-of-Famer also does not have a clear connection to the Cup Series right now due to Hendrick Motorsports having four entries.
The No. 91 car for Trackhouse Racing will always be an option for drivers looking to make a start but Earnhardt Jr. already has races to focus on in the middle of the week. Plus, the organization is focusing on road courses with an announcement coming relatively soon.
Earnhardt Jr. won’t be back in the Cup Series as of now but never say never about a future start. Perhaps, the right opportunity could present itself if JR Motorsports finally makes the jump to NASCAR’s top level.