Dale Earnhardt Jr. gives an upbeat response to Marco Andretti's sleeping before the “ball drop” question on New Year’s Eve

Retired NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. seems to be ready for the New Year's festivities based on a recent social media post. In response to 15-year IndyCar Series veteran Marco Andretti questioning who will be able to stay awake for the New Year's ball to drop in New York City, Earnhardt revealed his plans for the holiday.

Marco, grandson of racing legend Mario Andretti and son of the 1991 CART champion Michael Andretti, took to X to humorously ask his followers whether they believe they can stay up until midnight to witness the new year, adding that he believes he might not be able to.

"How many of you guys will be asleep before the ball drops tnite? I feel like I’m getting to that age but I’m hanging strong 🤣🎉 Happy New Year!" Andretti wrote.

This led Earnhardt to drop a hilarious response that revealed what he plans to do on New Year's Eve. The 26-time Cup Series winner said he believes his plans will make for a great time.

"I'm drinking my first beers with lunch and gone see where the day goes. High potential for a good time," he wrote.

Earnhardt's Xfinity Series team, Jr. Motorsports, captured its fourth championship this past season with Justin Allgaier wheeling his #7 Chevrolet to his first career title as a driver. Allgaier won two races in 2024 at Darlington and Michigan, respectively, while placing runner-up in the championship race at Phoenix to secure the title.

Earnhardt returned to the Xfinity Series this past season when he got behind the wheel of the #88 Chevrolet at the Bristol Motor Speedway. He ended up placing seventh in the event.

Meanwhile, Andretti made his annual start in the prestigious Indianapolis 500 in the IndyCar Series this past season, where he finished 25th. Andretti also competed part-time in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series as he made five starts for Roper Racing in the #04 truck. He finished a best of 25th at Indianapolis Raceway Park.

---

Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently announced plans to race in Georgia in April

While he might not be behind the wheel in the NASCAR Cup Series anymore, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is still racing elsewhere. The NASCAR Hall of Famer recently took to social media to reveal his plans for an upcoming race in April of 2025.

The 15-time Most Popular Driver of NASCAR revealed a new look to his late model stock car in an Instagram post. Bass Pro Shops will be the primary sponsor as Earnhardt plans to race at the Cordele Motor Speedway in Georgia next year.

"New year, new car. Bass Pro Chevy is headed to Georgia in April. I’m thrilled to add Cordele to the short list of events I’ll be racing in 2025. Tickets will be available towards end of January," Earnhardt wrote.

Earnhardt will also be joining the TNT Sports/Amazon NASCAR broadcast team in 2025. He previously worked with NBC Sports from 2018-2023.