Dale Earnhardt Jr. hesitates to rule out NASCAR return amid potential JRM sponsor interest

Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently touched upon his future in NASCAR racing. The Stock car racing driver, team owner, and broadcaster confirmed that he would not be racing in NASCAR next year. However, he has left the door open for a potential return if it would benefit his team, JR Motorsport.

Since retiring from full-time Cup Series racing in 2017, Earnhardt Jr. has made occasional appearances in the Xfinity Series. He drove the #88 Chevrolet Camaro for JR Motorsport in the 2023 Contender Boats 300 at Homestead.

As things stand, the 49-year-old will not be racing in 2025 but has kept his return option open for 2026. However, he has left the door open for a potential return in 2026, provided it aligns with the best interests of his team. Ahead of the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway, he expressed his thoughts on this matter, saying,

"Well, I'm not planning on racing next year. I'll be foolish to say I'm never gonna run again because I don't know well enough to stay away from it and I'll probably miss it next year and be absolutely willing to sign up for anything that might be beneficial to JR Motorsport." (0:08-0:26)

"I don't have requirement to run next year so, I may just not do that, you know. I will miss it terribly and regret that I didn't race, and probably in 2026. Finally, I can go somewhere and compete in the Xfinity Series again," he added. (0:52-1:12)

Interestingly, according to Deb Williams of Autoweek.com, Earnhardt Jr. will continue to race in the Late Model Series in 2025 alongside fulfilling his television obligations.

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What led Dale Earnhardt Jr. to go on a hiatus in 2025?

Xfinity Series driver Justin Allgaier (7) of JR Motorsport (Source: Imagn)

During the media interaction ahead of the Bristol Motor Speedway race this weekend, Dale Earnhardt Jr. explained why he was able to take a short break from NASCAR racing in 2025. He mentioned that the #7 car driven by Justin Allgaier already has strong sponsors, which puts JR Motorsport in a good position.

"I have to remind fans and people that follow us that I run this race and have ran this race over the last several years because of the big benefit that it is to JR Motorsports," Earnhardt Jr. said. "It’s a package deal where Hellman’s and Unilever has put their logos on Justin’s [Allgaier] car and it’s helped fill out that car." (0:27-0:51)

Allgaier, 38, driving the #7 Chevrolet Camaro for JR Motorsport, is currently leading the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship with 901 points. He is ahead of Cole Custer and Chandler Smith in the standings.