"Every year I feel could be my last": Dale Earnhardt Jr. uncertain about future Xfinity run, targets Late Model charge

NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently opened up about the uncertainty surrounding his future in the Xfinity Series. He also spoke about his increasing interest in running Late Models for the rest of his racing career.

Following his retirement from NASCAR, Dale Jr. has made a handful of starts in the Xfinity Series. Between 2018 and 2022, he made a single start in his #88 JR Motorsports Chevy every year, with two starts last season. He has already announced his entry for the Food City 300 this year.

In a recent interview with Fox Sports, Dale Earnhardt Jr. opened up about the uncertainty surrounding his part-time Xfinity entries. The 49-year-old mentioned that every year feels like it could be his last, as entering an Xfinity event demands a significant commitment.

"The Xfinity car, every year I pretty much feel like it could be my last. So I'm going into Bristol this year knowing that it might be the last one I run. There is nothing that really makes that decision... but it is a big commitment," Junior said.

In recent years, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has shifted focus to late-model racing, entering multiple races in a year. He recently participated in the CARS Tour race in New River. Junior reckons he will continue racing late models for the next 10 years until he feels he is too old to compete with the younger drivers.

"I want to run my late model for a really long time. I imagine when I get to around 60, I'll be probably considering it's too old to be battling some of these younger guys. So I got about a 10-year runway to do everything I want to do with my late model."

While Dale Earnhardt Jr's future in the NASCAR Xfinity Series beyond 2024 is uncertain, he will return behind the wheel of his #88 Chevy for the Food City 300 on September 20.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. elaborates on his criteria for Xfinity return

The JR Motorsports owner explained during the same interview that despite Xfinity races requiring a significant commitment and prep time, he will continue to participate as long as he runs well in the races.

Dale Jr at Bristol Motor Speedway

Last year, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was poised for a top-five finish at Bristol until a fire in his cockpit forced him to retire. In his second start at Homestead-Miami Speedway, he fetched a top-five result.

"But as long as we're running good, like we did, we ran so much better than thought we would at Bristol last year. And as long as that's happening, I think I'll always want to keep coming back," he told Fox Sports.

Dale Jr.'s last Xfinity Series victory dates back to 2016 at Richmond Raceway. Given his impressive performance at Bristol last year, the 49-year-old will be in the mix in this year's event.