Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Step Away in 2025, and Martin Truex Jr. Is Feeling the Absence
Dale Earnhardt Jr. shocked NASCAR fans ahead of the 2024 Cheddar’s 300 when he announced that he would be taking a break from racing in 2025. After years of racing in the Xfinity Series as part of a deal with sponsors Unilever and Hellmann’s, Junior will not compete in at least one race that year, as the sponsor has waived the requirement for 2025. The announcement marked the end of an era for the fan-favorite driver, who has made sporadic appearances in the series since 2015.
“I don’t have a requirement to run next year. I will miss it terribly,” Earnhardt Jr. said, acknowledging the emotional challenge of stepping away. Though he’s not closing the door entirely on future racing, he confirmed that
For many, Earnhardt Jr.’s absence will leave a significant void—not just among fans, but among his peers in the NASCAR community. One driver particularly feeling the loss is Martin Truex Jr., who has shared a long friendship with Junior, dating back to their early days together at Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI). Truex, who will also retire from full-time racing in 2025, expressed how much Junior’s decision impacted him, reflecting on their deep bond and years of shared memories.
In a touching moment on the *Dale Jr. Download* podcast, Truex recalled their time living together early in his career. “We spent a ton of time… hanging out, going to bars in the middle of the week, running around on the farm being idiots,” Truex remembered fondly. Their friendship blossomed during those formative years, and Earnhardt Jr. played a pivotal role in Truex’s early career success.
Truex also shared how important Earnhardt Jr. was to him during his Cup Series championship win in 2017. Dale Jr. and his wife, Amy, were among the first to congratulate Truex in person, a selfless gesture considering Junior’s own quest for a Cup title never materialized.
In light of Earnhardt Jr.’s planned break, Truex expressed a desire to race alongside his longtime friend one last time before they both retire from full-time competition. “Can you do one more year in the Xfinity Series so we can race together one last time?” Truex asked, hoping for one more chance to share the track with Junior.
While Earnhardt Jr. has confirmed he won’t be racing in 2025, he left open the possibility of a return down the line. After finishing seventh in a strong showing at Bristol in 2023, he teased the idea of racing again, saying, “I just might,” which kept fans hopeful for a surprise appearance in the future.
Though 2025 will be a year without Dale Jr. on the track, his legacy in NASCAR remains strong. His work with JR Motorsports has elevated many young drivers, and his influence will continue to be felt throughout the sport. Whether or not he returns to racing, Earnhardt Jr.’s impact on NASCAR—and his friendship with Martin Truex Jr.—will leave lasting memories.
Leave a Reply