Dale Earnhardt Jr. retiring on his terms, like he did everything else in racing
Dale Earnhardt, Jr., you continue to defy convention, and define yourself.
Born into advantage but forced to earn every opportunity and hone every inherited skill by a demanding father and namesake, you took up the family vocation with the scrutiny that comes as part of the deal. You were Elvis’ boy who took up guitar and knew that comparison was inevitable.
You watched as racing claimed this man that NASCAR knew as a seven-time champion, legend, icon, but that you knew as “Daddy,” and continued forward after his death on the final lap of the Daytona 500 in 2001. You steeled your back as his grieving fanbase clung to you, your name, your promise as your career was just beginning.
You got on with it. You had your fun, you won some races, and despite all the opportunity — all the excuses — to allow this maniacal sport and lifestyle to consume you, you matured and created your own space and identity.
MORE COVERAGE:
Dale Earnhardt Jr. to retire from NASCAR after 2017 season
The racing world reacts to Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s retirement announcement with sadness and support
Healthy Dale Earnhardt Jr. stuck in neutral in return to NASCAR
Team co-owner of a successful Xfinity Series team with your sister, Kelley, and Cup team owner Rick Hendrick. Ambassador, sponsorship-generator, social media tastemaker, burgeoning broadcast star. And now at 42, a married man with dreams of a family.
So it’s not with regret for what you will no longer do in a racecar that this day should be remembered.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017, the day Earnhardt announced that this season will be his last, should be the point of looking forward.
He successfully returned from a recurrence of concussions that cost him the final 18 races of the 2016 season, and though his first eight races of this season have been disappointing statistically, he confirmed in a Tuesday afternoon news conference that he was completely healthy.
MORE COVERAGE:
Dale Earnhardt Jr.s biggest victory was raising concussion awareness
NASCAR takes serious blow with Dale Earnhardt Jr. retirement
Something happened though, something that prompted him to Tweet early this morning that he was having a hard think over a tough decision.
Incredibly willing and able to make his inner thought process and feelings public when so little of his life is seemingly left private, Earnhardt expounded on his reasons and they are simple: he wants to leave on his terms.
It will be fascinating, but it shouldn’t be considered sad by the scores of fans who adore him. Junior continues to define himself. Not many get to do that.
Follow James on Twitter @brantjames
PHOTOS: DALE EARNHARDT JR. THROUGH THE YEARS
