Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is announcing his retirement from NASCAR racing after 18 seasons. He will complete the 2017 season and his stellar career, in Homestead, Miami with the EcoBoost 400 on Sunday, November 19.

Hendrick's Racing has not announced a replacement driver for the #88 at this time.

As the sport's most popular driver, that could be one of the most watched races ever for NASCAR.

Earnhardt, Jr. sat out part of the 2016 season due to concussion. However, few thought this day would come so soon.

The retirement comes on the heels of another popular NASCAR star just before the start of the 2017 season with the Monster Cup Series as Carl Edward stepped out of the #19 - for good.

Dale spoke to ESPN reporters regarding the retirement of Edwards with these words about his future:

"It seems a very difficult statement to make, a very difficult press conference to have. But when I'm ready to do that, I'll be making that decision knowing it's the right thing to do." - Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

The son of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. began racing at age 24 and has earned 26 wins including the coveted Daytona 500.

Earnhardt may still have a hand in racing after his last time as pilot of the 88, he still owns JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series.


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