Drivers, tracks, sponsors react to Dale Earnhardt Jr.s retirement news

Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced he would be retiring from NASCAR Cup Series racing at the end of the season, and tributes poured in from across the spectrum, including fellow drivers, sponsors, track officials and family members.

Earnhardt was voted the most popular driver 14 times by NASCAR fans since his racing career began in 1999. He has 603 career starts and 26 wins on the circuit through April 24. He won the Daytona 500 in 2004 and 2014.

"Dale Earnhardt Jr. is among the most recognizable athletes in the world, unequivocally serving as the sport's most popular driver for more than a decade," NASCAR CEO and Chairman Brian France said in a statement. "His passion for the sport will leave an impact on NASCAR that will be felt over its entire history. Over his 20-plus year career, Dale has proven himself a leader with a deep commitment to so many areas of the sport -- all the way to its roots. We're excited about the next chapter of his NASCAR career and wish him success for the remainder of 2017."

He joins popular superstars and former champions Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart, as well as Carl Edwards, in stepping away from racing in the past couple of years.

“Dale Jr. has had a huge impact on our sport — and you can see that every week with his legion of fans and Junior Nation," Gordon said. "He has a tremendous sense of the history of NASCAR and, while he shares his father’s name, Dale has made a name for himself with his accomplishments in racing. While we will miss Dale on the track next year, he loves this sport, those working in the industry and the fans too much to ever be too far away.”

Below, a selection of other tributes to Earnhardt:

FAMILY:

Wife Amy Earnhardt

Sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller

DRIVERS

Dale Jarrett, NASCAR on NBC analyst and Hall of Fame driver

“This is a big loss for the sport. Dale Jr. has had what I believe will be a Hall of Fame career. I admire the way he has always handled everything, and at times carried the sport on his back.”

Jeff Burton, NASCAR on NBC analyst and former driver

“Dale has been a positive influence on this sport for years. His passion for NASCAR is clear, and I am sure he will continue to be a force within the sport for years to come. The retirement decision is a tough one, but I know Dale has thought it through. I’m happy he can make the choice when he feels it is the right time.”

TRACKS

Richmond International Raceway, where the series races this weekend

“The Earnhardt name is iconic in the sport of motor racing,” Richmond President Dennis Bickmeier said. “Dale Earnhardt Jr. has upheld the legacy of his family to lift the sport to new heights. We look forward to watching Dale Jr’s last Richmond day race this weekend and his final regular season race this September in Richmond. We wish him all the best as he continues to serve the sport and its fans in the years to come.”

Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage

"Dang it! Dale Jr., put my kids through college and I was hoping he would stick around long enough to send my grandkids to college. You have to be happy and support him when he makes a choice like this and, certainly, I do. Now I've got to go pony shopping..."

Darlington Raceway President Kerry Tharp

Dover InternationalSpeedway President and CEO Denis McGlynn 

“Always a fan favorite, Dale Earnhardt Jr. cemented his legacy here at the Monster Mile with his victory in the ‘MBNA Cal Ripken Jr. 400’ on Sept. 23, 2001. It was the first NASCAR event after the terrible tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001, and 140,000 fans celebrated as Junior circled the track with a huge American flag during his victory lap. No one who witnessed that moment, coming less than one year after the death of his father, will ever forget it."

Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell

"One of my favorite memories at Martinsville came in 2014, when he finally won here, taking home the grandfather clock. As a historian of the sport, I know what that meant to him and seeing how excited he was is something I will never forget. I look forward to seeing him one more time in a Cup car here in the fall and look forward to continuing to see him around the garage for years to come.”

SPONSORS

Nationwide

Axalta