Today, Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced that he will retire from NASCAR after the 2017 season comes to a close, according to Hendricks Motorsports, the team Earnhardt has raced for since 2008.
The 43-year-old driver made his debut in NASCAR back in 1999 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and racked up a total of 26 NASCAR Cup wins throughout his career. Earnhardt Jr., who is known as "Junior" to fans, has also been voted NASCAR's Most Popular Driver for a record-breaking 14 years straight.
In his 18-year racing career, Earnhardt Jr. has has competed in more than 600 races-he claimed his 600th career series start just last month in Fontana, California. Earnhardt Jr.'s final NASCAR Cup Series race will take place on November 19th at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The veteran NASCAR driver is expected to give a press conference later today explaining the reasons and rationale behind his decision. The Drive will update you with any relevant details regarding his retirement.