The Associated Press
CHARLOTTE, N.C.–Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR’s most popular driver, announced today that he will retire at the end of the season.
The two-time Daytona 500 winner set an aftearnoon news conference with team owner Rick Hendrick to discuss his decision.
Hendrick Motorsports said in a news release that Earnhardt informed his team of his decision early today.
A third-generation NASCAR driver, Earnhardt has been plagued by concussions the last several years and missed half of last season recovering from the latest head injury.
It’s caused him to delay contract talks on an extension to drive the No. 88 Chevrolet, and now he appears ready to call it quits.
Earnhardt turns 43 in October, was married during the off-season, and has stated he wants a family.
He’s become a vocal advocate for research of sports-related brain injuries.
Earnhardt has won NASCAR’s most popular driver award a record 14 times.
He has 26 career Cup victories, including a pair of wins in the Daytona 500.
Earnhardt is a two-time champion in NASCAR’s second-tier series.
But the son of the late seven-time champion has never won a Cup title.
