Your inbox approves Men's coaches poll Women's coaches poll Play to win 25K!
NASCAR
Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. having too much fun to think about retiring

Jeff Gluck
USA TODAY Sports
Dale Earnhardt Jr said he can’t think about retiring because he’s having too much fun driving a race car.

CHARLOTTE — With Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon ready to call it quits at the end of the upcoming season, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was asked Thursday about his own eventual retirement.

After all, Earnhardt is only three years younger than Gordon. Will the 40-year-old still be racing past the age Gordon is now?

"Jeff made his decision based on factors in his life, whether it be his health or his kids," Earnhardt said. "… I don't have any back issues and I don't have any kids on the way. I don't have any factors."

Right now, Earnhardt said he can't think about quitting because he's enjoying his job so much. He said the last five years have been the most fun he's ever had driving a race car.

"I didn't even know I could have this much fun," he said with a grin. "Last year, I felt like a kid. I had the same feeling I had when I would drive down to Myrtle Beach with my Late Model. We were just on top of the world having so much fun.

"That freedom came back in the last couple years to just enjoy it and just release the pressure. So that's made me really think I can do this a lot longer."

Earnhardt, who seemed enthusiastic and energetic throughout his interview during the final day of NASCAR's annual preseason media tour, said he can't tell that he's 40. His body makes him "feel like a 30-year-old" and he doesn't have any aches or pains that remind him he's older than that.

The biggest difference between now and 10 years ago?

"I can't eat chicken wings and pizza every day like I used to," he said. "And I do have to work out. To make sure I fit in the suit I wore last year, I have to make sure I eat (healthy) in the wintertime and make sure I get on a treadmill or something.

"The older I get, the harder it is to stay the same size and the same weight. I know that for sure."

So how will Earnhardt eventually know when it's time to step away? It comes down to health and competitiveness, he said.

"I think I'll stop racing when my health is an issue or I don't feel like I'm in a competitive car or I feel like I've lost a step," he said. "Like a cornerback or a wide receiver loses a step as they get into their mid-30s or older, if I feel like I'm not carrying my weight out on the racetrack, you'll have to take another look at yourself.

"You don't want to waste anyone's time out there. You don't want the team carrying you on the racetrack out there."


Featured Weekly Ad