Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns as Amazon NASCAR announcer for the remainder of the 2025 Cup Series season, bringing with him a wave of anticipation among racing fans as broadcast rights pass from Fox Sports to Amazon Prime Video after the All-Star Race Weekend at North Wilkesboro. This change introduces a refreshed broadcast crew and new ideas for fans following the intense emotionally charged racing atmosphere this season.
New Broadcast Era Begins with Amazon
With Fox Sports concluding its coverage for the season, Amazon will now deliver races live to subscribers on Prime Video through June 22. The new lineup of announcers features Dale Earnhardt Jr., joined by well-known names including Carl Edwards, Adam Alexander, and Steve Letarte. For many fans, this signals a positive shift after enduring dissatisfaction with Fox Sports’ recent broadcasts.
As part of Amazon’s announcing team, Earnhardt Jr. is excited by the possibilities but remains respectful of former networks, steering clear of direct comparison. He spoke about his outlook for NASCAR coverage in a recent episode of his well-known podcast:
“I don’t think one TV partner is better than the other. I don’t think you would ever have that conversation publicly. But I know that Amazon will bring some new ideas, like, you know, when you get a new crew chief or whatever.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Amazon’s approach is expected to give racing fans a dynamic and innovative viewing experience. The addition of familiar expert voices alongside Junior should anchor a broadcast style with fresh energy and perspective.
Earnhardt Reflects on His Time Away from Broadcasting
Between 2018 and 2024, Dale Earnhardt Jr. served as a color commentator with NBC Sports, building his reputation as a race analyst. However, he decided to step back after the 2023 season, focusing on ventures like Dirty Mo Media and expanding his podcast reach. While his side projects have flourished, Earnhardt Jr. admits a deep longing to return to the broadcasting booth and the excitement of live racing coverage.
Discussing his hiatus on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour, Earnhardt Jr. shared:
“I didn’t want to take a year off, but it just didn’t work out, and so I’ve missed it. I’ve missed it a lot.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
His commitment to preparing for this new chapter was evident when he joined a practice rehearsal at Kansas on May 11, using Fox’s format to reacquaint himself with on-air duties. During this run, he realized that his skills had become a bit rusty, but rediscovering the thrill of announcing reinvigorated his passion.
He noted his experience during the practice:
“If you don’t do it every day, and you’re not in there in the grind, you can kind of, it’s like golf, if you don’t swing a club all the time, you might not be as good the next time you try to go out and do it. But we had a little practice run, and felt awesome. It reminded me how fun it is. My excitement level is through the roof.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
The Coca-Cola 600 will mark his first announcer assignment this season, which both he and fans are eagerly awaiting.
What the Change Means for NASCAR Fans
The arrival of Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Amazon’s NASCAR broadcast team comes at a pivotal time for the sport and its supporters. With a revitalized crew featuring respected names such as Carl Edwards, Adam Alexander, and Steve Letarte, and a fresh approach to coverage, the shift promises to enhance viewers’ enjoyment and potentially influence future broadcast standards.
Fans and commentators alike will closely watch how Amazon’s direction and Earnhardt Jr.’s return affect the energy, insight, and excitement delivered to millions of racing enthusiasts throughout the remainder of the 2025 Cup Series season.
