Dale Earnhardt Jr. responds to Justin Allgaier retirement plans after the longtime JR Motorsports driver announced his intention to leave NASCAR sooner than expected, a decision that surprised fans and even Kenny Wallace. Allgaier, who is currently leading the Xfinity Series and has been closely associated with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team, signaled a shift toward focusing on business ventures and spending more time with his family in Illinois.
Allgaier’s Unexpected Plan Leaves Wallace Surprised
Justin Allgaier, age 38, detailed his consideration of early retirement during a recent appearance on The Kenny Conversation. Allgaier indicated that, despite an impressive ongoing career—482 Xfinity Series starts, most with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team, and the possibility of surpassing Kenny Wallace’s record of 547 starts—his priorities have begun to change. Instead of chasing the record, Allgaier is weighing the benefits of moving into the family tire business in his hometown.
The news left longtime NASCAR figure Kenny Wallace taken aback, as he shared in a public statement:
I thought Justin Allgaier would break my most starts record in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Now he says he has other plans😳 SHOCKED ME.”
Allgaier’s own comments highlighted both the possibility of joining the family business and a desire to be there more for his children and personal life. When asked directly about shifting his focus to his father’s tire company, Allgaier explained:
“That is an opportunity. Yes, 100%. About probably closer to five years now ago, we made the decision that was the direction I wanted to go and be a part of the business.” —Justin Allgaier, Driver
Reflecting on his career and plans outside racing, Allgaier expressed a mix of reflection and resolve regarding life after NASCAR, saying:
“I don’t know what the long-term of that looks like (chasing another Xfinity championship). I feel like for me, my kids are growing up. I’m watching them grow up. I’m watching them get older. I don’t want to miss it,” the 38-year-old said. —Justin Allgaier, Driver
He further described his sense of readiness for life’s next chapter beyond racing:
“I still feel like I’m young enough and healthy enough to be able to go do something else… I feel like the more I’m doing this, the longer I’ve gone, the more God’s kind of called me to figure out what the next chapter is.” —Justin Allgaier, Driver
A Strong Season for Allgaier and the Team
Currently, Justin Allgaier is having another standout performance in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series, leading the points standings with two wins, nine top-five finishes, and nine top-10s through 13 races. Dale Earnhardt Jr., as team owner, has watched his rookie teammates Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil claim sixth and eighth in the standings, highlighting the depth of talent at JR Motorsports. Meanwhile, Sammy Smith ranks 13th after a recent disqualification at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Weighs Daytona 500 Return after Allgaier’s Impressive Showing
Earlier this season, Dale Earnhardt Jr. attended the Daytona 500 in his capacity as a team owner, where he watched Justin Allgaier secure a strong ninth-place finish for JR Motorsports. This performance sparked thoughts in Earnhardt’s mind about making a possible return as a driver at the prestigious event.
Expressing his hopes after the race, Earnhardt commented:
“I hope to get to do it again.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr., Team Owner
Allgaier competed in the #40 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, backed by Traveller Whiskey, a collaboration with country artist Chris Stapleton. He began the Daytona 500 in 19th place and skillfully avoided a late-race crash, cementing a spot in the top 10 for the team and drawing further attention to his accomplished racing resume.
The Road Ahead for JR Motorsports and Its Star Driver
With Allgaier at the forefront of the JR Motorsports lineup, both his individual legacy and the organization’s future are in the spotlight. His decision to retire early and invest time with family and business interests marks a turning point for the team, possibly opening opportunities for the next generation of drivers like Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil. Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to steer the team while considering his own return to competition at high-profile NASCAR events.
