Dale Earnhardt Jr. NASCAR broadcasting farewell became official as the beloved JR Motorsports co-owner ended his broadcasting run after ten action-packed weekends. Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently concluded this stretch as TNT Sports handed over NASCAR Cup Series coverage to NBC Sports, capping off a season where his commentary once again brought fans closer to the sport.
After stepping away from full-time racing in the Cup Series back in 2017, Dale Earnhardt Jr. quickly shifted gears and found a new calling as a race commentator. Joining the NBC booth, Junior made an instant impact with his distinctive voice and passion—memorable moments like his famous “Slide Job” exclamation during the 2018 Chicagoland race stick in the memories of listeners. Over several seasons, he became a staple for viewers, making his decision to take a year-long break last season more noticeable for fans and fellow broadcasters alike.
Once Earnhardt returned to the booth this year, he seized the opportunity, describing his time behind the microphone as immensely enjoyable. Fans reciprocated their appreciation for his enthusiasm and knowledge, while he expressed that the experience was equally rewarding for him.
Broadcast Teams Share Cup Series Duties in 2025
Although Dale Earnhardt Jr. will continue engaging listeners on his popular Dale Jr Download podcast, his on-air race call commitments are complete for the season. This year marked a shift in NASCAR broadcasting, with duties split among four broadcasters: longtime partners Fox and NBC, and newcomers Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports.
The season’s coverage began with Fox, which called the opening fourteen races. Amazon Prime Video then debuted as a NASCAR broadcaster with a five-race stint, after which TNT Sports took over for five exciting weeks. With their respective turns now concluded, NBC Sports resumes coverage from Iowa Speedway through the championship finale at Phoenix.
While Fox and NBC brought veteran status to the lineup, Amazon Prime entered as a newcomer and wisely tapped Earnhardt to bring instant credibility and connect with the core NASCAR audience. TNT, also returning to NASCAR after a hiatus, similarly benefited from his familiar presence in the booth. For nearly three months, Earnhardt energized broadcasts alongside these new and returning partners.
Earnhardt Reflects on a Memorable Ten-Week Run
With his broadcasting stretch over, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared a personal message reflecting on his experiences, expressing both gratitude and eagerness for what’s next. He posted,
“It’s been a fun 10 weeks back in the booth for Amazon and TNT. Love doing that job and look forward to next summer. Gonna enjoy going back to fan mode for the rest of this year.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) July 27, 2025
Earnhardt enjoyed calling some of the most talked-about races of the season, such as the Coca Cola 600—a personal dream for him—and covering the remarkable performances of drivers like Shane van Gisbergen. As a rookie, van Gisbergen stunned fans by securing three straight road course victories, first in Mexico, then at the Chicago Street Circuit, and finally at Sonoma.
The drama of these ten races added tremendous excitement for Earnhardt in the booth. In the recent Brickyard 400, Bubba Wallace broke a 100-race winless streak, narrowly holding off defending winner Kyle Larson for a standout finish. That race, with its high stakes and dramatic finale, no doubt stands out in Earnhardt’s memory from this broadcasting stint.
This period was also historic for Earnhardt’s own team, as JR Motorsports notched its 100th Xfinity Series win at Indianapolis, thanks to Connor Zilisch’s effort. Everywhere he turned, Earnhardt witnessed memorable moments and milestones, further fueling his enthusiasm for NASCAR’s evolution.
Looking Ahead as NBC’s Coverage Continues
While Dale Earnhardt Jr. is stepping back from live race commentary for the remainder of the season, he’s looking forward to returning in 2026 and enjoying races as a fan for now. NBC Sports, led in part by Leigh Diffey, is charged with maintaining the broadcasting energy and insight that Earnhardt brought during his tenure.
With familiar voices and faces keeping the momentum, fans can expect dynamic coverage as NASCAR crowns its next Cup Series champion. Although Earnhardt will be away from the booth, his legacy continues—through his influence behind the microphone, his role at JR Motorsports, and his ongoing contributions to the sport’s media landscape. Enthusiasts now look ahead, knowing Earnhardt’s return next season is just on the horizon.
