Dale Earnhardt Jr. has ignited speculation in the NASCAR world by expressing regret over stepping back from racing at Bristol as the upcoming race weekend approaches. The discussion around a potential Dale Earnhardt Jr Bristol comeback has intensified, especially as other legendary names command attention at the lead-up to the Round of 16 finale, held at the beloved Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee.
This high-profile NASCAR event is currently dominated by drivers like Kyle Larson, who remarkably led 873 of 1,000 laps across the last two Bristol races, and Denny Hamlin, a four-time Bristol winner with a memorable tire management victory in April 2024. Yet, it is the prospect of Earnhardt Jr.—a driver famed for his passionate declaration, “It’s Bristol, baby!”—returning to the track that most excites fans and insiders alike.
Earnhardt Jr.’s Lasting Connection With Thunder Valley
Though Dale Earnhardt Jr. retired from full-time competition in 2017, he made annual appearances in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series between 2018 and 2024, regularly piloting the No. 88 car for JR Motorsports. However, following his 2024 outing at Bristol, Earnhardt Jr. opted to pause his streak in Xfinity starts, a decision he now appears to question as the anniversary of that race arrives.
Bristol Motor Speedway holds a special place in Earnhardt Jr.’s heart. While he has only celebrated two wins in Victory Lane at Bristol—both occurring in 2004, one in the Xfinity Series and another in the Cup Series—his fondness for the .533-mile short track is profound and deeply personal. This affection was evident in a recent episode of the “Dale Jr Download,” where he openly encouraged supporters to witness the atmosphere at Bristol firsthand.
“I just love the vibe. You gotta go feel the vibe…When they get going at night in the Cup race, it’s a deal, man.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Team Owner & Former Driver
This weekend marks exactly one year since Earnhardt Jr. last took to the track at Bristol. His 2024 performance is especially memorable; despite facing repeated setbacks, including radio issues, equipment problems, and the absence of his glasses, he heroically brought the No. 88 home in seventh place after 300 grueling laps. Reflecting on this challenging race, Earnhardt Jr. hinted that leaving the stage may have come too soon.
“I’ll probably regret not running one or two when it’s all said and done. If you were to find me at 65 years old, right? I’d say, 15 years from now? I will absolutely say to you, ‘You know, I should have run a couple of more.’ Because they are fun, and I am competitive. We got a reasonably good setup there, and I love the racetrack.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Team Owner & Former Driver
His comments give fans hope for another chapter at Bristol, where his deep-rooted love for competition and the unique atmosphere may yet draw him back.
Memories of Bristol: A Childhood Shaped by Racing
Earnhardt Jr.’s bond with Bristol began long before his own career, developing while he was just a spectator watching his father, the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr., battle for supremacy under the lights.
“When I was a kid going to Bristol, the night race was my favorite weekend. I loved it. And I still do today, even though the track’s changed and things are different. The Bristol that I loved in 1987 doesn’t exist anymore.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Team Owner & Former Driver
Although the iconic short track has evolved over the years, those early experiences still resonate with Earnhardt Jr.
“But I still go there and I know that it’s still Bristol.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Team Owner & Former Driver
These recollections reflect his unwavering enthusiasm for Bristol’s unique energy, underlining why the track endures in his thoughts even as his professional commitments have shifted.
An Unforgettable Childhood Memory from Bristol
Earnhardt Jr. holds close a particular moment from his youth that encapsulates both the heartbreak and excitement of NASCAR. When he was ten years old, he watched his father, Dale Earnhardt Sr.—better known as “The Intimidator” for his fierce competitive style and seven Cup Series championships—lead a tight Bristol contest against Terry Labonte. However, disaster struck when the elder Earnhardt lost control and spun out, changing the course of the race, a moment his son vividly recalls.
“spins down the front straightaway and all four tires are flat and he’s kind of stuck, right?”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Team Owner & Former Driver
The race ended in disappointment for the Earnhardts as Terry Labonte, neck-and-neck with Dale Sr. in the points standing, captured victory, while Harry Gant and Bill Elliott also finished ahead in the championship race. Earnhardt Jr., despite his young age, was fully aware of the emotional weight of the incident.
“Trying to get going, and he gets lapped, and ended up losing the race. Terry Labonte won, and he (the elder Earnhardt) is in a battle for the championship with Terry, neck and neck for the most part up until that point in the season…And I remember, even at 10 years old, being aware enough that Dad spinning out of the lead and having four flat tires and losing a lap, all that was bad.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Team Owner & Former Driver
Although it was a sorrowful outcome, Earnhardt Jr. still regards it as one of his favorite moments, exemplifying the unpredictable nature in which NASCAR forges indelible memories for fans and drivers alike.
The Continued Allure of Bristol for Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Bristol Motor Speedway maintains an irresistible pull for Earnhardt Jr., driven by both nostalgia and a competitive spirit that refuses to wane. His admissions of missing the action, coupled with reflections on childhood and career milestones, have fueled a new wave of anticipation among racing enthusiasts contemplating a Dale Earnhardt Jr Bristol comeback.
Though he expresses lingering regret about stepping away and hints that time may prompt him to reconsider, there are as yet no official announcements confirming his participation in future NASCAR events at Thunder Valley. For now, the possibility remains open—leaving fans, the NASCAR community, and legends like Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Bill Elliott watching for any sign that Earnhardt Jr. may once again suit up for a celebrated return to Bristol.
Only time will tell if the veteran’s passion for racing at the “Last Great Colosseum” leads to another electrifying chapter in his storied career—and whether family, legacy, and competition will converge again on one of NASCAR’s most storied stages.
