38 weeks of grueling, back-breaking action, drivers are tired, justifiably so. Drivers and teams, therefore, eagerly look forward to the off-season. What makes the deal sweeter is that it clashes with the festive season. Just like every other year, this year too, drivers celebrated their hearts out. And Dale Earnhardt Jr and Jeff Gordon led the drivers’ union.

A lot of things have changed since Dale Jr. or Jeff Gordon began racing. Things have changed even since they sought retirement from racing. NASCAR is all about change. But one thing that hasn’t changed is all drivers’ love for the festive season.

The off-season, or pre-season, is important for many reasons. Teams have to prepare for the next season. Drivers have to improve their fitness, their hand-eye coordination, their reactions, and so on – all in order to be faster than the next guy/girl.

The period is important for the organization as well as all scheduling decisions, broadcasting nitty-gritty and other major calls have to be made during this 2-3-month period. But this only encapsulates the professional aspect of NASCAR. These are human beings competing day in and day out. They are away from their families for a major part of the year. 

The off-season provides a remedy to that by allowing all these people – regardless of team or role – to spend time with their family, or just simply relax by themselves.

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The importance of the off-season is best understood only by those who have been through the grind of NASCAR. Outsiders can only imagine what it’s like to be there.

Dale Earnhardt Jr spreads holiday cheer

Who better than Dale Jr and Gordon – both of who have spent upwards of 20 years in the sport – to start the holiday season with some greetings? Junior sent a sweet message to all his fans –

Gordon, on the other hand, posted on his Instagram Stories, “WISHING #HENDRICKNATION A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON! #TEAMJG”

Other drivers like Chase Elliott, Kyle Busch, Hailie Deegan, and Clint Bowyer got in on the act as well.

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Some really sweet messages and pictures from the biggest names in the sport. The smiles are wide, and the vibes are joyous!