
via Getty
AVONDALE, AZ – JANUARY 31: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. addresses the media during NASCAR testing at Phoenix International Raceway on January 31, 2017 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)

via Getty
AVONDALE, AZ – JANUARY 31: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. addresses the media during NASCAR testing at Phoenix International Raceway on January 31, 2017 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
The CEO of North Wilkesboro Speedway, Marcus Smith, had recently given a shout-out and a big thanks to Dale Earnhardt Jr after the iconic track began its road to recovery. So even though there shouldn’t have been any explanation, Earnhardt Jr still gave one in the context of the extent of his involvement with the track.
In the recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download show, NASCAR’s richest driver spoke about how much he had to do with the North Wilkesboro Speedway’s recent announcement.
“I don’t have any monetary involvement, no ownership, I just have a passion and that’s all I own in the whole thing,” he said. “I just want to see this track do something.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“The owner of the track, Marcus Smith, has been on the show multiple times and teased the possibility of something happening with the track or the property.”
What did Marcus Smith say about Dale Earnhardt Jr?
During the press conference of the announcement, North Wilkesboro Speedway CEO Marcus Smith revealed just how much Dale Jr’s passion and connections helped in making sure the track was fit for racing again.
“A big thanks to Dale Earnhardt Jr who asked me about cleaning up the track back in December 2019, just for the purpose of cleaning it up for iRacing. And I really think that was the catalyst that put things over the tipping point to get us where we are today,” he said during the press conference.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“So big thanks to Dale and all the people he talks with.”

via Getty
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 21: NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Dale Earnhardt Jr. walks onto the stage during the 2021 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction ceremony at NASCAR Hall of Fame on January 21, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Today, Dale Earnhardt Jr is one of the very few representatives of NASCAR who actually care about the past of the sport. Not that others don’t, but since the sport is so hell-bent on moving forward, it is on the verge of leaving its heritage behind.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Thankfully, though, Dale Jr. is still around.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT