Dale Earnhardt Jr Pays Tribute to “One of the Nicest Guys” as Key JR Motorsports Man Announces Retirement

Sports are always in a state of constant churn—the old being replaced by the young. It may seem harsh at times, but it is a reality of life. NASCAR will also see its share of replacements as the 2023 season runs its course, with a number of “last” seasons already announced. Dale Earnhardt Jr recently added one more name to that list.

JR Motorsports has been Dale Earnhardt Jr’s special project. The team has existed since his driving years, but since his retirement, Dale Jr has been able to give more time to the project.

The team competes in various NASCAR Series, including the iRacing Series. That project has largely been headed by the brilliant Michael Conti. However, Conti decided to call time on his career and will be retiring after the 2023 season. The statement released by the driver on Twitter read, “Competing in the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series over the last 11 seasons has been nothing short of an incredible experience.”

“So, with aspirations of pivoting my focus toward opportunities outside of full-time competition at the conclusion of the 2023 eNCCiS season, I will walk away from the series, head held high, with nothing but peace, happiness, gratitude, and excitement for what’s to come in the future.”

Dale Jr shared the announcement and wrote a short message for his driver. “It’s been a great experience for me to get to know @MikeConti5. Hes done an incredible job for @JRMotorsports representing our #eNASCAR endeavors. One more year for one of the nicest guys in the series.”

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It is indeed sad news for the eNASCAR community as one of its legends retires. Hopefully, one last win can come his way as a farewell gift.

Dale Earnhardt Jr has a big year coming up

The Conti retirement announcement is not the only big change Dale Jr will have to deal with in 2023. Next season will have several new challenges for the former driver to deal with.

CARSTour, the short track series, recently announced its takeover. The new ownership has some of the biggest names of NASCAR—Dale Jr, Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, and Justin Marks—and will be aiming to bring the Series back into relevance.

NASCAR.com reported the statements of all 4 new owners after the announcement. Harvick said, “I grew up racing Late Model Stock Cars on the West Coast. Late Model racing has always been a passion of mine, and I want to ensure short-track asphalt racing and the CARS Tour continue to grow and succeed. I look forward to sharing the responsibility with this like-minded group of racers.”

Meanwhile, Burton said, “The opportunity to work with a group of partners that I have so much respect for in the sport that I love is amazing. Collectively, I believe we can contribute to grass-roots racing and the overall health of motorsports in the process. By building off the positive foundation Jack has built, I’m confident we can create a next-level experience for the competitors, partners and fans.”

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It is a fascinating update for fans and for the racing community. If the dream team can pull this off, it will be a massive boost for late-model racing.