During his time as a full-time Cup Series driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was one of the most popular names in NASCAR. His father being a seven-time champion definitely helped that, but Dale Jr. himself has earned a lot of his fame thanks to his on-track skills and off-track antics. He was named the most popular driver for 15 years in a row. So when NASCAR reportedly came up with a new incentive program for drivers to promote the sport, it is no surprise that fans suggested Dale Jr.’s name for the campaign. However, the incentive is for current full-time drivers, so it is still uncertain if Dale Jr. would be eligible to do the promotional work for the sport and earn similar benefits.

As per a report by journalist Adam Stern, sources close to NASCAR have said that the sport is in talks to invest millions of dollars into this incentive program, which is slated to begin in 2025. That is when NASCAR’s media rights contracts with NBC Sports and FOX Sports expire. The drivers will be required to do promotional work like TV or radio interviews, in-person appearances, podcasts, and other activities. The program’s goal is for NASCAR to be promoted better with the biggest names at the front.

Some fans call on Dale Earnhardt Jr.; others call it a waste of time

While everything regarding the program is still in its nascent stage, fans have already taken to social media to share their views on the matter. Several fans are of the opinion that former driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. should be the one at the forefront doing the promotional work, as he is one of the biggest names in the sport today.

One fan wrote on Twitter, “Is Dale Jr eligible? I feel like him and Denny Hamlin and maybe Kenny Wallace are the only ones promoting the conversation.”

Another user wrote, “Retired drivers @DaleJr @Kenny_Wallce would be a great addition.”

However, not all of the fan reactions were positive. There were many who felt like the program would be a waste of time and money. Some even stated that the people who work behind the scenes at NASCAR should be able to opt for such an incentive scheme.

“What about the thousands of other workers that dedicate their life to the sport and end up walking away with nothing? #richgetricher,” tweeted one user.

“Stupid waste of money,” another user commented.

While the incentive program does aim to promote NASCAR, there might be a few clashes with sponsors endorsing a certain team or driver, or even NASCAR for that matter.

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NASCAR went into the 2023 season with 53 official partners

NASCAR proceeded into the 2023 season with its deepest sponsor roster on record so far. With 53 official partners, the sport has grown over the years to be one of the biggest motorsport competitions in the world. This year marks the 25th year of Coca-Cola being an official sponsor for the sport, as it holds the mantle of the most tenured partner. It also coincides with NASCAR’s 75th birthday, which was on February 21.

Coca-Cola’s partnership also brings in Dasani water. Apart from the soft-drink heavyweight, other notable sponsors include the likes of Chevrolet, Ford, Mobil 1, Toyota, Comcast Xfinity, Credit One Bank, Busch Beer, Geico, Amazon, American Express, and a lot of others.

Some of the sponsors planned events earlier in the year to celebrate NASCAR’s 75th anniversary. Anheuser-Busch released a special NASCAR 75th anniversary can. Goodyear, along with NASCAR, hosted an eNASCAR simulator event at AT&T Stadium.

It is pretty clear that no matter what happens with the driver incentive program, NASCAR is not going to face sponsorship issues anytime soon. It will be interesting to see drivers interact more with the fans and media if the program does commence in 2025. Obviously, it will be exciting for a lot of fans, who will have more opportunities to meet their favorite racers throughout the year.

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