After stepping away from full-time racing, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has typically participated in one Xfinity Series race each season. However, in 2023, he’s breaking that pattern by making two starts, marking his return to Bristol Motor Speedway for the first time since 2017.

On the calendar for his second and final start of the 2023 season is Saturday, October 21 at Homestead-Miami. But before that, NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers revved their engines at Bristol Motor Speedway for the first playoff race. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was back on the track in his #88 car. In an unexpected turn of events, the spotlight shifted from Dale Earnhardt Jr., who was leading the pack. It was when a jaw-dropping incident involving RCR teamsters grabbed everyone’s attention.

RCR teammate drama shifted the spotlight from Earnhardt Jr

Dale Earnhardt Jr. started from the 15th position in his #88 Chevrolet with his own team, JR Motorsports. During a caution at lap 174, he seized the lead from his driver, Justin Allgaier, and astonishingly led the race for 47 laps in the 300-lap event. Unfortunately, a late issue dashed his hopes for victory. But fans were thrilled to see him leading once again at Bristol after his long absence.

However, the spotlight shifted abruptly to Richard Childress Racing when they were involved in a crash at lap 216. Austin Hill, holding the 8th position on the outside, had an encounter with #2 Sheldon Creed, who was running lower on the racetrack. On the exit of the corner, they came together and #2 made slight contact with #21 and a spin for playoff driver Austin Hill, who had achieved four wins this season, ultimately ending his day. The aftermath of the incident seemed like the rise of another teammate rivalry on the racetrack.

After the crash, Austin Hill was heard on the radio saying, “Who needs enemies when you have teammates?”

On the other hand, Sheldon Creed expressed to Bob Pockrass that he should have stayed lower but believed he had given enough room for Austin Hill to pass.

Interestingly, just before the incident involving the RCR teammates, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s two other drivers, Josh Berry and Sam Mayer, collided. Despite Dale Earnhardt Jr. leading the pack, this unfortunate incident before the final 30 laps dashed his hopes of securing a third victory at Bristol, following his previous wins in 2004.

An unfortunate incident crushed Dale Earnhardt Jr. and fandom’s hopes

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After the crash involving the RCR teamsters, Dale Earnhardt Jr. lost several positions following the restart. However, he made a remarkable comeback and was running in third place. Suddenly, at lap 270, Dale Earnhardt Jr. reported a fire in the cockpit, forcing him to exit his car.

According to PRN, Earnhardt Jr. commented on the incident: “I don’t know, it had a fire underneath the dash. I’m fine. The suit caught on fire and burned it up. It’s a weird thing, man.”

Thankfully, Earnhardt Jr. emerged unscathed from the fire. He had to pit his car, and his racing suit bore marks from the incident. This unfortunate turn of events dashed the hopes of fans and spectators who were eager to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. secure a victory in the race.

Who do you believe was at fault in the RCR teammate incident? Let us know in the comments.

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