Fans aren’t the only members of the NASCAR community who are sad that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will hang up his helmet after Sunday’s Ford EcoBoost 400.
Earnhardt received a standing ovation from his fellow Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series competitors during the drivers meeting at Homestead-Miami Speedway ahead of the 43-year-old’s final race, according to the Associated Press.
The gesture came after NASCAR played a video honoring Earnhardt, in which celebrities such as Mark Wahlberg, Adam Sandler, Jimmy Kimmel, Brad Paisley, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal explained what they most like about the second-generation racer.
Thank you, @DaleJr.#Appreci88ion pic.twitter.com/ozKDPcR9TW
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 19, 2017
Even before the meeting, many of NASCAR’s biggest names began honoring Earnhardt with heartfelt messages on social media.
I’ve been able to call this guy a friend since the late 90’s. He’s been a great friend and teammate and I hope you have an awesome final race @DaleJr. Thanks for the ride! pic.twitter.com/4LpuAPcZfW
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) November 19, 2017
It’s been an honor to race w @DaleJr over the past decade, all the best on ur last ride. Today we are all Jr. Nation. #Appreci88ion pic.twitter.com/0MxR45FGHb
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) November 19, 2017
What a special day, us drivers that are coming up hope to continue the path and legacy you have graciously created for this great sport we're in. You have become a great friend and mentor to me pal! Hope your last is as kick-ass as you are bro!🤘🏽 pic.twitter.com/u9VjWhARXo
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) November 19, 2017
Prior to the video presentation, NASCAR chairman Brian France similarly honored the 14-time most popular driver.
“He has been an obviously big contribution on and off the track for a long time,” France said, via the Press. “While we’re going to miss him for obvious reasons, he’s not going to be that far away being an owner and working with NBC. He’s going to be glued to the sport, and that’s a good thing for us.”
Earnhardt also will be honored just before the start of the championship-deciding race, as he’s been scheduled to lead an honorary pace lap.
