Kentucky shows its love for Earnhardt
SPARTA, Ky. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. barely had time to bond with Kentucky Speedway, and now he’s saying farewell to both the track and full-time racing.
Fortunately for NASCAR’s most popular driver, he’s leaving with a lovely parting gift and lots of love from the Bluegrass State’s racing fans.
Before Earnhardt prepared to start Saturday night’s 400-mile Cup Series race in 13th place, track management gave him a deluxe jukebox as a token of its appreciation Friday. Adorned with Junior’s No. 88 and his signature, it will be donated in his name to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, an organization he supports.
“That’s awesome, because I know the kids are going to love it,” said Earnhardt, who visited with patients there earlier this week. “We got them a little stereo, but this is going to take the cake. … It will make a lot of kids smile when they are around this jukebox and enjoying it together.”
Other gifts are sure to follow as Earnhardt finishes his final circuit. The ongoing farewell tour for the retiring driver has made him reflect on his experiences, even at a track he had just six starts at prior to Saturday night’s race. The speedway wasn’t added to the Cup Series schedule until 2011.
The site is somewhat notable for Earnhardt’s final 2016 start before complications from concussion symptoms ended his season.
Speculation continues as to his possible successor in the Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Veteran driver Matt Kenseth could be an option, along with rising talents Alex Bowman and William Byron. Kenseth, 45, said Friday that he has no ride lined up for 2018 and is likely done at Joe Gibbs Racing.
Asked if he might put in a good word for Kenseth with owner Rick Hendrick, Earnhardt smiled and said the 2003 Cup Series season champion — who qualified third for Saturday night’s race — won’t be hurting for opportunities.
“Matt is going to have a job,” he said. “I don’t think he’s got to worry about that. I think that it’s smart for him to let everybody know early what his plans are, or the lack thereof. He is a talented guy who is just a couple of races removed from being a winner and could show up any week and get to victory lane.”
Truex wins in overtime
Martin Truex Jr. led 152 of 274 laps on his way to an overtime victory in the Cup Series race that finished late Saturday night.
Truex also won the first two stages to continue his strong season. Second in the point standings entering Saturday’s race, he now has three victories.
Kyle Larson was second, Chase Elliott third and Denny Hamlin fourth in a race that had nine cautions.