The fan-favorite NASCAR driver is headed toward the broadcast booth according to a new report from Sports Business Journal, but even one of the racing organization’s major media partners is speaking out on Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s future – and it seems to line up well with the report.
Following his surprising retirement announcement in late April 2017, Dale Jr. has long been rumored to be working on a follow-up project once he’s out of the driver’s seat, but nothing has been officially announced, besides a small home remodel project with his wife, Amy.
Both FOX Sports and NBC have rights to NASCAR media, but it’s the statement from FOX Sports President, Eric Shanks, that’s turning heads…and sparking rumors.
“Keeping Dale and ‘Junior Nation’ involved in the sport from week to week is good for NASCAR no matter how he chooses to stay connected after his racing career comes to an end,” Shanks told USA TODAY Sports . “We wish him the best in whatever his next move may be.”
It’s not uncommon to see a popular driver move from a seat behind the wheel to a seat in front of a camera, and that’s exactly what happened with former Hendrick Motorsports teammate, Jeff Gordon. His former crew chief, Steve Letarte, also works in sports media now, too.
Having been continually voted in as NASCAR’s most-popular driver, it’s not surprising that many see him as becoming another familiar face from the broadcast booth, and it could be a great move for him.
What do you think about Dale Jr. becoming a sports commentator or other media personality? Would you watch it more because of him?