Dale Earnhardt Jr. Outlined 1 Job He Will Never Do At the Daytona 500
Dale Earnhardt Jr. holds a vast history associated with the Daytona 500 throughout his NASCAR career. He has experienced many unforgettable moments on the track. However, Earnhardt Jr. has clearly outlined one thing he will never do at the event.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s history at the Daytona 500
Dale Earnhardt Jr. spent more than two decades on the NASCAR track, where he experienced his fair share of success at the Daytona 500.
Earnhardt Jr. earned a pair of wins at the event, making him just one of 12 drivers with multiple victories. He’s tied with five others with two wins (Bill Elliott, Sterling Martin, Michael Waltrip, Matt Kenseth, Jimy Johnson).
It’s a feat that his dad accomplished just once in his illustrious career before his tragic passing. Earnhardt Jr. also has other unforgettable memories at the Daytona International Speedway, as it’s where he earned his first win after his father’s death.
The course holds a special place in his heart for many reasons, but there is one thing that he will never do at the Daytona 500.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. outlined one job he will never do at the Daytona 500
Since stepping into retirement after the 2017 season, Earnhardt Jr. has remained heavily involved with NASCAR.
He has done whatever he can to stay around the sport that earned him a Hall of Fame induction. It also helped him become an honorary starter for the 62nd Daytona 500 last year.
Following that announcement, the track president Chip Wile joked that the only thing left for Earnhardt Jr. to do for the event is to sing the national anthem before the race. The two-time Daytona 500 winner didn’t take long to respond on Twitter voicing that he would never take up that spot for the event.
“I keep bugging Chip Wile to give me something to do at the 500 each February to annoy the people that are annoyed by it,” Earnhardt Jr. “But singing the anthem is only an option if I’m singing backup to George Strait. And when I say backup, I mean with a beer in the campground.”
Dale Jr. would more than enjoy taking up any other role, but not one where he would be singing. It would certainly be a sight to see, and many NASCAR fans would tune in just to see it. However, it doesn’t sound like it will happen anytime soon.
Strong desire to cover the Daytona 500
Earnhardt Jr. has quickly become a staple in the NBC Sports broadcast booth covering races.
His transition into that role has allowed him to be behind the microphone for several prominent events each year. However, Earnhardt Jr. hasn’t been able to do that at the Daytona 500 due to NASCAR on Fox holding the first part of the season schedule.
All that has left the 46-year-old out of the picture to adding covering the vaunted event on his broadcast resume. During an interview with Jeff Gordon on behalf of Axalta World of Racing in June 2019, he voiced that he’s jealous of the fellow Hall of Famer for having that opportunity.
“I’m jealous that you get to do the Daytona 500,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “Maybe one time we should switch just for fun.”
Earnhardt Jr. may see that lofty dream come true one day, covering the most notable race in NASCAR history.
