Tuesday morning’s news that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will retire from NASCAR at the end of the 2017 season has sent earthquake-like shock waves throughout the sports world, as well as the social media universe.
Earnhardt will formally announce his retirement at a press conference later this afternoon, which will be covered thoroughly by us at NASCAR Talk.
Here’s some of the top posts from social media on Junior’s bombshell announcement (we’ll be updating throughout the day, so please check back):
After 18 seasons, @DaleJr will bring his Cup Series driving career to a close at the end of 2017.
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) April 25, 2017
Info: https://t.co/8n7dRjSc9l pic.twitter.com/REdWACH2KD
Excited 4 new chapters professionally w/ @DaleJr & our team of great people. And for he & @AmyEarnhardt & family time for us all!
— Kelley Earnhardt (@EarnhardtKelley) April 25, 2017
Fully support his decision although I've watched he and my dad all my life. It will be a little different for sure. https://t.co/mBYVbpfatz
— Kelley Earnhardt (@EarnhardtKelley) April 25, 2017
Been up since 4. 😐
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) April 25, 2017
Woke up like 😳
Now we know why...
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) April 25, 2017
You've helped make this a better sport for so many of us, we wish you all the best in your retirement.👍🏻😃 https://t.co/9Ze6JZgZ70
Gonna be different not watching my boss but also one of my closes friends in the sport retire but so proud of him and what he represents!! https://t.co/elXxIW6TD9
— Elliott Sadler (@Elliott_Sadler) April 25, 2017
I'm really excited for the next chapter in @DaleJr and @AmyEarnhardt lives. JR has made #NASCAR so much better and will continue to do so.
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) April 25, 2017
Really bummed to see a career come to an end, but crazy excited to see where it goes from here. #Bossman #Hero @DaleJr https://t.co/0WsWVb10Dz
— Justin Allgaier (@J_Allgaier) April 25, 2017
You've been by his side through it all... the good, the bad and the crazy. I'm happy for your family as Dale embarks on this new chapter. 😘 https://t.co/okA99VBTgh
— DeLana Harvick (@DeLanaHarvick) April 25, 2017
Good reason to be up early, congrats my friend on an amazing career, enjoy the heck out of the next 6 months #futurehalloffamer https://t.co/lBVcGkgeX3
— Regan Smith (@ReganSmith) April 25, 2017
We'll miss you guys in the sport so much but we're so proud of you both. Love you guys. 💙👍@DaleJr https://t.co/b7YrZcL8kY
— Sherry Pollex (@SherryPollex) April 25, 2017
— Amy Earnhardt (@AmyEarnhardt) April 25, 2017
Congrats to @DaleJr on one helluva run. I didn't think they would announce Carl's return till end of year though? Hmm!
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) April 25, 2017
Great memories racing @DaleJr I am pretty sure when you google "cool". Your picture shows up😃👍🏻
— Bobby Labonte (@Bobby_Labonte) April 25, 2017
.@DaleJr knows how much I respect him. Guy has been so unselfish his whole life. Glad he is taking care of himself and his family 👊
— Hermie Sadler (@HermieSadler) April 25, 2017
Happy for @DaleJr and wish him nothing but the best.. He has made all of us better through his career in many different ways.. pic.twitter.com/NUOZKo4jVa
— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) April 25, 2017
Woke up to the news about @DaleJr great career son. Wanna come race a Funny Car? @TeamChevy pic.twitter.com/VlS6Qijzmt
— John Force (@JohnForce_FC) April 25, 2017
Happy for ya @DaleJr, nothing but respect. Let's end it on a good note this year 👊🏼
— Chase Elliott (@chaseelliott) April 25, 2017
You're a hell of a friend and teammate @DaleJr, I'm really happy for you and @AmyEarnhardt. 🤙
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) April 25, 2017
I'm proud of my great friend @DaleJr for everything he's done for this sport. I'm even more proud of who he is as a man. Love you friend
— Tony Stewart (@TonyStewart) April 25, 2017
@DaleJr sad to see you retire but don't worry, it doesn't hurt!! Thanks for all the great races 👍💪🏁
— Dario Franchitti (@dariofranchitti) April 25, 2017
I truly wish my friend @DaleJr nothing but the best, and I'm really excited for what's ahead for he & @AmyEarnhardt! https://t.co/WTjhD8IRde
— Graham Rahal (@GrahamRahal) April 25, 2017
Will miss watching for that Earnhardt magic on the superspeedways, cheers to a great run @DaleJr 🍻 https://t.co/wJLXwjHAvC
— JR Hildebrand (@JRHildebrand) April 25, 2017
.@DaleJr congrats on an awesome career, thanks for making an impact on young kids like myself. Wish you & @AmyEarnhardt nothing but the best pic.twitter.com/QSb9TJeOBH
— Gray Gaulding (@graygaulding) April 25, 2017
Just got word that Dale Jr will retire at the end of the 2017 season, sure hope the 88 ends up in Victory Lane a couple of times this year
— Charlie Daniels (@CharlieDaniels) April 25, 2017
Man what a day @DaleJr is going to be missed but man did he leave an impact on our sport really glad to call him a friend and competitor
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) April 25, 2017
.@DaleJr One of the best in our sport... Like my good buddy Alan Kulwicki use to say "I did it my way" ~ Junior did it his way! #Respect
— Tony Gibson (@TonyOldman41) April 25, 2017
Don't think @DaleJr could've been any classier delivering one of the hardest things he's ever had to do. Glad my career has had him in it. 👍
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) April 25, 2017
If you weren't a @DaleJr fan before I'd guess you are now. #honesty #sincerity #heart
— Michael Waltrip (@MW55) April 25, 2017
Watching @DaleJr describe his retirement is just one more reminder how he always speaks from the heart. Wonderful to listen to.
— Steve Letarte (@SteveLetarte) April 25, 2017
Very proud of @DaleJr today!It's been an honor to race with You, your Dad & your Grandad over the years!@woodbrothers21 @NASCAR #respect
— Eddie Wood (@woodchopper16) April 25, 2017
Proud 2 say I worked w @DaleJr he is great driver & even better person. Thx 4 being a friend. Congrats on a great career behind the wheel. pic.twitter.com/ukFG1nuhBS
— Steve Letarte (@SteveLetarte) April 25, 2017
Glad to call u friend @DaleJr ... a great hearted person .... now @AmyEarnhardt will have to step up yer cooking skills Lol 😂 https://t.co/TO5yRJrUDn
— Max Papis (@maxpapis) April 25, 2017
Proud of all @DaleJr has accomplished & what he's meant to @NASCAR. But more proud of who he is as a person.
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) April 25, 2017
Great memories racing @DaleJr for the last 9 years. Thanks for all you have done & will continue to do for our awesome sport! #NASCAR
— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) April 25, 2017
Statements:
Indianapolis Motor Speedway President J. Douglas Boles:“Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a NASCAR legend, and everyone at IMS offers him best wishes after his retirement as a full-time driver. His legacy is secure as a champion, a winner, a great ambassador for motorsports and a class act. Dale always has given so much of himself to everyone, especially the fans. We’re looking forward to seeing him race one more time at IMS during the Brickyard 400 weekend on July 21-23. And, as a promoter, I’m usually neutral and support the field, but frankly I hope Dale wins the 2017 Brickyard 400!”
Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage: “Dang it! Dale Jr., put my kids through college and I was hoping he would stick around long enough to send my grandkids to college. You have to be happy and support him when he makes a choice like this and, certainly, I do. Now I’ve got to go pony shopping...”
Congrats on a great career @DaleJr, finish strong! Thx 4 all u have given this sport. All the best to u n Amy w the next chapter n ur lives
— Kyle Busch (@KyleBusch) April 25, 2017
5 times ive felt sick
— Joey Meier 🇺🇸 🛫 (@JoeyMeier) April 25, 2017
1. Dads passing
2. Moms passing.
3. February 18, 2001
4. Jr leaves DEI in 2007
5. Today.
All people i care about.
Ode to @DaleJr - Incredible career in and out of the car. Best memory? Every morning I tell my girlfriend "Dale Jr follows me on twitter"
— Parker Kligerman (@pkligerman) April 25, 2017
Obligatory "Pick me Mr. Hendrick" tweet considering I am a race car driver...ah hell, what am I doing. Back to reality and car buying
— Parker Kligerman (@pkligerman) April 25, 2017
My favorite post race celebration. Thanks @DaleJr and congrats on a great career.
— Michael Waltrip (@MW55) April 25, 2017
Proud to call you my friend. pic.twitter.com/y3zZSm7JOl
It's not often a son does as much for the sport as his father. that is the case with The Dale's. Congrats @DaleJr Incredible career, Thank U
— Todd Bodine (Official) (@Team_Onion) April 25, 2017