FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 25th, 2017
COMMENTS FROM NASCAR ON NBC’S STEVE LETARTE, KYLE PETTY, DALE JARRETT & JEFF BURTON ON DALE EARNHARDT JR.’S ANNOUNCEMENT TO RETIRE
Below are comments from NASCAR on NBC’s Steve Letarte, Kyle Petty, Dale Jarrett & Jeff Burton on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s announcement to retire following the conclusion of the 2017 NASCAR season. For further insight and analysis about Earnhardt Jr.’s announcement, tune in to NASCAR America tonight at 6 p.m. ET on NBCSN.
Steve Letarte, NASCAR on NBC analyst and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s former crew chief – “I don’t think Dale Jr. can be measured as just a race car driver, because he is so much more than that. Dale is all encompassing. He carried the popularity of a sport on his shoulders. Anyone who tries to separate what he does behind the wheel to what he does in the sport, doesn’t know Dale Jr.”
Kyle Petty, NASCAR on NBC analyst – “With Chase Elliott, Daniel Suárez and Erik Jones, we are witnessing a changing of the guard. It is cyclical in sports. Bill France Sr. started this sport, and it survived when he was gone. NASCAR survived when we lost Dale Earnhardt Sr., and it survived when “The King” left. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has meant and will continue to mean so much to this sport and so many people. He will be missed, but this sport is bigger than any one person.”
Dale Jarrett, NASCAR on NBC analyst and Hall of Fame driver – “This is a big loss for the sport. Dale Jr. has had what I believe will be a Hall of Fame career. I admire the way he has always handled everything, and at times carried the sport on his back.”
Jeff Burton, NASCAR on NBC analyst – “Dale has been a positive influence on this sport for years. His passion for NASCAR is clear, and I am sure he will continue to be a force within the sport for years to come. The retirement decision is a tough one, but I know Dale has thought it through. I’m happy he can make the choice when he feels it is the right time.”
–NASCAR ON NBC–
