NASCAR stars and fans react to Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s retirement announcement
Fans and fellow racing stars have been NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced in a statement Tuesday that he will be retiring after the 2017 season.
Earnhardt, 42, broke the news to members of his No. 88 Hendrick motorsports team early Tuesday morning and was scheduled share more about his decision in a press conference with owner Rick Hendrick later on Tuesday afternoon.
The son of a NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Sr., Earnhardt made his debut at the Cup Series in 1999, and would go on to win 26 Cup Series races -- including two Daytona 500 wins -- and raced more than 600 times in his career.
See Twitter reactions from fans
The blockbuster announcement had friends and fans in the "Junior Nation" reeling, with heartfelt reactions popping up across Twitter and beyond.
"You're a hell of a friend and teammate @DaleJr, I'm really happy for you and @AmyEarnhardt," fellow NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson tweeted.
You're a hell of a friend and teammate @DaleJr, I'm really happy for you and @AmyEarnhardt. 🤙
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) April 25, 2017
Many in the NASCAR community echoed Johnson's words as they learned of the looming end of Junior's 20-year racing career.
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
Happy for ya @DaleJr, nothing but respect. Let's end it on a good note this year 👊🏼
— Chase Elliott (@chaseelliott) 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
See more reactions from the NASCAR community
His sister, Kelly Earnhardt, also chimed in early Tuesday to shared her support.
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
But the driver's wife, Amy Earnhardt, might have had the most touching response of all.
— Amy Earnhardt (@AmyEarnhardt) April 25, 2017