Dale Jr. Hands Over the Wheel

News of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s retirement reminds us of what he’s meant to the Corvette world.

Every now and then, someone comes along who really changes the way you feel about things, in a way that’s tough to put into words.

For nearly 20 years, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has done that for millions of us who absolutely love high-performance cars. And he’s won 26 career races while doing it. That’s why news that the NASCAR legend has decided to retire after the 2017 racing season is so bittersweet.

On one hand, we all know it’s a well-deserved farewell to the sport. Dale Jr. (as he’s more commonly known) has devoted the majority of his life to entertaining sports car fans while roaring around racing circuits nationwide, thrilling us with his victories across the checkered flag. Not to mention the fact that he once raced Corvettes, and is known to be a huge fan of the American sports car.

CHECK OUT: What Forum Members Are Saying About Earnhardt’s Legacy

Of course, there’s been speculation that the 42-year-old racing icon might retire after he suffered a 2016 concussion that derailed the last leg of his racing season.

Still, Dale Jr.’s retirement is cause for a little sense of disappointment, given what he’s meant for a lot of sports car fans. Particularly those who have sat behind the wheel of a Corvette, dreaming of being a little like Dale Jr., if only for a fleeting moment.

Dale Jr., I’m sure we join millions of racing enthusiasts around the world in saying thank you for all the great NASCAR memories. And enjoy those well-deserved years of retirement ahead, fellow Corvette fan.

Via [NASCAR, Corvette Blogger]