Dale Earnhardt Jr. Teases Expanded NASCAR Xfinity Series Schedule

Sports Contributing Writer

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Dale Earnhardt Jr., who retired from full-time NASCAR racing after the 2017 season, has revealed what would tempt him to expand his part-time Xfinity Series schedule.

The NASCAR Hall of Famer joined the ZMAX CARS Tour broadcast during the qualifying event at North Wilkesboro. During his appearance, he claimed that if NASCAR announces an Xfinity Series race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, then he would expand his racing schedule.

So, @DaleJr says if #NASCAR announces a @NASCAR_Xfinity race at @NWBSpeedway, he's adding it to his schedule. So, when do we see North Wilkesboro added to the Xfinity Series schedule?
— Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) May 16, 2025

Earnhardt Jr.'s last Xfinity race was the 2024 Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. He commented at the time, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:

"I mean, if I don't ever run again, I'm happy at 50 years old to jump in once and run top 10.

NASCAR Hall of Famer and JR Motorsports owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr. looks on during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 12, 2025 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Sean Gardner/Getty Images

"I know there was some guys named (Harry) Gant and (Bobby) Allison that were winning races in their 50s. So I know it's damn doable. It's not anything too crazy. But not doing it every week, man, you certainly come in here feeling like you're handicapped, and you've gotta drink from the fire hose trying to figure out what's going on and getting up to speed.

"I loved every lap. It was great.

"I mean, I got everything I wanted out of this, and I'll miss it next year. I'm certain I'll probably sign up for somewhere else. Trying not to already start thinking about, where would I run? Where do I want to run?

"But I definitely do want to take next year off, focus on my broadcasting and get my boots on and get back to work there, make sure I'm doing a good job for that. That's my priority, that and my family."

North Wilkesboro Speedway is hosting the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Open and Race this weekend along with the Craftsman Truck Series and Whelan Modified Tour.