Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller are at a pivotal moment in their racing careers, contemplating the potential transition from the Xfinity Series to the NASCAR Cup Series. Their thoughts reflect a balance between passion for the sport and practical considerations regarding ownership and investment.
Earnhardt Jr. acknowledges the evolving landscape of NASCAR, where new partnerships and investments are creating opportunities for some teams, like Gibbs and Trackhouse. While he expresses an openness to the idea of moving to the Cup Series, he also emphasizes a deep-rooted commitment to their current role in Xfinity racing. “We race. We were born into this,” he states, reinforcing that their identity is intertwined with the sport, regardless of the level they compete at.
Kelley Earnhardt Miller elaborates on the complexities of becoming a Cup owner in today’s environment. “To be a Cup owner today means needing a very valuable charter,” she explains. The financial implications of acquiring such a charter weigh heavily on their decision-making process, particularly as they both contemplate their futures. At 51 and 52 years old, respectively, they face the reality of wanting to enjoy life outside of racing after years of hard work. This raises the question: Is it worth the significant commitment required to run a Cup team when they have already established a successful operation in Xfinity?
Despite these considerations, both siblings demonstrate an undeniable passion for mentoring young drivers. Earnhardt Jr. takes pride in the impact their team has had on developing talent that moves up to the Cup Series. “It’s such a cool thing being part of their story,” he reflects, noting the rewarding nature of their current role. The Xfinity Series allows them to cultivate relationships and nurture the next generation of racers, which they find immensely fulfilling.
Kelley echoes this sentiment, recognizing that while the Cup Series may offer more visibility and prestige, the current environment in Xfinity is thriving. They have numerous projects in play, including their media ventures with Dirty Mo Media and an expanding Xfinity team that could potentially run multiple cars if resources allowed. This flourishing ecosystem provides a satisfying and less taxing alternative compared to the high-pressure Cup environment.
Yet, the itch for more remains palpable. Earnhardt Jr. hints at the desire for growth and new challenges, saying, “If it doesn’t materialize it doesn’t materialize. And we’re happy where we are.” However, the allure of Cup ownership lingers in their discussions, indicating that while they are content in their current role, they remain open to opportunities that align with their values and vision.
Ultimately, the decision for Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Miller hinges on a blend of passion, practicality, and timing. They have built a legacy in NASCAR, and while the possibility of moving to the Cup Series is intriguing, it must make sense both financially and personally. For now, their commitment to nurturing talent in the Xfinity Series remains strong, but the door to the Cup is never completely closed, and they continue to keep an eye on the evolving landscape of NASCAR.
