In a press conference April 25 at Hendrick Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt Jr. formally announced his retirement from Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series racing at the conclusion of the 2017 season.
In an incredible 18-year NASCAR career, look back on all 26 of Earnhardt’s 26 career victories to date.
1
Texas Motor Speedway, April 2000
Earnhardt’s first career Cup victory came at Texas in 2000, highlighted by his father, seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt, greeting him in Victory Lane.
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2
Richmond International Raceway, May 2000
Three weeks after his first win, Earnhardt backed it up at RIR in May 2000, leading 31 laps en route to the win.
The next week, Earnhardt earned a non-points win in the All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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3
Daytona International Speedway, July 2001
In one of the most emotional victories in NASCAR history, Earnhardt won the Pepsi 400 at Daytona, six months after the passing of his father at the track.
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4
Dover International Speedway, September 2001
Following the 9/11 attacks, NASCAR chose to postpone the race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway until the end of the season. The Cup Series returned to action at Dover, where Earnhardt drove to victory.
©Robt LeSieur 2001
5
Talladega Superspeedway, October 2001
This was the first of Earnhardt’s six career victories at Talladega.
©Robt LeSieur 2001
6
Talladega Superspeedway, April 2002
Earnhardt led 133 of 188 laps en route to another win at ‘Dega in April 2002.
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7
Talladega Superspeedway, October 2002
The EA Sports 500 marked the third consecutive win at Talladega for Earnhardt.
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8
Talladega Superspeedway, April 2003
Kevin Harvick (left) has some fun in Victory Lane after finishing second to Earnhardt in the spring race at Talladega in 2003.
9
Phoenix Raceway, November 2003
Earnhardt beat out future teammate Jimmie Johnson to score his first victory at Phoenix.
©Robt LeSieur 2003
10
Daytona International Speedway, February 2004
In one of the most of the most special moments in his career, Earnhardt earned his first of two Daytona 500 victories in 2004.
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11
Atlanta Motor Speedway, March 2004
This was the first and only win for Earnhardt at Atlanta over the course of his career.
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12
Richmond International Raceway, May 2004
Earnhardt celebrates with his No. 8 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. crew after winning at Richmond in 2004.
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13
Bristol Motor Speedway, August 2004
Earnhardt burns it down after winning the iconic night race at Bristol.
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14
Talladega Superspeedway, October 2004
Earnhardt races toward the checkered flag in the fall race at Talladega.
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15
Phoenix Raceway, November 2004
Earnhardt’s win in the 2004 Checker Auto Parts 500 was the second of his career at Phoenix.
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16
Chicagoland Speedway, July 2005
The No. 8 crew runs out to celebrate as Earnhardt performs a burnout in front of the crowd at Chicagoland.
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17
Richmond International Raceway, May 2006
In the only victory of the 2006 season, Earnhardt won at Richmond, the third victory of his career at the Virginia short track.
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18
Michigan International Speedway, June 2008
It was a special day for Earnhardt (right) at Michigan in 2008. It marked his first victory in the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy. Crew chief Tony Eury Jr. (middle) and team owner Rick Hendrick (left) join in on the Victory Lane celebration.
19
Michigan International Speedway, June 2012
After three winless seasons, Earnhardt broke into Victory Lane once again at MIS in 2012.
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20
Daytona International Speedway, February 2014
In rain-delayed Daytona 500 that ran deep into the night, Earnhardt scored his second career victory in the Great American race in 2014.
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21
Pocono Raceway, June 2014
After Brad Keselowski dominated most of the day, it was Earnhardt who drove to his first career victory at “The Tricky Triangle” in 2014.
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22
Pocono Raceway, August 2014
This race marked a sweep of both Pocono races for Earnhardt in 2014.
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23
Martinsville Speedway, October 2014
Joined by team owner Rick Hendrick (left) and wife Amy (right) Earnhardt celebrates winning his first grandfather clock in the fall race at Martinsville.
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24
Talladega Superspeedway, May 2015
Earnhardt lets it all out after win No. 6 at Talladega in the spring race in 2015.
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25
Daytona International Speedway, July 2015
A cool view of Earnhardt’s Victory Lane celebration after winning his fourth career points race at Daytona.
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26
Phoenix Raceway, November 2015
Earnhardt and his wife, Amy, celebrate his last victory in the fall race at Phoenix in 2015. Only time will tell if Earnhardt can break into Victory Lane a few more times before he calls it a career.
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13
12 defining moments in Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s career
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