Fans Hope Rain Won’t Wash Out Dale Jr.’s Last Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway

CONCORD, NC – Officials have pushed back the start time of Sunday’s Bank of America 500 due to rain.

The green flag will now drop an hour earlier, just after 1:00 pm.

NASCAR fans hope it won’t wash out Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s final race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“He’s got some speed. These last few races of his will be really awesome. Hoping he closes his career on a high note,” says Salisbury, NC resident Derek Seyerle.

He says watching Dale Jr. inspired him to pursue his dream to work in NASCAR.

Dale Jr.’s decision to retire came in April. He was sidelined for 18 races last season while recovering from a concussion.

“I thought it was soon but I understand the circumstances of concussions and stuff. He’s got to do what’s right for him,” says Mocksville, NC resident Brandon Ross.

Junior’s career began in 1999. Since then he’s been named the most popular driver 14 times.

Don Hollingsworth says Dale and his father’s legacy will live on. He named his son Kerry, after Dale Jr.’s older brother.

“No I don’t think you’re gonna find nobody better than the Earnhardts – Dale and Dale Jr. And it’s a shame, you know, that he’s not going to continue. But in life you have to do what you think’s best to do,” Hollingsworth says.