Sometime in May is the NASCAR All-Star Race, which is an annual non-points event. What makes this race special is that this race will be held at the North Wilkesboro Speedway. This is a track that is making a grand return to the NASCAR Cup Series, to the delight of many fans. And much of the praise for this must be attributed to the tireless efforts of a certain Dale Earnhardt Jr, who was instrumental in restoring the track.
So one wouldn’t exactly be at blame for wishing that it would be poetic if Junior competed in the All-Star Race.
Unfortunately, the NASCAR rules have no time for nostalgia or pandering to the fans’ whims.
In fact, even Jimmie Johnson is not above the rules, as he was rendered ineligible to race at North Wilkesboro. So if a 7-time Cup champion like Johnson could not race, is there something that made people think that Dale Jr stands a chance?
Could Dale Earnhardt Jr get a call-up under the new circumstances?
Now, an unexpected situation has arisen for Hendrick Motorsports. Earlier, Chase Elliott was injured off the track, so the team had to find a substitute for him. The good news is that Elliott is back in action, but the bad news is that they are a man down again. This time, it was Alex Bowman who would be out for the count after an injury during a sprint car race.
With Bowman out, Josh Berry will be returning to the fray after a successful stint substituting for Chase Elliott. Now, some did wonder if Berry would compete in the All-Star race as Bowman’s substitute. If Bowman was not fit enough, would Hendrick Motorsport be allowed to field an eligible driver or forfeit? Unfortunately, Johnson was never an option, but neither is Dale Earnhardt Jr.
With Jimmie Johnson not being an option, is there still a chance for fans to see Junior in action
Honestly, it would be a dream come true for fans, if Johnson was roped in to reunite with his now iconic #48 car. However, NASCAR’s rules say that the driver needs to be a past champion and a full-time driver. Johnson only ticks one criterion, as he is not a full-time driver. Unfortunately for fans, Dale Earnhardt Jr is neither a champion nor a full-time NASCAR Cup driver.
According to Bob Pockrass though, “NASCAR typically decides this on a case-by-case basis—they lean toward allowing the substitute driver to be in the main event because a team likely has already sold sponsorship to be in the main event.”
That is a good question. NASCAR typically decides this on a case-by-case basis — they lean toward allowing the substitute driver to be in the main event because a team likely has already sold sponsorship to be in the main event. But I have not gotten an answer from NASCAR yet. https://t.co/7qtHNTEzx3
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 26, 2023
Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt Jr himself has also said that his days of competing in the Cup Series are long over.
WATCH THIS STORY: “Nothing Has Changed” – Denny Hamlin & Dale Earnhardt Jr. Break Their Silence as NASCAR Drops a Massive Bombshell
The post Explosive NASCAR Whistleblower Forced to Repeat Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Heartbreaking Confession; Fans Cling to Hope Amidst Shocking Revelations appeared first on EssentiallySports.
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