A new exhibit has opened at the NASCAR Hall of Fame celebrating the career of 15-time most popular Cup series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.'JR Nation Appreci88ion Tour Continues' – named after the former Hendrick Motorsports driver's farewell tour during 2017 – celebrates Earnhardt's career both on and off the track.
The Hall of Fame describes the new exhibit as a collaborative effort between the Charlotte facility and Earnhardt's JR Motorsports racing team, and it brings together a number of artefacts from his career, including various trophies, race suits, and photographs.
The centrepiece of the collection is the Chevrolet SS driven by Earnhardt in his 631st and final Cup race in Miami last year (pictured).
The car, which was one of several cars raced by Earnhardt in his final year of full-time competition, sported a one-off livery reminiscent of the Budweiser-sponsored car that the North Carolina native drove on his Cup debut in 1999.
Upon completion of the 2017 season finale, Earnhardt's team owner Rick Hendrick gifted the car in return for the helmet he wore during that final race.
In a 21-year career, Earnhardt won 26 Cup races – two of which being Daytona 500s, and the 2000 All-Star race. He also won 24 Xfinity races and took two titles in the second-tier series. His best finish in the Cup series standings was 3rd in 2003.
While he retired from racing full-time at the end of 2017, Earnhardt is expected to compete in one Xfinity series race this season, at Richmond, alongside his TV commitments for NBC.
Earnhardt's father, seven-time Cup champion Dale Earnhardt Sr. was among the first inductees to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010. Earnhardt Jr. will become eligible for selection in 2021 at the earliest. There are only three other inactive drivers with more victories that are yet to make it into the hall.
Image: Chris Graythen/Getty Images/NASCAR Media
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