NASCAR Track Owner Targets Dale Jr. Days After Forcing Jeff Gordon Out of Retirement
The world of motorsports was taken by surprise when Jeff Gordon announced his return to racing in the International Race of Champions (IROC) in 2026. The legendary driver, who had retired from NASCAR in 2015, was ready to step back into the driver’s seat and compete against some of the best in the world. But that wasn’t the end of the surprises, as another former NASCAR champion, Kurt Busch, also joined in on the action.
The IROC, known for bringing together the best drivers from different racing disciplines, was already shaping up to be an exciting event. However, for Marcus Smith, the owner of several NASCAR tracks, including the Charlotte Motor Speedway, the IROC still felt incomplete. Despite the star-studded lineup, Smith had his sights set on another heavyweight name to add to the prestigious race – Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Smith’s desire to have Earnhardt Jr. in the IROC was no surprise to anyone. The two have a long history together, with Smith being a close friend and business partner of the Earnhardt family. But what raised eyebrows was the timing of Smith’s announcement. It came just days after Gordon’s return was made official, and many saw it as a move to overshadow the former champion’s comeback.
However, Smith was quick to dismiss any such notions and stated that his decision to pursue Earnhardt Jr. was not a slight towards Gordon. He explained that the IROC was always meant to be a platform for the best drivers, and having both Gordon and Earnhardt Jr. in the race would only add to its prestige.
For Earnhardt Jr., who retired from full-time racing in 2017, the idea of competing in the IROC was enticing. The 46-year-old, who is now a successful broadcaster, has always been a fan of the event and has expressed his interest in participating in the past. With the IROC returning after a decade-long hiatus, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Earnhardt Jr. to make his comeback.
The news of Smith’s pursuit of Earnhardt Jr. was met with excitement and anticipation from fans and the racing community alike. The thought of seeing two of the biggest names in NASCAR history going head-to-head once again was enough to get everyone’s adrenaline pumping. And for Smith, it was a chance to bring together two of his closest friends and give the fans a race to remember.
But the question remains, will Earnhardt Jr. accept Smith’s invitation? The former driver has been enjoying his retirement and has shown no signs of wanting to return to full-time racing. However, the IROC is not a typical race; it’s a one-off event that brings together the best of the best. And for someone like Earnhardt Jr., who has always been a fierce competitor, the lure of the IROC may be too hard to resist.
If Earnhardt Jr. does decide to join Gordon and Busch in the IROC, it will undoubtedly be a dream come true for Smith. The three drivers, who have a combined total of 10 NASCAR Cup Series championships, will make for an epic battle on the track. And for the fans, it will be a chance to witness history in the making.
In the end, whether or not Earnhardt Jr. joins the IROC remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, the event is already shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated races in recent years. And with the addition of another racing legend like Earnhardt Jr., it will only elevate the excitement and level of competition.
As for Gordon, who was initially the center of attention with his return, he has shown nothing but support for Smith’s pursuit of Earnhardt Jr. The former champion understands the significance of having both himself and Earnhardt Jr. in the IROC and has even expressed his excitement at the possibility of racing against his longtime friend.
In the end, it’s all about bringing together the best of the best and giving the fans a race to remember. And with the potential addition of Dale Earnhardt Jr., the IROC in 2026 is shaping up to be an event that will go down in history. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope that we get to witness the ultimate showdown between three of the greatest drivers of all time.