SPARTA, Ky. (AP) – Dale Earnhardt Jr. barely had time to bond with Kentucky Speedway, and now he’s saying farewell to the track and the sport.
Fortunately, for NASCAR’s most popular driver, he’s leaving with a lovely parting gift along with lots of love from Bluegrass racing fans.
As Earnhardt prepared to start Saturday night’s 400-mile Cup race from 13th , track management gave him a deluxe jukebox on Friday as a token of its appreciation. Adorned with Junior’s No. 88 and his signature, the large jukebox that also goes to the race winner will be donated in his name to Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, an organization he supports.
“That’s awesome because I know the kids are going to love it,” said Earnhardt, who visited with kids there this week. “We got them a little stereo, but this is going to take the cake. … It will make a lot of kids smile when they are around this jukebox and enjoying it together. I appreciate that.”
Other gifts are sure to follow as Earnhardt finishes his final circuit of full-time Cup duty. The ongoing farewell tour has made him reflect on his experiences, even at a track in which he’ll start for just the seventh time.