Dale Earnhardt Jr. caused a big stir in the NASCAR community when he announced he would not be returning to NBC as a race analyst in 2024. This unexpected change sparked rumors about his departure, with some speculating it was a messy breakup. One rumor suggested Earnhardt Jr. was unhappy doing race broadcasts in NBC studios in Charlotte instead of being live at the tracks. Another rumor claimed he had been reprimanded by producers. However, Earnhardt Jr. quickly debunked these claims, stating they were false and his decision to leave NBC had nothing to do with conflicts. He expressed his respect and admiration for the NBC team and emphasized he had a positive experience working with them.
Recent news revealed Earnhardt Jr. has signed a contract with streaming giants Amazon and Warner Bros for the 2025 season and beyond. He will serve as a commentator for the coverage of 10 races (five races on each platform) over the next seven years. This new role will likely see him as the lead commentator and presents an exciting challenge for Earnhardt Jr. in integrating two different platforms around him. The contract will officially begin in the 2025 season, allowing Earnhardt Jr. to explore other opportunities in 2024. However, there are reports suggesting he may take a one-year break after his six-year stint at NBC.
In case you missed it, Dale Earnhardt Jr. clarified that his departure from NBC was amicable and the rumors surrounding it are false. He expressed his gratitude and admiration for the NBC team, emphasizing he was never reprimanded for anything and NBC was an amazing experience for him.