CONCORD, N.C. -- Tuesday afternoon on the Hendrick Motorsports campus, Dale Earnhardt Jr. stepped to the podium to address the news that he will bring his NASCAR Cup Series driving career to a close at the conclusion of 2017.
In a wide-ranging speech and question-and-answer session with the media, Earnhardt and Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick discussed the decision and the emotions that went into it.
Earnhardt noted that he was "at peace with the decision."
"I accomplished way more than I ever dreamed," Earnhardt said. "Way more."
But he and the No. 88 team are that much more motivated to make the rest of the 2017 season count -- starting this Sunday.
"I'm going to be in Richmond this weekend with my foot on the floor," Earnhardt smiled.
Check out the full press conference via the Facebook Live video above.