CONCORD, N.C. – This weekend, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will take on one of his best tracks one final time.
Earnhardt has won six times at Talladega Superspeedway – more than he has at any other track on the NASCAR Cup Series circuit, and the most of any active driver at the venue.
With that in mind, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey has declared this Sunday, Oct. 15, as “Dale Earnhardt Jr. Day” in the state of Alabama.
“Nowhere else in the world are there more Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans than in the state of Alabama,” said Ivey, who will serve as Grand Marshal for Sunday’s race. “He has always made it clear of his love for Talladega Superspeedway and the millions of fans that lay claim to him as their favorite NASCAR driver. He has been an impressive, positive role model for so many and we are proud to honor him this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, but also across the entire state.”
Earnhardt’s first Cup win at Talladega came in October 2001. Between fall 2001 and fall 2004, Earnhardt won five of the seven races at the track, and the only two races he didn’t win, he took the checkered flag as the runner-up.
Since 2005, Earnhardt has led 471 laps at the track – 15 more than his next closest competitor.
“We are thrilled that Governor Ivey has proclaimed Sunday, Oct. 15 as ‘Dale Earnhardt Jr. Day’ in the State of Alabama,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch. “Dale Jr. has meant so much to Talladega Superspeedway. He’s one of us, and has left a mark on our state for many years to come.”
Earnhardt's most recent victory at the 2.66-mile tri-oval came in 2015. A win this Sunday would move him into sole possession of second all-time on the wins list at the track, trailing only his father. He is currently tied for second with Jeff Gordon.
He’ll aim for Victory Lane this Sunday in a race that is scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.