The Latest: NASCAR CEO calls Earnhardt a proven leader

The Latest: NASCAR CEO calls Earnhardt a proven leader

NASCAR's chairman and CEO is praising Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s passion for the sport, saying it will "leave an impact on NASCAR that will be felt over its entire history."

After Earnhardt announced Tuesday that he was retiring after the season, Brian France said NASCAR's most popular driver "has proven himself a leader with a deep commitment to so many areas of the sport — all the way to its roots."

France says: "We're excited about the next chapter of his NASCAR career and wish him success for the remainder of 2017."

In the last question at the news conference where he announced his retirement, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was asked what his late father would have said to him upon hearing his decision.

Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt, who won seven titles and was known as "The Intimidator," was one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. 's retirement follows those of Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon in the past two years, creating a major void in NASCAR star power.

Yet Earnhardt says the "sky's the limit" for NASCAR, and he is "super excited" about the stock car series' future, given its promising young drivers.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. says he wants to stay involved in racing in some capacity after he has finished driving.

Earnhardt is not off to the greatest start this season, with only one top-five finish so far.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. says he is committed to participating in two Xfinity Series races in 2018 and that "even after this season, you have not seen the last of me on the racetrack."

Earnhardt says he wants to be part of the "future of this sport" for many, many years to come and that he would stay involved in racing at some level.

Earnhardt said that "without a shadow of a doubt," the toughest part of his decision was informing Hendrick.

Gordon retired after the 2015 season but filled in as the No. 88 driver last year for part of the season w