Shocker for NASCAR: Dale Earnhardt Jr. to retire at end of season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Tuesday announced his retirement effective at the end of the season, a decision that will cost NASCAR its most popular driver as the series scrambles to rebuild its connection with fans.

At a news conference, Earnhardt said he “wanted the opportunity to go out on his own terms.”

After missing much of the 2016 season because of concussion-like symptoms, he said that time off played a role in his decision.

“Having influence over my exit only became meaningful when it started to seem most unlikely,” Earnhardt said.

Colorful and candid, Earnhardt has been plagued by concussions the past several years, and he missed half of last season recovering from a head injury.

The concussions left him with nausea, double vision, anxiety and other symptoms.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s decision to retire after the NASCAR season didn’t surprise Steve Page, president and general manager of Sonoma Raceway.

Earnhardt will make his last appearance at Sonoma in the Toyota/Save Mart 350 on June 25, his 18th Cup race at Sonoma.