The Xfinity Series race at Talladega Superspeedway came to an end with Jeffrey Earnhardt in second place behind winner Noah Gragson. This career-best performance was his first start with Richard Childress Racing, and Earnhardt hopes that it will lead to even more opportunities.
An emotional Earnhardt spoke to FOX Sports’ Vince Welch after climbing out of the black No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro, and he provided some insight about his afternoon at Talladega Superspeedway. He explained that a push would have given him just enough to pass Gragson on the final lap. Earnhardt didn’t get this help, but he still walked away grateful.
A fun day for Earnhardt fans everywhere.
“Man, I’m living a dream here and I’m so thankful to get this opportunity,” Earnhardt said. “So thankful for everyone to allow me to come do this. Super pumped. Dalstrong, all the fans, RCR for building this amazing race car. We were fast all weekend long.
“We just fell a little short there, and I hate it, but congrats to Noah. He’s a good plate racer. Fell a little short, but hopefully, this will lead to a lot more to come in the future and we’ll be able to come back and give them a run for their money. Just very thankful to even be here. I’ll forever be grateful for this opportunity.”
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Earnhardt Took a Big Gamble After the 2021 Season
Congratulations to my brother @JEarnhardt1, Larry Mac and the entire 3 team on a 2nd place finish. I know our Pawpaw Dale and Mawmaw Latane are smiling down from Heaven
📷: Forever Lawn Inc
The race at Talladega Superspeedway continued a markedly different season for Earnhardt. He is no longer a full-time driver in the Xfinity Series after taking a major gamble once the 2021 season came to an end.
The 32-year-old announced on November 9, 2021, that he would depart JD Motorsports with Gary Keller after two full-time seasons. He explained that his desire was to find a ride that would help him contend for wins. Earnhardt added that he would accept either part-time or full-time opportunities.
Earnhardt’s gamble has paid off in a sense. He did not secure a full-time seat for the 2022 Xfinity Series season, but he has made five starts split between multiple teams. He has made three starts for Sam Hunt Racing with two top-15 finishes. He added another start for Emerling-Gase Motorsports and then his trip to Talladega with Richard Childress Racing.
Earnhardt’s Remaining Schedule Remains a Question
GettyJeffrey Earnhardt poses with his Dale Earnhardt tribute helmet.
With Earnhardt making his first start for Richard Childress Racing and posting the best finish out of the team’s three cars, there are now questions about his future. Will RCR put him back in the No. 3 for another race in 2022, or will another team swoop in and provide some options?
Earnhardt has more races on his schedule, albeit with a different team. He announced in January that he and primary partner ForeverLawn would join Sam Hunt Racing for a tentative seven-race schedule.
Earnhardt has made three of these starts, so he should have four remaining barring any changes. The scheduled races are Texas Motor Speedway on May 21, Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 28, Nashville Superspeedway on June 25, and Bristol Motor Speedway on September 16.
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Jeffrey Earnhardt Eyes Future Opportunities After Career-Best Finish