Dale Earnhardt Jr. is officially retiring from NASCAR at the end of this season, and Sunday's Cup Series race at Daytona will be his last in the Hendrick Motorsports No. 88 car.
However, Earnhardt told reporters he won't rule out returning to race at Daytona even after he retires.
"Never say never."@DaleJr isn't saying no to another #Daytona500 run: https://t.co/2EBLl8xqVX pic.twitter.com/EVkjBzUbZV
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) June 27, 2017
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"Well, you never say never," Earnhardt said. "I'm just retiring from full-time racing. I'm going to run some XFINITY races next year. I don't know that I won't ever run the Daytona 500 again, if the right deal comes along. All these tracks you have memories at, all of them, Daytona included."
Earnhardt has two career Cup Series wins at Daytona. He said he will be open to returning, and he'll have to see how he feels about it next year.
Earnhardt is also open to going into broadcasting following his retirement. So although he is retiring from full-time racing, Earnhardt will still be around the sport and possibly still driving on occasion.
With less than half of the season remaining, Earnhardt isn't in position to make the playoffs. A win at Daytona would secure his spot, and that would be an incredible storyline for NASCAR.
(h/t NASCAR.com)