Earnhardt's career includes a record 14 consecutive NASCAR Most Popular Driver Awards in addition to two Daytona 500 victories and 26 overall Cup points-paying victories. Earnhardt on Tuesday received praise and support from fellow drivers as well as NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. "Dale Earnhardt Jr. is among the most recognizable athletes in the world, unequivocally serving as the sport's most popular driver for more than a decade," France said in a statement. Earnhardt is the latest in a string of NASCAR stars to call it quits, including Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon, and Tony Stewart. Earnhardt's retirement comes as NASCAR struggles to attract new fans to a sport with an aging fan base and declining attendance and television ratings.

Source: The Star April 25, 2017 21:56 UTC