Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced in 2017 that it would be his last season as a full-time driver. David Tucker/News Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

Dale Earnhardt Jr. inducted into NASCAR Hall of Fame

By Adam Stites | Last updated 1/21/22

Two-time Daytona 500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. became the newest member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame on Friday night.

Earnhardt, 47, won 26 Cup Series races during his career and finished his high as third in the series standings. But his most impressive accomplishment might be the record-breaking 15 consecutive seasons he was voted the sport's most popular driver.

His father Dale Earnhardt Sr., who died in a crash at the 2001 Daytona 500, was a member of the inaugural class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010. Earnhardt Jr. said in his induction speech that joining his father in the Hall of Fame "is probably as good as it's ever going to get."

"So to join Dad in the Hall of Fame is probably as good as it's ever going to get."

An incredible honor for @DaleJr and the entire Earnhardt family. #NASCARHOF pic.twitter.com/mWZBpKvHf0
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) January 22, 2022

Earnhardt announced in 2017 that it would be his last season as a full-time driver. The decision came after he missed much of the 2016 season due to concussion-like symptoms.

While he hasn't raced in the Cup Series since the end of the 2017 season, Earnhardt has sporadically raced in NASCAR's Xfinity Series. Most recently, he finished 14th in the 2021 Go Bowling 250 at Richmond Raceway.

More must-reads: