After 18 seasons on the premier NASCAR Cup level and 20 years of full-time stock-car racing, fan-favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced on April 25, 2017, that the ’17 season would be his last. The 15-time Most Popular Driver and winner of 26 NASCAR Cup races, including two Daytona 500s, was trading in his driver’s suit for a broadcaster’s necktie.
Concussions had taken their toll. He was done with racing. Except for one night – Sept. 21, 2018. This Dirty Mo Media exclusive short film documents the days leading up to Earnhardt Jr.’s one-race return to the driver’s seat for a NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Richmond Raceway. It is a raw, behind-the-scenes look into Earnhardt Jr.’s life.
It captures the nerves, emotions and anticipation that accompanied Earnhardt Jr. in his return. Would he be rusty? Would he still possess the racing instincts and competitive prowess that Earnhardts are known for? And could he actually win this race? “The Return” answers those questions and provides unmatched, unprecedented access into the fast-paced, high-octane, super-frenzied world of Dale Earnhardt Jr., the beloved racer who gave his fans another night to remember.