NASCAR After Dale Earnhardt Jr.

It is no secret that NASCAR fans like to stick to their favorite drivers. For the past fifteen consecutive years, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been the fan favorite, winning the National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver award. In the wake of Earnhardt Jr.'s retirement, where will fans turn? Who will become the next big name in NASCAR?

One very possible answer to this question is Martin Truex Jr. He is a young and talented driver with a lot to offer. Truex Jr. is not only the most recent winner of the NASCAR Cup Series championship, but he also comes with a moving cause to support. His long time girlfriend, Sherry Pollex, has been battling ovarian cancer. Together, Sherry Pollex and Martin Truex Jr. created a foundation called the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation, which supports and raises awareness for cancer research. The foundation holds charity events where donors can participate and help make a difference.

Martin Truex Jr. also has a strong team supporting him, including business manager Todd Moore and recipient of the Crew Chief of the Year award, Cole Pearn. With a strong team, comes strong support and an increased likelihood that Truex Jr. will perform well again this season in NASCAR, earning a greater following for both himself and the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation.

The retirement of fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. also begs the question, will big name races like the Daytona 500 be as popular as it has been in the past? NASCAR ratings have declined in recent years. With the Daytona 500 as the first major race of the year, it will be an important indicator in what the future for NASCAR holds, including ratings and fan favorite drivers. Heading in the direction of a new era, the Daytona International Speedway has undergone a major facelift. The project, called Daytona Rising, is a $400 million dollar investment in making the speedway more comfortable and more modern. Newer features and shopping areas are sure to add an appealing factor to Daytona and draw in tourists for the Daytona 500 weekend.

Only after the Daytona 500 taking place on February 18th, 2018, will we have a clearer picture of which driver to watch for the season. It will also provide the answer to whether or not the speedway renovation was successful in creating a larger spectator outcome.