“It’s ran it’s course”: Dale Earnhardt Jr. in favor of Phoenix not hosting NASCAR championship race 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently shared his thoughts on the Championship Race hosted by Phoenix Raceway. He noted that while the track has undergone significant upgrades and investments, it may no longer be the ideal venue for the season finale. Earnhardt expressed that despite the track’s improvements, it might be time to consider a new location.

Phoenix Raceway is a 1-mile, low-banked tri-oval race track located in Avondale, Arizona. The track opened in 1964 and hosts two race weekends in a NASCAR season. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has made 30 trips to Phoenix during his stint as a Cup Series driver, where he secured three race wins and 15 top-ten finishes.

However, in a recent episode of Dirty Mo Media's Dale Jr. Download podcast, the former Xfinity Series champion praised the owners of Phoenix Raceway for its visible development, however, he believes that the track has run its course to host the season finale.

"We probably should move it around. I think that Phoenix has had a great run, but I gotta give Phoenix a lot of credit. They have put a ton of money into that racetrack. They have this thing, I didn't get to see it outside called the barn or some sh*t,"

After being told that the Barn is essentially a bar where they bring all the champions following the end of a race, he said:

"That alone, I don't care what the damn finish looks like. Having a bar at a racetrack raises that son of a b*tch up the list for me. Fans can go there. They're going to see the champion at the end of the day. They know that."

Dale Earnhardt Jr. added:

"Sometimes you're going to have mediocre results, but how they can make up the difference if you're a racetrack like Phoenix is by putting the barn out there is by rebuilding the interior of the racetrack. But I think it's ran its course."

Phoenix Raceway took over as the host for NASCAR's Championship Race in 2020, moving the finale from fan-favorite Homestead-Miami Speedway. Previously, Phoenix had served as the penultimate race venue, while Homestead-Miami marked notable moments, including Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s final Cup Series race in the 2017 Ford EcoBoost 400.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflects on bond with Martin Truex Jr. as his full-time NASCAR career ends

Earlier this year, JGR driver Martin Truex Jr. announced his retirement from competing full-time in the Cup Series. Recently, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has shared insight into his relationship with Truex Jr., following the latter's imminent retirement.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s last full-time season was the same year when Martin Truex Jr. won his first and only Cup Series title. The pair are known to have a good relationship with each other.

In a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, the two-time Xfinity Series champion said:

"I think my overriding opinion is, you know, I have been a fan of his, I cheered him on his entire career[...]He’s never made me question allegiance or loyalty, and I’ve always appreciated the friend he’s been."

He added:

“Now, he’s shitty at communication. He is terrible at text messages, and if you don’t, you know, you might not hear from him for damn months. He’s that kind of friend.”

Meanwhile, speculation about Truex Jr. running a few races each year is on the rise. However, there is no official statement from him as of yet.