DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Retired NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. will take part in the Next Gen test this week at Daytona Int’l Speedway for Hendrick Motorsports.
Earnhardt, who retired from NASCAR Cup Series competition in 2017 and is now a television broadcaster for NBC, will pilot the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. The news was first teased by Hendrick Motorsports before Earnhardt himself confirmed it on social media.
Excited to get more time behind the wheel of this new car. It’s absolutely necessary for me to do my best in the broadcast booth. Thanks @TeamHendrick and @NASCAR for the opportunity.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) January 10, 2022
This will be the second time Earnhardt has driven the Next Gen race car. He first drove the car during a Goodyear tire test at Bowman-Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C., on Oct. 26.
Earnhardt will be joined at the test by Hendrick Motorsports driver William Byron, who will pilot his typical No. 24 Chevrolet. A full driver roster for the test, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, has not been announced.
Earnhardt has four victories at Daytona Int’l Speedway in NASCAR Cup Series competition, including two in the Daytona 500.
