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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Names 'No Brainer' Replacement for Daytona

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Armaan Agarwal | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 3:28 PM ET

Daytona is arguably the most iconic track in NASCAR. The track hosts the historic Daytona 500 in February every year while also hosting the final race of the regular season. However, the superspeedway has divided opinions in recent years. Now, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. has named his pick to replace Daytona on the calendar.

The EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta has become a fan favorite following the Quacker State 400 the past weekend. NASCAR veteran Kyle Petty claimed that the Atlanta track provides the best on-track racing in the entire calendar of the sport. As Chase Elliott returned to Victory Lane after an incredible performance.

The Atlanta track, which is not a superspeedway, was recently reworked. The circuit allows for better drafting in the Next-Gen cars, something that even superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega have struggled with.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. reckoned that NASCAR should try to move the regular season finale from Daytona to Atlanta. He insisted that this was more of a ‘no brainer’ decision following the Quacker State 400. The NASCAR legend asserted that Daytona’s second race should be moved up the calendar instead. This would allow for fans to witness some more thrilling battles right before the Playoffs.

Could Daytona just move to another part of the year? I think absolutely it could, and having Atlanta is the final race of the regular season to me sounds like a no-brainer.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said on Dale Jr, Download podcast.

Atlanta as the final race of the regular season? No brainer. @DaleJr | @Tjmajors pic.twitter.com/rUZ0sSMUCC
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) July 2, 2025

Dale Earnhardt Jr. exposes ‘selfish’ Chase Elliott at Hendrick Motorsports

Chase Elliott’s win in Atlanta was a result he desperately needed after a string of underwhelming performances. Though, this victory came after his teammate Alex Bowman gave him a timely push to make it Victory Lane. While this move was appreciated by the entire field as the two Hendrick Motorsports drivers worked together, Dale Jr. pointed out that things might not happen the other way round.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. highlighted that Chase Elliot had much more influence within Hendrick Motorsports. So much so that the former Cup Series champion could act selfish on-track and the team would not bat an eyelid. On the other hand, Alex Bowman does not enjoy the same privileges. Dale Jr. reckoned that this was due to the lack of success achieved by Bowman compared to his teammate.

Chase can be Chase. Chase can go out there and be selfish and do what he wants for himself, and he should. Alex isn’t really afforded that same leeway because he’s not won enough races or a championship,
Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.

Chase Elliot after all is one of the most popular drivers in NASCAR. The 29-year-old’s 2020 Cup Series championship created him a household name in the sport, which he has continued to build upon over the years. Thus, for Hendrick Motorsports, it is important to focus on its star driver during the correct circumstances.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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