MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Oct. 15, 2017) – On the occasion of his final start at Talladega Superspeedway as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver, Governor Kay Ivey has given a little gubernatorial gusto to the proceedings at the giant 2.66-mile speed plant by declaring Oct. 15 to be “Dale Earnhardt Jr. Day” in the state of Alabama.

Ivey, a Republican, will also serve as Grand Marshal and give the command to start engines for the event, which is set to begin at 1 p.m. CDT (2 p.m. EDT), said she was happy to bestow the honor on the 43-year-old third-generation NASCAR superstar.

“Nowhere else in the world are there more Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans than in the state of Alabama,” said Ivey, the 54th Governor of Alabama. “He has always made it clear of his love for Talladega Superspeedway and the millions of fans that lay claim to him as their favorite NASCAR driver. He has been an impressive, positive role model for so many and we are proud to honor him this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, but also across the entire state.” 

Those fans have good reason to cheer for Earnhardt Jr., who has won six times on the big track during his career. Between the October races in 2001 and 2004, Earnhardt Jr. won five of the seven races run there and finished second in the other two. He added his sixth victory in 2015. Should he win on Sunday, he will move into second place all-time in Talladega victories, trailing only his legendary father, who earned 10 victories there.

“We are thrilled that Governor Ivey has proclaimed Sunday, Oct. 15 as ‘Dale Earnhardt Jr. Day’ in the State of Alabama,” said Talladega Superspeedway Chairman Grant Lynch, a longtime friend of the Earnhardt family. “Dale Jr. has meant so much to Talladega Superspeedway. He’s one of us, and has left a mark on our state for many years to come.”