HICKORY, N.C., Oct. 12, 2007 — Dale Jarrett, the 1999 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, today announced he would retire from full-time competition in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series at the conclusion of the 2007 NASCAR season. While Jarrett is retiring from full-time competition, he will compete in six races during the 2008 season, including the season-opening Daytona 500.
The Hickory, N.C.-native made his first career start in NASCAR’s top touring series at Martinsville Speedway on April 29, 1984. Jarrett’s full-time Nextel Cup Series career started in 1987 when he was hired to drive for legendary NASCAR driver Cale Yarborough. The most successful stint of Jarrett’s career came during the 12 years he spent driving for Robert Yates Racing. From 1995 to 2006, Jarrett won the 1999 NASCAR Cup Series championship, 29 races and earned 16 Bud Pole Awards.
“This is obviously a decision that required a lot of thought and consideration and it is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do,” said Jarrett. “I’ve been fortunate to have one of the best NASCAR sponsors in UPS, and I’m first and foremost a competitor. The desire to compete is the reason why I have continued as a driver in the Nextel Cup Series. But I’ve come to the decision to get out of the racecar and while I’ll miss being a driver, I am looking forward to the next phase of my life and career.”
UPS, the Official Delivery Company of NASCAR, has been the primary sponsor for Jarrett since 2001. UPS will continue as a partner and primary sponsor of the Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota Camry and although Jarrett is retiring from competition, his relationship with UPS will continue off the race track.
“Dale Jarrett has been a terrific ambassador for the UPS brand during these seven years of our relationship,” said Ron Rogowski, director of sponsorship for UPS. “We support Dale in his decision to step from behind the wheel of the racecar and are thrilled to be able to continue the mutually beneficial relationship that started in 2001. We wish Dale and his family all the best in the future and will always count them as part of the UPS family.”
Jarrett, a 32-race winner in NASCAR Nextel Cup Series competition, is scheduled to make his final career start at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 17, 2008.
(Courtesy of Elevation PR)
I am really sorry to see Dale retiring, but do understand why he is doing so. He has been one of my favorite drivers for several years and am definitely looking forward to his candor during racing broadcasts.
Me too, Lynn.
I’ve rooted for DJ ever since he started in the Cup series, and I remember fondly his first Cup win in the #21 car at Michigan, and his first Daytona 500 win with proud poppa Ned calling the race.
I got to meet DJ once at a car show in Cincinnati, before he had won his championship in ’99. There was a line of 300+ people waiting to get that “other” driver’s autograph (Jeffy), but there were only a very few in Dale’s line. He was so kind, friendly, and gracious to my family and I; a true class act, just like his dad.
Then I met his son, Jason, at the Kentucky Speedway for an ARCA race, and I was glad to see that the genetics ran strong, as Jason is a class act, too.
Like grandfather, like father, like son.