Joe Ellevold was more than a little surprised to hear that his longtime role model would be leaving his sport for good at the end of 2017.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. surprised fans with his announcement Tuesday to retire from NASCAR at the end of the 2017 racing season.

"I was a big fan of his father's, and then when 'Junior' came up, I was a huge fan of his," said Ellevold, of Minnesota. "I never gave a thought to any other driver to watch or cheer on, but I guess I'll have to find another one now."

Earnhardt Jr., a two-time Daytona 500 winner, has spent almost two decades racing in NASCAR. After those race victories, his hand prints were engraved outside Daytona International Speedway.


Joe Ellevold said Tuesday that he has been a longtime fan of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and followed his father, Dale Sr. (News 13)

Speedway President Chip Wile spoke briefly Tuesday about the legacy Earnhardt Jr. will leave behind for the sport.

"He's brought so much to our fan base, to our sport, and we are certainly excited for him," Wile said. "He's brought so much to us. We want what's best for Dale Jr.”

Ellevold, who grew up watching the father-and-son team, said he thinks this could change the face of NASCAR.

"It's going to hurt. It's going to be a punch, just like when Dale Earnhardt Sr. passed," Ellevold said. "I believe it’s going to be a punch like that.

“I don't think he should have retired."

Earnhardt Jr. said he will participate in two Xfinity Series races in 2018. He said his retirement from NASCAR is not the last of him on the racetrack, and he'll stay involved in racing at some level.


In this undated file photo, Dale Earnhardt Jr. speaks during a news conference at Daytona International Speedway. (File)