Dale Earnhardt Jr set for shock NASCAR debut at Pocono

Cup Series legend Dale Earnhardt Jr is set for a shock NASCAR debut at Pocono Raceway this weekend.

Earnhardt Jr is the owner of JR Motorsports, a racing team that competes full-time in the Xfinity Series with four entries, including Connor Zilisch in the No. 88.

However, Zilisch's crew were facing a big dilemma ahead of this weekend's action having been hit with a penalty at Nashville earlier this month.

Having found two unsecured lug nuts in post-race inspection that day, NASCAR fined the team $10,000 and also suspended the No. 88's crew chief, Mardy Lindley. However, this one-race suspension was deferred for the race in Mexico City last weekend, meaning Lindley will miss this weekend's action at Pocono.

Now, JR Motorsports have announced that it will be Earnhardt Jr replacing him on top of the pit box and calling the shots for the No. 88 this weekend, making his debut as a crew chief.

"This weekend, Earnhardt Jr will be filling in for Mardy Lindley as crew chief of the No. 88 as Lindley serves his one race suspension for loose lug nuts following the NXS race in Nashville two weeks ago," a JR Motorsports statement confirmed.

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This weekend, @DaleJr will be filling in for Mardy Lindley as crew chief of the No. 88 as Lindley serves his one race suspension for loose lugnuts following the NXS race in Nashville two weeks ago.

— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) June 18, 2025

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NASCAR fans react to Earnhardt Jr crew chief debut

Having raced in 631 Cup Series races over a 19-year career in the sport, Earnhardt Jr remains one of the most popular NASCAR figures in the United States, even after retirement.

This is evidenced by the fact that his merchandise continues to be amongst the best-sellers every year, along with his legendary father, seven-time Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt Sr.

Naturally, then, when the news dropped that he was set for crew chief duties this weekend, fans were sent into somewhat of a frenzy.

One X user wrote: "Man Dale just out there doing everything he can in NASCAR .. this is a really cool thing .. I’m excited to hear how it goes after he does it. Will be a fun download next week hearing his recap of it all."

Elsewhere, another user added: "If Z wins it will make for the coolest dual auto diescast."

"THIS IS AWESOME," another user said, with another member of the X community stating: "Coolest s**t ever if this car wins."

Despite Earnhardt Jr's popularity and esteemed career, there are some doubters, however.

"Uhm, does he have crew chief qualifications? Did y’all check the resume?" one user wrote.

Another doubted Earnhardt Jr's ability to get the job done independently, writing: "I suspect there will be heavy cell phone conversations on the 88 box during the race."

It will certainly be interesting to see how Earnhardt Jr gets on and what the feedback is from Zilisch post-race!

Saturday's Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway, known as the Explore the Pocono Mountains 250, will kick off at 3:30 pm ET.

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