Former O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently shared his take on the governing body’s idea to go electric in the following series. On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Earnhardt Jr. warned NASCAR about how electric vehicles would “destroy the series.”
NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer John Probst told Sports Business Journal that the governing body is evaluating the use of electric crossover utility vehicles in the O’Reilly Series. The goal is to give the second-tier racing series a new identity different from the Cup and Truck Series. Additionally, he confirmed that the governing body will experiment with a hydrogen combustion engine in the upcoming five years.
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However, Dale Earnhardt Jr. opposed the decision and warned it might harm the sport. He pointed out that the series has a lot going for it now, with increased viewership, and that fans can “relate” to it. But the idea of changing the series to the CUV-body style might cause significant damage to the sport.
The JR Motorsports co-owner shared some strong comments:
“I think making a switch to anything unlike what we have would be a massive, massive mistake.”
“I think any kind of change like that, dramatic as that would be, would destroy the series as we know it. I would not be interested in that [and] I don’t think JR Motorsports would be interested in that,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.
NASCAR first introduced the idea of the EV prototype in 2024 with a crossover utility vehicle body shape. Ford and Chevy have developed skins for the same and have been receiving mixed public reaction since then. As per Probst, the CUV platform will replace the coupes and sedans in the O’Reilly Series.
“I would love to give him an opportunity”: Dale Earnhardt Jr. wants to give the former F1 driver a chance in NASCAR with his team
In March 2026, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was featured on the Speed podcast with Kevin Harvick ahead of the Martinsville Speedway weekend. During the podcast, Dale Jr. opened up about giving the former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo a chance in stock car racing with his team, JR Motorsports.
The Australian driver debuted in Formula One in 2011 and then joined Red Bull Racing. He drove as an RB driver for five seasons, securing eight grand prix victories, 32 podiums, and 1,329 career points. Ricciardo then competed with the Visa Cash App RB F1 team in the 2024 season, marking the end of his Formula One career.
Reflecting on the stats, Dale Earnhardt Jr. believed Ricciardo would be a good fit for his team in NASCAR. He further claimed that the former F1 driver is still young and should compete in stock car racing. Dale Jr. further added:
“What a great personality. And he loves NASCAR. He’s a big fan. I know. I know. And so, I would love to give him an opportunity just to get a feel, right?”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. currently features Justin Allgaier and Sammy Smith as full-time drivers for JR Motorsports in the O’Reilly Series. Additionally, Rajah Caruth, Carson Kvapil, and Connor Zilisch compete as part-time drivers for the team.
Edited by Karan Yadav
