For the first time this ever, Shane van Gisbergen raced at Bristol. It was also his first race ever against Dale Earnhardt Jr. Tonight was an awesome moment and crossover between multiple generations of NASCAR.

Of course, Shane van Gisbergen is reviving the No. 88 car next year. He will race that number in the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing. So, it’s clear that he has respect for Dale Jr. and his legacy.

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After Earnhardt finished P7 and SVG P18, the Kiwi got out of his car and went over to talk to the NASCAR icon. He joked about Earnhardt’s age afterward with Dirty Mo Media.

“Oh, just helped him out of the car, he’s pretty old, you know, so,” van Gisbergen said, joking. “No, we had a pretty fun race at the start and let him go and then on the cool-down lap, he’s smashing into me. So, yeah, a lot of fun. Cool to share the track with him and just to race here, like, what a really cool place.”

Even after a tough race, SVG is full of smiles and jokes. He’s a guy who is easy to like and clearly has the respect of many of his peers in Australia and the United States.

Shane van Gisbergen held his own in his first trip to Bristol. P18 is not the worst debut at The Last Great Colosseum. From here on out, he will race at four tracks he has raced at previously and one road course at the Roval.

As for Dale Earnhardt Jr. he is done for the season, and likely won’t race in NASCAR again until 2026. He has no plans to race in 2025 and hinted that he would like to keep it that way.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove with no spotter or glasses

Tonight was perhaps the last time we will see Dale Earnhardt Jr. in a NASCAR race. Then again, he might be back in 2026. Tonight in Bristol, Earnhardt earned P7 without his glasses.

At the beginning of the race, Dale Earnhardt Jr. had an issue with his radio. It required him to swap helmets and also his wiring harness. In the process, his glasses were caught in his original helmet and he drove somewhat blind for the first stage.

To make it better, Earnhardt couldn’t hear on the radio for all of Stage 1. So, he was clearing himself without glasses or a spotter. He still avoided a wreck.

After the race, Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports asked Dale Jr. about his glasses situation. The veteran driver just ditched them completely and made up numbers on his dash when asked by his crew.

“Oh, I did. I took them off. I can see you great, I just can’t see the dash, can’t read the little numbers. So, they’re like, how hot is it? I’m like, it’s 200-something. I can see out the windshield just fine. You know,” Earnhardt said pointing at Pockrass who wears glasses. “I’m the same as you right here buddy.”

As far as his future on the track goes, Earnhardt isn’t closing the door yet.

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