Dale Jarrett To Call It A Career After The All-Star Race

One of NASCAR�s racing greats has finally decided to hang up his racing shoes after going at it for twenty-four years. And as a fitting way to cap his career, he�ll end it in the race track which almost finished his career before it even began.

Dale Jarrett, son of the legendary race car driver Ned Jarrett, has made up his mind in making this year�s All-Star Race, to be held at Lowe�s Motor Speedway this May, the last race course he�ll drive on. It was in this course that Jarrett�s career almost came to an immediate halt when an accident occurred during the race. With three laps remaining in the infamous 1980 race, Gene Glover accidentally blew up his car�s engine prompting Jarrett, who was trailing him, to collide with Glover�s car. Even though the accident was quite severe, Jarrett was lucky enough to escape only with a broken ankle. The funny part in all of this was that at the time of the accident, Jarrett was more concerned about whether he would be able play golf than being able to race again.

"They assured me I'd probably walk again," Jarrett said. "They weren't sure about golf, and that was a little upsetting at the time."

But despite his worries about whether he would still be able to play golf, Dale Jarrett recovered from the injury and returned to the track. The accident may have been a blessing in disguise since during the course of his career after the accident, he was able to win the 1999 points championship, collect three Daytona 500 championships, and amass a total thirty-two wins. Not only that, but his fear of not being able to play golf again was put to rest as he was still able to return to the playing field.

Before he hangs up his race boots for good, a tribute will be held for Dale Jarrett during the All-Star Weekend race festivities. He�ll be inducted into the Motor Speedways� Court of Legends, along with his father Ned Jarrett. Even though this would end up being his last race, his competitive nature is still there, as he plans on trying to win the All-Star race and make it his first non-points event win ever.

So come this All-Star Race weekend, I�m placing my money on Dale Jarrett to take home the prize. Not only may we witness the possibility of Jarrett winning the race, but this will also mark the last time we see one of NASCAR�s greatest in the race track.

Sources: Fox Sports, Espn, Sports Illustrated