BACK TO GALLERIES

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s finale at Miami

By | Published: November 19, 2017 28

NBC

BACK TO GALLERIES

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. couldn't wait to have a few beers with the boys.

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Same shot, but more artsy.

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A warm embrace between two men who have developed a father-son relationship.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick embrace after their last race as Hendrick Motorsports driver and owner.

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A wave for the ages as Dale Earnhardt Jr. wraps up his final race as a full-time driver.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s No. 88 paint scheme for Homestead was a throwback to his rookie year and sponsor Budweiser. The team enjoyed some of the former sponsor's product after the race, too.

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It took nearly an hour for Earnhardt Jr. to make his way to Victory Lane, where he congratulated race winner and champion Martin Truex Jr.

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Earnhardt Jr. helped give Truex his start in NASCAR.

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A handshake ...

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... then a hug.

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NBC

There with a hug at the beginning of the race, and there was a hug at the end, too. Rick Hendrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. embrace after Junior's final full-time race in Miami.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick have a bond that goes beyond owner and driver. Sunday's finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway was their last together in those roles.

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The sun sets on Homestead-Miami Speedway and Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s legendary Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series career.

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Parents-to-be Dale Jr. and Amy share a moment before Earnhardt's final start as a full-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver.

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One more time around at Homestead-Miami Speedway for Dale Earnhardt Jr.

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A 'Thank You' message for Dale Earnhardt Jr. was unfurled before the race.

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Friends from the start when they both were rookies, retiring drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Matt Kenseth hug on pit road before the Ford EcoBoost 400.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his team take a group photo prior to the Ford EcoBoost 400. Dale Jr.'s fingerprint across the sport has been enormous.

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Dale Jr. and wife Amy embrace before Junior's final Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start as a full-time driver.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. greets fans during driver introductions for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship Ford EcoBoost 400.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. attends the driver's meeting before the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

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Jeffrey Earnhardt, driver of the No. 33 hulu Chevrolet, and Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 88 AXALTA Chevrolet, pose for a photo with Junior's brother and Jeffrey's father, Kerry (gray shirt), prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship Ford EcoBoost 400.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. talks with Tour de France champion Chris Froome before the Ford EcoBoost 400.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s No. 88 ride for Sunday's Ford EcoBoost 400 pays homage to his rookie year car with the black and white stripes and slanted 88.

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Nationwide, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s primary sponsor, offers thanks to fans who make up 'Junior Nation.'

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Fans throng to Dale Earnhardt Jr. for one last chance at a glimpse or autograph from him as a driver.

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On his way to the driver's meeting at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr. signs autographs for fans.

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Sarah Crabill | Getty Images

Dale Earnhardt Jr. gets high fives from crew members along pit road before the start of the Ford EcoBoost 400.