NASCAR President Mike Helton took his turn today, calling Jarrett up to the front of the room before the jam-packed drivers’ meeting at Bristol Motor Speedway. Helton’s speech went like this:

“Throughout the history of NASCAR, 60 years, there have been characters that have made what NASCAR is today. Hopefully, there’s going to be characters in this room that will contribute to it, and in the future, come into the sport. Dale has been unique in a lot of ways, on and off the racetrack. Dale, you’ve been a great ambassador, a great spokesperson, a classic role model for many of us in this sport. Personally, I’m glad to have crossed your path and have shared this time with you and I look forward to the rest of our careers, going on down the road, hopefully together.  We wanted to take just a moment to say thank you, congratulate you, and join in all the celebration of your career and all your contributions to NASCAR. So thank you very much.“

The gathered crowd, comprised of drivers, crew chiefs and other team officials, rose to their feet for a standing ovation. After it died down, Jarrett had his chance to speak:

“I’ve only got one thing to say, and mostly to the drivers: Enjoy this. We all have our time in this and mine has been fantastic. To me, it’s been an honor and a privilege to be able to race in this series and say that I’ve raced with and against and sometimes beat the best in the world. Thanks for allowing me to do that. Enjoy it, it’s a great sport, and you help make it what it is. Thank you.“

Helton then presented Jarrett with a collage of photos of some of his biggest moments in NASCAR, and quipped, “Don’t worry about trying to carry it, we’ll UPS it to you.“

Posted by Jill Erwin in • Auto Racing • NASCAR
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