Q: You’ve had a couple of months since getting out of the car following Bristol, so has it set in that this will be your last race?
Dale Jarrett: “I think it has. When I got out at Bristol, even with all the wonderful tributes and stories, I knew that I had this race left before it was over. I’ve been out of the car for a little while now so it’s something that I’ve started to adjust to, starting this next chapter in my career. The All-Star Race was just a perfect race to end on for me personally as well as from a sponsor perspective. This is a race for the fans and it’s a great way for me to say thank you to them for the career they’ve allowed me to have.”
Q: Was there any significance to the All-Star Race being the last race for you?
Dale Jarrett: “After really looking over the schedule, there are a couple of tracks or races that stand out as ones where you’d like to run your last race. Obviously the Coca-Cola 600 came to mind because it would be here in Charlotte. But as I looked at that, and it was going to take away from somebody trying to run all the races if I go take a spot there and I didn’t want to do that. I looked at Indianapolis, same scenario basically – a great place to end your career, but it is perfect here. This is where it should happen. The All-Star Race gives me a perfect opportunity to do that with family and friends coming here.”
Q: Can you talk about the busy week you have ahead of you?
Dale Jarrett: “We do have a really busy week coming up but I’m really looking forward to everything that is planned. UPS obviously has some great things lined up, especially with the “Big Brown Truck” prior to the start of the race. The track (LMS) has also put together some really great things for the fans but I’m sure it will be a situation like in Bristol, on the day after the race, it will set in. It’s an honor that so many people want to recognize you and play a part in your last race. As I said before Bristol, I just hope that everyone understands how much I appreciate the opportunities that I’ve been given in this sport. I looked at this always as an honor and a privilege to drive these cars, know the people and make a living at this.”
Q: Can you talk about what it would mean to win this race in your final start?
Dale Jarrett: “It’s the one thing that I wish that I had, one of those trophies. It would be the story book ending to finish our last race with a trip to victory lane. We’ll try extremely hard and do everything short of cheating to make that happen.”
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