For some driving a race car is the family business with one generation following another behind the wheel. For others it is a dream come true. But the job of a professional race car driver is an arduous one with numerous hours away from family.
This past week, two of NASCAR’s longtime drivers announced that come the end of the season they were hanging up the helmet to spend more time with family and a focus on their young children.
On August 15 Xfinity Series driver Elliott Sadler announced that after 22 years and over 800 races that he will retire from full time driving at the end of this season. In a statement Sadler noted that it is time for him, “as Dad, to help my kids pursue their dreams.”
The 43 year old Sadler currently drives the number one Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Jr’s JR Motorsports. He has a total of 17 wins in his NASCAR career.
As the Xfinity Series prepares for the final races of the regular season, Sadler stands second in the playoffs.
Monster Energy Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne also announced this past week that the 2018 racing season would be his last as a full time driver.
Currently driving the number 95 Chevrolet for Leavine Family Racing, the 38 year old Kahne is a three time Coca-Cola 600 winner and and a former Rookie of the Year winner. He has a total of 18 career wins in the Monster Energy Cup Series and a total of 31 wins in his NASCAR career.