Elliott Sadler will hang up a storied NASCAR career following the 2018 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
The Emporia, Virginia native announced Wednesday morning on Twitter that he will not return to JR Motorsports full-time next season and will retire from competing full-time in any of NASCAR’s top three national divisions.
Sadler, 43, has been a staple in NASCAR competition since 1995 and among a minute group of drivers to win at least one race in NASCAR’s top levels of Truck Series, Xfinity and Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series competition.
He is also one of a few drivers that have participated in both the Cup and Xfinity Series post-season Playoffs.
Sadler told CATCHFENCE.com that his decision was based prominently on wanting to spend more time with his family.
“I feel like I’ve been selfish the last few years pursuing my dreams when I should be helping my kids pursue my dreams,” Sadler told CATCHFENCE.com.
“My job as a father is really my top priority now as compared to a race car driver,” he added. “Having a son with a life-threating food allergy has really changed my priorities and as he goes and does more things I want to be there and be his dad.”
Sadler with his wife Amanda have two children, Wyatt and Austyn.
2019 will also allow Sadler to focus on his other hobbies including playing softball, hunting and spending time with his family. Sadler is also equally involved in breast cancer and autism awareness through the Hermie and Elliott Sadler Foundation.
The Hermie and Elliott Sadler Charitable Foundation is dedicated to raising autism awareness and promoting research for a cure while also supporting initiatives that improve educational opportunities for children and their families.
The Foundation provides support to projects that share the ideas and concerns of the Sadler family.
It’s no secret that Sadler’s final full-time ride has been guided by the support of OneMain Financial, one of the longest-running Xfinity Series sponsors to date – but with the company opting to move in another direction for the 2019 season, the timing was right for Sadler to focus on the next phase of his life.
“I’m going out on my own terms,” Sadler said. “No regrets.”
But before Sadler can relish in the luxuries of retirement, he still has an Xfinity Series championship to be won. Sadler had an opportunity to earn his first championship title last year – but finished second for the second consecutive season. Currently with four races remaining in the regular season, Sadler again sits second overall.
Despite being winless this season in his third season as the mainstay driver at JR Motorsports, Sadler enters Friday night’s Food City 300 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway finding himself challenging for the regular season championship and hoping to reap the reward of extra points being padded to his Playoff spot for the title fight.
For over two decades, Sadler’s contagious smile and no-nonsense demeanor have made him one of the most popular drivers in the sport. A multi-time NASCAR Xfinity Series most popular driver – Sadler’s presence on the track undoubtedly made him a household name.
With 17 wins in 23 years, including his first career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series win at Bristol in 2001 with Wood Bros. Racing – Sadler says the memories he’s made will last a lifetime.
“I’ve had a great career. Of course, I’ve had some coulda – shoulda – woulda moments but I’ve made a lot of memories. I grew up as a race fan, my dad took me to races as a kid… I’ve had a few accomplishments along the way to hang my hat on.
“(I’m just) looking forward to the next chapter.”
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01
