CONCORD, N.C. – We knew we’d see Dale Earnhardt Jr. in his new, on-camera role with NBC this year.
When coverage of the NASCAR Cup Series season switches to NBC in July, Earnhardt will be there, part of a broadcast team that includes Jeff Burton, Dale Jarrett, Kyle Petty and former crew chief Steve Letarte.
But now we know that his NBC broadcasting career will kick off even earlier.
NBC announced Tuesday that Earnhardt will work as a contributor for the network’s coverage of Super Bowl LII on Sunday, Feb. 4. Just four days later, he’ll be a part of the coverage of the XXIII Olympic Winter Games, beginning Thursday, Feb. 8.
“Beginning with two huge events like the Super Bowl and Olympics, right out of the gate, should be quite the introduction,” Earnhardt said. “I’m looking forward to raising the profile of NASCAR and all that we’re going to be doing during the 2018 season.”
Just last week, he hinted on social media that some "cool opportunities and adventures" were on the horizon.
Sam Flood, executive producer and president of production at NBC and NBCSN, noted how excited the network is to have Earnhardt on its team.
“It will be fun to have him be a part of our coverage of the Super Bowl, and we are looking forward to watching him explore a new world with the Winter Olympics,” Flood said.
As part of the Super Bowl coverage, Earnhardt will take part in some of the outdoor events and activities taking place around Minneapolis prior to the big game, and he’ll participate in NBC’s Super Bowl Pregame Show.
For the Olympics, he’ll travel to PyeongChang, where he will explore the country of South Korea and take in the Olympic experience. Among his focuses during the games will be the speedskating venue at Gangneung Ice Arena and the Alpensia Sliding Center, where bobsledding takes place. After all, he has gone back and forth on social media with U.S. bobsled team pilot Nick Cunningham, who offered the 15-time most popular driver a ride.
“We can’t wait to get Dale’s take on what is one of the most compelling aspects of the Winter Games – sports that offer a mix of speed with the prospect of danger, an equation that he knows very well,” said Jim Bell, president of NBC Olympics production and programming. “I think he will have something unique to offer about the need for speed on snow and ice.”
It’s all part of a busy February for Earnhardt, who will also serve as the Grand Marshal for the 60th annual Daytona 500.
But he’s ready for the thrilling challenge ahead.
“I’m excited to get to work with my new NBC family,” he said.