As the NASCAR Cup series playoffs approach, Dale Earnhardt Jr. predicts a competitive season with a possible new champion among the 16 contenders, which includes only six previous champions. He has confidently named his top four championship picks as Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Denny Hamlin, despite Logano's inconsistent performance this season. In another revelation, Earnhardt Jr. hinted that the upcoming Bristol race might mark the end of his Xfinity career, which has surprised many fans. Additionally, Tyler Reddick's recent struggle with illness during the season finale has drawn parallels to Michael Jordan's legendary 'flu game', although Earnhardt Jr. downplayed the comparison. Reflecting on his own career, Earnhardt Jr. expressed regret over not winning a Cup championship, attributing missed opportunities to a lack of maturity during his peak seasons, specifically recalling his 2004 season. He wishes he had adopted a more focused mindset instead of prioritizing social activities during that pivotal year.