By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
The decision to step away from full-time racing in NASCAR was difficult for Elliott Sadler to make, but it all boiled down to doing what is best for his family.
Sadler, 43, is tired of being selfish when it comes to chasing his dreams. As his children begin getting involved in different activities, the veteran driver wants to move towards a father role and to help his children pursue the dreams of their choice.
“I feel like I have pursued my dream long enough. I almost felt selfish the last couple of years that it’s about me pursuing my dreams when I have two kids that are fairly involved with different things in their life,” Sadler said on Thursday afternoon at Bristol Motor Speedway.
“I think I have been selfish long enough. I want to help them pursue their dreams. Now, it’s time to put my dad hat on. I just think the time is now to move onto the next chapter of my life. I love being around my wife and kids. I love being Coach Elliott. I already have another job. I am going to be coaching a lot of baseball in the future. I am looking forward to that chapter in my life.
The decision to move on from full-time racing began at the beginning of the year when Sadler knew that contract negotiations were forthcoming. Leading up to the final decision, Sadler had talked to his wife and Kelly Earnhardt Miller about his future.
Sadler had a couple of opportunities to race in 2019, but because of his dedication and commitment to JR Motorsports, Sadler respectfully declined those opportunities for now. Sadler has told Miller that he would be willing to step into the car and help the team, if needed, but not during the height of baseball season in June and July.
Could Sadler step into the television realm like Benny Parsons or Dale Earnhardt Jr.? His answer is no.
“I am totally done. I did TV with Speed. I love racing. I love being in the race car. Why would I still try to miss time from home and time from my kids coming to talk about the race? If I miss time from home, I want to be in the seat,” Sadler said.
“That is what still drives me. I have a lot of stuff going on at home that I want to be a part of. I think it would not be fair to myself or my family if I left to come and do stuff here or there. I would rather watch it from home.”
As the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs approach, Sadler is glad to have the news out there so that the focus can be on the ultimate prize, winning the 2018 championship.