NASCAR: Top 5 figures who could be owners of the Carolina Panthers

JOLIET, IL - SEPTEMBER 17: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 AXALTA Chevrolet, stands on the grid with Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, prior to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Tales of the Turtles 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on September 17, 2017 in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) /

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HOMESTEAD, FL – NOVEMBER 19: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 AXALTA Chevrolet, (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

#4: Dale Earnhardt Jr.

That’s right! JR Nation is coming to Bank of America Stadium full-force!

With his racing days now in the rear view, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is set to make the transition to a full-time husband, father, and businessman. Owner of the successful JR Motorsports and restaurant Whiskey River, he is no stranger to the corporate life.

He’s also a rabid football fan who follows the sport religiously.

Having Earnhardt Jr. on the ownership group of the Panthers would be a huge grab for an already stellar fan base, as he will continue to be one the most influential NASCAR figures throughout his entire life.

Along with his fame, anytime you hear him speak about football you realize he is wise beyond the wheel of a race car.

All of that being said, even though Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a born and raised North Carolina man, he is not a Panthers fan. In fact, he is a diehard Washington Redskins fan.

As a Carolina Panthers fan, it always hurts my heart to see a fellow North Carolinian lose their way, but I will hold back my traitor rant and hope there is still time to save him.

All joking and my personal butthurt aside, I do think Earnhardt Jr. would make a great owner for the team with his business savvy, football knowledge, and loyal fanbase. I just hope a Redskins fan doesn’t view buying the Panthers as beneath him.

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