Motor racing - Earnhardt retirement latest blow to struggling sport

Feb 26, 2017; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) signs autographs before the 2017 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR's most popular driver, said on Tuesday that he will retire after the 2017 season, a major loss to a sport already suffering from diminished star power and waning popularity.

Earnhardt's career includes a record 14 consecutive NASCAR Most Popular Driver Awards in addition to two Daytona 500 victories and 26 overall Cup points-paying victories.