This is sending shock waves through NASCAR Nation. The perennial fan favorite driver leaving the sport is coming at a crossroads for NASCAR. Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Greg Biffle, and now Jr. Many old-school fans not happy about segment racing, attendance is down. People have been pointing to the sparse crowd at Bristol this past weekend but I think that was more a function of a rain date race, still it's a cause for worry. It was pretty easy to see Jr's retirement coming however, given his recent medical issues.