Back when both drivers were sponsored by the National Guard in 2014, NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Verizon IndyCar Series driver Graham Rahal became friends. Both were involved in promotional appearances for the Guard and each was interested in the other driver’s form of racing.

Friday, Rahal gave his reaction to Earnhardt’s future deal with NBC Universal. The network announced the deal Monday, saying Earnhardt will be involved in entertainment and acting projects along with his work as a NASCAR analyst.

Earnhardt’s former Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon appeared to have a future in the entertainment industry when he hosted "Saturday Night Live" on January 11, 2003. He also was a guest host on “Live with Regis and Kelly” but his post-racing career kept him in the sport as an analyst for Fox Sports NASCAR coverage.

Earnhardt will play a key role in NBC Sports coverage of NASCAR and other sports such as the Olympic Games and the NFL, but it’s the entertainment aspect of his contract that makes it unique.

“I think Dale is great and what Dale is so smart about is recognizing there is so much life beyond racing,” Rahal said. “I think people forget that sometimes. I think he is a great example for us to live by. It’s awesome to see the career that he is going to have after he retires.

“I think his wife, Amy, has had a big role in that and that is great. I think that is awesome and I’m excited for him.”

Rahal said all race drivers try to show their personality, but Earnhardt has been the best at making it happen on a very big scale.

“Hopefully, he can act and play the role of himself,” Rahal said.

Who would make a great actor from the Verizon IndyCar Series?

“Hélio Castroneves would be good, James Hinchcliffe is close behind and Josef Newgarden is third,” Rahal said. “They all have good acting skills.”

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