Major sports like baseball and basketball see retirements more than off-road racing. Athletes on the field get treated to special gifts from opposing teams and the final walk off.

For short-course racing, Carl Renezeder has been one person that has helped pushed the sport to new levels and has come to a point in his life where it came time to hang it up. Renezeder has announced that he will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2017 season.

“As I look toward the future and my retirement from racing, I am overwhelmed by the great memories I have made with my family, my team, my sponsors, and all of my fans,” announced Renezeder. “I would like to express my gratitude to Charlotte and Forrest Lucas, Dawn and Bob Patison, and Tom Fredrickson from Lucas Oil for standing behind me these past 19 years. Lucas Oil has been more than a sponsorship to me – I have gained lifelong friendships.”

Renezeder’s legacy is more than just the accomplishments in the dirt. “Carl has been a great ambassador for Lucas Oil and for the sport of off-road racing,” Forrest Lucas, President & CEO of Lucas Oil Products said. “He is a true professional in every sense of the word. Carl is not just a sponsored racer of Lucas Oil, he has become a close and valued friend.”

How many more times will Carl Renezeder be on the podium this year? We find out starting April 22-23 in Chandler, Arizona.

“Each moment behind the wheel has been a learning experience and a great privilege,” said an appreciative Renezeder. “And to those who wonder what I’m doing next, go check out the Warner Brothers Studios movie, DIRT, which will be hitting theaters this coming fall.”

The 2017 LOORRS season and Renezeder’s farewell tour kicks off April 22-23 in Chandler, Arizona for Rounds 1 and 2. Be sure to stop by Renezeder’s pit if you make it out to any one of the races this year!