"If I was 30th in points and not making races and not being competitive in races, I could understand them saying I'm over-the-hill or I'm ready to quit or whatever"

This quote by Dale Earnhardt speaks to the idea that success in racing is not necessarily figured out by age. Earnhardt is recommending that if he was not performing well, he might understand why people may think he was too old to continue racing. He is implying that age needs to not be a factor in identifying whether or not someone is capable of competing in a race. Instead, he believes that performance needs to be the choosing factor. Earnhardt is likewise recommending that if he was not performing well, he would be willing to accept that he may need to retire from racing. This quote reveals Earnhardt's humbleness and regard for the sport, as he wants to accept that he might not have the ability to compete at the very same level as he once did. Eventually, Earnhardt's quote talks to the concept that age need to not be a barrier to success in racing, which efficiency must be the choosing element.