Earnhardt, Jr. leaves drivers council

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. told NBC Sports on Wednesday that he won't be on the Cup Drivers Council this year after playing a key role in organizing the group and running the group text.

Earnhardt told NBC Sports it was his decision, citing time commitments. Earnhardt was a part of the first Drivers Council meeting with NASCAR in May 2015.

"We're just trying to work together," Earnhardt said after that first meeting at Dover. "There's better dialogue and communication that way." Kyle Busch has confirmed that he'll be back on the council. Joey Logano told NBC Sports he will be back on the council. NBC Sports