April 30, 2025 — Blairsville, GA
In a heartfelt and unexpected announcement, dirt late model racing icon Jonathan Davenport has declared he will be stepping away from all sports activities indefinitely, citing personal reasons that require his full attention away from the track.
The 41-year-old Georgia native, affectionately known as “Superman” in the dirt racing community, shared the news via a personal statement released through his management team on Tuesday morning. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the motorsports world, as Davenport has been one of the most dominant and recognizable figures in dirt late model racing over the past decade.
“After much thought and with a heavy heart, I’ve decided to take a step back from racing and all professional sports activities to focus on personal matters that require my complete energy and presence,” Davenport wrote. “This is not a decision I make lightly, but one I know is necessary at this point in my life.”
Davenport’s decision comes just months after securing his third World 100 title at Eldora Speedway and following a strong 2024 season in which he recorded multiple major event wins and top finishes across the national circuit.
While specific details regarding the nature of his personal situation were not disclosed, the tone of Davenport’s message was one of gratitude and reflection.
“To my team, sponsors, fans, and family — thank you for your support and belief in me through every lap and every challenge. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and I hope to return when the time is right.”
Teams and fellow drivers across the sport have responded with overwhelming support, flooding social media with messages of encouragement under the hashtag #WeStandWithSuperman.
Longtime rival and friend Brandon Overton tweeted, “JD has always raced with heart. If he says it’s time, we’ve got to respect that. Hoping everything gets better for him — racing will be here when he’s ready.”
At this time, Davenport has not confirmed whether this marks a permanent retirement or simply a pause in his storied career. For now, the racing world is left reflecting on the incredible legacy he’s built — and hoping for his return when the time is right.
