Going into last weekend’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr. made it clear he and his No. 88 Chevrolet team were going to take risks, hoping to pull off a much-needed win to secure himself a spot in the 16-driver playoff this fall.

During the Overton’s 301 on Sunday, Earnhardt gambled – electing to stay out on the track for a late caution – and it didn’t pay off. After everyone else pitted, he couldn’t hold onto the lead and ultimately finished 18th, describing the move on social media as a Hail Mary when you’re down by 14.

“It was a bad gamble, but we gotta win so we can’t sit there and just run 10th,” he said on Periscope after the race. “I don’t know what else we’re supposed to do.”

Hail Mary down 14. Post New Hampshire. https://t.co/Y8TswsKFIj — Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) July 16, 2017

Just because it didn’t work this time doesn’t mean he’s going to abandon his gambling strategy.

Currently, Junior is 21st in the driver standings, meaning it’s unlikely he’ll make the playoffs based on points. So with only seven races left in the regular season, he has to win one to compete for a championship in his final full-time season.

He’s winless and 407 points behind leader Martin Truex Jr., but Earnhardt isn’t going to quietly accept that.

More from his post-race Periscope video: