In a move that is sure to excite NASCAR fans across the nation, racing legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. has announced his return to competitive motorsports. But this is no ordinary comeback – Junior will be piloting the iconic No. 8 Chevrolet adorned with the legendary Budweiser paint scheme that defined his early career.
A Blast from the Past
For many fans, the image of Dale Jr. wheeling the red and white No. 8 Bud machine is a core NASCAR memory. From his rookie Cup Series season in 1999 through 2007, this car and driver combination collected 17 wins and cemented Junior’s status as one of the sport’s most popular figures.
It is an incredible opportunity for me to be able to reunite with Budweiser and the No. 8
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Now, 17 years after last running these colors, Earnhardt is set to turn back the clock for a limited run of late model stock car races in 2024 and 2025. The first of these nostalgic events will be the South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway on November 23, 2024.
More Than Just a Number
To understand the significance of this announcement, one must appreciate what the No. 8 means to Junior. It was more than a number on a door – it represented his emergence from his legendary father’s shadow to build his own legacy.
- Earnhardt Jr. collected his first two Cup Series wins in the No. 8 at Texas and Richmond in 2000
- He drove the No. 8 to Daytona 500 glory in 2004, a victory he still calls the most meaningful of his career
- In total, Dale Jr. took the No. 8 to Victory Lane 17 times at NASCAR’s top level
While his 2014 Daytona 500 win and 30 total Cup victories came in other entries, the No. 8 will always be the car most associated with Dale Jr.
Reuniting with an American Icon
Of course, Budweiser is just as crucial to this throwback endeavor as the number on the door. The American brewing giant and Junior were inseparable for almost a decade, their partnership transcending motorsports to become a pop culture touchstone.
There are names that when mentioned, draw on the significance of their place in American history. Among them, Budweiser, and Earnhardt.
– Matt Davis, VP of partnerships at Anheuser-Busch
According to close sources, bringing the Bud car back to the track was a collaborative effort between Earnhardt, JR Motorsports, and Anheuser-Busch. The chance to reignite this iconic partnership, if only for a few races, proved irresistible for all involved.
A Competitive Drive
Don’t mistake this throwback run as merely a ceremonial affair. The man voted NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver for 15 straight years is returning to race, not just ride around.
Late model stock cars, which closely resemble NASCAR vehicles from the 1970s and 80s, remain highly competitive at short tracks across the country. Earnhardt cut his teeth on this style of racing as a young hotshot following his father’s tire tracks into the spotlight.
While his full-time racing days are behind him, expect Dale Jr. to attack this limited schedule with the grit and tenacity that made him a NASCAR icon. Victory lane is the goal every time the No. 8 rolls off the trailer.
Chasing Bygone Glory
Earnhardt’s decision to dust off his driving gloves, even for a handful of races in lower divisions, speaks to the powerful lure of nostalgic competition. It’s a chance to reconnect with an era that shaped his life and captivated millions.
Budweiser and I had some great memories with that iconic scheme and number. We’ve always supported each other over the years. It’s going to be really special for me to be able to represent that brand on the racetrack again.
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
In a sport where father-son duos are common, yet so rarely match their predecessor’s accomplishments, Dale Jr. carved his own path to NASCAR immortality. Now a Hall of Famer and legendary broadcaster, his return is a celebration of an unforgettable ride.
So when the green flag drops on November 23, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won’t just be pursuing late model glory. He’ll be chasing whispers of bygone magic, of a time and a car forever tied to his meteoric rise. If only for a few laps, the clock will turn back, the No. 8 will roar, and an indelible NASCAR image will return to life.
