Dale Earnhardt Jr. is making waves in 2025 with a dynamic blend of racing ventures, legal drama, and a major broadcasting shift—proving that even in semi-retirement, he remains one of NASCAR’s most influential figures.
JR Motorsports Debuts in the Daytona 500
In a historic move, JR Motorsports (JRM) made its NASCAR Cup Series debut at the 2025 Daytona 500. The team, co-owned by Earnhardt Jr., partnered with country music star Chris Stapleton and Buffalo Trace Distillery to field the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet, driven by reigning Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier.
Allgaier delivered an impressive performance, finishing ninth in JRM’s first-ever Cup Series race. This strong debut has validated Earnhardt Jr.’s long-held dream of expanding JRM into the Cup Series, signaling a promising future for the team at NASCAR’s highest level.
Trademark Dispute with Lamar Jackson Over No. 8
Off the track, Earnhardt Jr. faced a legal dispute with NFL star Lamar Jackson over trademark rights to the number 8. Jackson, who has used the number throughout his football career and established the “Era 8” brand, filed an opposition to Earnhardt Jr.’s application for a stylized version of the No. 8 linked to his racing legacy.
In response, Earnhardt Jr. chose to withdraw the trademark application to avoid further disputes and maintain goodwill among sports fans, stating he didn’t want a public feud over something he felt wasn’t worth fighting for.
New Broadcasting Role with Amazon Prime and TNT
In another major move, Earnhardt Jr. transitioned from NBC to a new role with Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports as a NASCAR analyst starting in 2025. He’ll be joining a fresh broadcast team alongside Adam Alexander and Steve Letarte, bringing his fan-favorite commentary to a broader, modern streaming audience.
Additionally, Amazon Prime will release a four-part documentary on Dale Earnhardt Sr., promising an in-depth look at the Earnhardt legacy that helped define NASCAR.
Return to Late Model Racing
Earnhardt Jr. isn’t hanging up the helmet just yet. He announced plans to compete in the zMAX CARS Tour race at Tri-County Speedway on October 4, 2025. He’ll be driving the No. 8 JR Motorsports entry with sponsorship from Sun Drop, delighting longtime fans of his short-track appearances.
Dale Jr. Foundation’s Annual Raffle
The Dale Jr. Foundation is running its annual “Win Dale Jr.’s Ride” raffle through May 31, 2025. Tickets are $25, with proceeds supporting programs that aid underprivileged communities by providing educational resources and confidence-building opportunities.
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