Dale Earnhardt Jr, one of NASCAR’s most iconic figures, is once again at the center of a major development in the racing world, as his former crew chief, Tony Eury Jr, joins GMS Race Cars in a bold new venture. Just days ago, GMS Race Cars, based in Statesville, North Carolina, announced that Eury Jr would lead their Super Late Model chassis program, aiming to raise the standard for race car construction and provide real competition in a fiercely contested market. In a move that has generated excitement across the industry, this collaboration promises to shake up established norms and potentially reshape the future of Super Late Model racing, with Dale Earnhardt Jr’s enduring legacy looming large in the background.
For years, the distinctive roar of the #8 Bud car with Dale Earnhardt Jr behind the wheel and Tony Eury Sr atop the pit box defined an era of NASCAR. Alongside them, Tony Eury Jr was steadily shaping his own legacy within the sport’s elite circles, eventually stepping into pivotal leadership roles. Their chemistry and success created lasting memories for fans, setting high standards for teamwork and innovation in motorsports. However, change is constant in racing. Eury Jr eventually parted ways with Dale Earnhardt Jr’s team, a transition both described as emotional yet inevitable, reflecting the deep respect between them. Later, Eury Jr took his technical expertise into short-track racing, co-founding FURY Race Cars, helping teams reach new heights with custom-built chassis that set benchmarks across local circuits.
Recently, Eury Jr announced his departure from FURY, signaling a significant shift in the grassroots racing world. The timing couldn’t be more dramatic, with GMS Race Cars making a headline-grabbing entrance into Super Late Model chassis development. Determined to challenge top players, including FURY itself, GMS is bringing in Tony Eury Jr to steer their ambitious program as Director of Chassis Development. The mission is clear: design, engineer, and deliver championship-caliber chassis that redefine competitiveness—raising the stakes not only for drivers but also for entire teams hoping to break through.
In explaining his move, Tony Eury Jr expressed deep resolve, stating,
We’re building this program with the same drive and determination that brought GMS to Victory Lane in NASCAR. The goal is simple: engineer a championship-caliber Super Late Model chassis that drivers want under them and teams want in their shops.
The plan is moving fast; GMS Race Cars already has its first chassis in advanced stages of development with testing slated to begin soon and as many as 15 GMS chassis expected to hit tracks before the year is out, just in time for the prestigious Snowball Derby.
The excitement isn’t limited to the shop floor. Mike Beam, president of GMS Race Cars, remarked,
Tony brings top-level experience and fresh ideas. We’re not just building a car—we’re trying to raise the standard for Super Late Model racing.
Armed with advanced technology like CAD modeling and comprehensive data analysis, Eury Jr and his team are positioning GMS as a trailblazer. He adds,
Other builders copy each other. We’re trying to do something different—and better.
The intent is unmistakable: GMS isn’t entering this arena to simply compete, but to set the pace.
Dale Earnhardt Jr’s influence continues to permeate the narrative, not just by association but by the ongoing relationships and reverence shared among those involved. Rumors circulate about the possibility of Dale Earnhardt Jr himself testing a GMS chassis, a prospect that Eury Jr openly teases, saying,
We almost got him in a test last year. I think he wants to. I’m going to keep pushing him—we’ve got a good shot.
The potential of Earnhardt Jr returning to the seat, even for testing, adds another layer of intrigue, drawing the eyes of young fans and seasoned industry veterans alike.
Beneath the excitement, Eury Jr’s decision reflects both courage and vision. After founding FURY Race Cars alongside Darius Grala and Jeff Fultz in 2016, Eury Jr invested years building a reputation as a chassis expert. At age 52, the choice to leave a successful company and enter new territory with GMS speaks volumes about his ambition and belief in the project. He candidly explains, “We had a lot of success at FURY Race Cars, but then Jeff (Fultz, who co-founded the company with Eury and Darius Grala) left (for Port City,) and we just got to a place where growth stopped. I was looking to do something different, but we explored maybe trying to merge GMS and FURY, and when that wasn’t going to work out, I just felt like after 13 years doing this that I knew what it took to do this on my own.“
Eury Jr is stepping directly into a fiercely competitive landscape, with established names like Port City, HAMKE, and FURY Race Cars all vying for supremacy. The decision to start over, this time with GMS Race Cars as his platform, is one of both risk and reward. Yet, he sees advantages this time—access to deeper technical support, more sophisticated data, and a relentless commitment to smarter, faster chassis design. For Eury Jr, backed by the legacy of Dale Earnhardt Jr, the challenge is about pushing boundaries and setting new standards.
GMS Race Cars is not merely aiming for innovation on the technical front, but also in nurturing talent. As Tony Eury Jr notes,
We can offer a full path from short tracks to national series. Not many places can do that.
By cultivating relationships with teams like Rackley WAR and taking on new partnerships, GMS is creating opportunities where aspiring drivers can progress through the ranks, supported by advanced technology and seasoned leadership. These efforts directly speak to the heart of Dale Earnhardt Jr’s story—a journey from short tracks to national stardom, powered by perseverance and teamwork.
The implications extend beyond immediate competition. With Tony Eury Jr at the forefront and Dale Earnhardt Jr’s heritage woven into the very fabric of the effort, this move signals a cultural and technical evolution in NASCAR and short-track racing alike. The enthusiasm is palpable in both the paddock and the stands, as fans and competitors recognize the significance. The GMS Race Cars program is already serving as a rallying point for teams searching for an edge, engineers eager to apply cutting-edge design, and drivers chasing their championship dreams.
The ongoing narrative between Dale Earnhardt Jr and Tony Eury Jr represents a microcosm of NASCAR’s changing tides. Their professional and personal relationship—marked by respect, resilience, and occasional reinvention—mirrors the sport’s need to evolve, adapt, and sometimes, take bold risks. The reverberations from this chassis revolution are likely to be felt well beyond the next season, with competitors watching closely to see if GMS Race Cars can truly challenge the entrenched giants of the industry. Tony Eury Jr’s project is far more than a career move; it’s a test of innovation, leadership, and legacy.
Looking ahead, industry experts and fans alike are eager to see what comes next. If Tony Eury Jr is able to deliver on his promises, the GMS chassis could become a sought-after commodity across the racing world. Teams will be forced to rethink their approach, integrating new tools and design elements inspired by the GMS method. Such widespread innovation echoes the spirit Dale Earnhardt Jr has always stood for—driven, daring, and willing to break the mold. The possibility of seeing Earnhardt Jr himself involved in testing or competition only heightens the anticipation, energizing young drivers who grew up idolizing his racing style.
As GMS prepares to bring their first chassis from the drawing board to the racetrack, the stakes are sky high. The technical challenges are considerable, as building a car from scratch means hundreds of design choices, ongoing evaluation, and pressure to meet both performance and safety standards. Yet, it’s precisely these challenges that excite teams, engineers, and fans who understand that meaningful progress in motorsports is rarely comfortable, but always worth pursuing. Tony Eury Jr and his team are banking on their collective experience, the latest technology, and an undiminished competitive drive to make GMS a name synonymous with excellence—much like Dale Earnhardt Jr himself.
This moment represents more than just a new chapter for Tony Eury Jr; it’s a bold blueprint for the sport’s future. With Dale Earnhardt Jr’s presence adding credibility and a sense of heritage, GMS Race Cars is positioned not just to compete, but to inspire. In the coming months, all eyes will be on their progress, the partnerships formed, and the results on the track. For high school students and racing fans drawn by passion, grit, and the promise of innovation, this story offers a front-row seat to a revolution—one driven by some of the most respected names in NASCAR history.
If GMS Race Cars proves successful under Eury Jr’s direction, the ripple effects could well redefine not just Super Late Model racing, but how teams approach every stage of car development, driver growth, and overall competition. Industry leaders may be compelled to rethink old practices, new competitors may find openings, and a wave of fresh talent could rise, driven by the inspiration that Dale Earnhardt Jr and his circle have consistently provided.
Ultimately, the unfolding partnership and progress at GMS Race Cars represent what is best in motorsports: relentless ambition, the courage to embrace change, and a determination to leave a lasting mark. As Tony Eury Jr puts it, this is the next big adventure—a chance to build a legacy that lives up to the respect and admiration that fans have long shown for Dale Earnhardt Jr. With engines soon to roar and new chassis awaiting their moment on the track, an exhilarating era is in motion—one that could very well be remembered as the moment when Dale Earnhardt Jr’s legacy sparked a true NASCAR chassis revolution.
