Dale Earnhardt Jr. has named his favorite NASCAR driver for 2025, and it’s not the expected choice. Speaking on the ‘Rubbin Is Racing’ podcast alongside Kelley Earnhardt Miller, he shared that Ryan Blaney is, surprisingly, at the top of his list this season, highlighting why his selection means something extra in NASCAR’s current landscape, making the Dale Earnhardt Jr. favorite NASCAR driver 2025 pick a hot topic among fans.
Fans might have predicted Earnhardt would favor Kyle Larson, given Larson’s stellar season on the track. Larson’s reputation spans victories and bold double-duty performances in the Cup Series, as well as standouts like the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600. Earnhardt acknowledged this talent, admitting on air:
Despite his admiration for Larson’s impressive racing, Earnhardt singled out Ryan Blaney as the driver making the biggest impact this year. Blaney, representing Team Penske and the reigning 2023 Cup Series champion, brings more than just racing skills to the table. He’s equally at ease in media interviews as he is on the racetrack, with a personality that sets him apart in the garage and beyond.
Earnhardt’s decision to choose Blaney goes beyond competition results alone. He praised Blaney’s commitment to growing the sport beyond the track, a trait that defines his all-around contribution to NASCAR.
After claiming the 2023 Cup Series title, Blaney stepped up as a true ambassador for the sport, appearing on national TV shows, engaging the media, and taking concrete steps such as investing in grassroots tracks, including a project in Ohio. These efforts have not gone unnoticed by the NASCAR community and leadership.
For the 2025 season, NASCAR has responded to this new wave of promotion-oriented drivers by introducing the Driver Ambassador Program. This initiative rewards drivers for their outreach work, awarding significant bonuses for those who excel in representing the sport publicly.
Under this program, Blaney quickly became a leading participant, visiting local tracks with his wife Gianna, continuing his investments in Ohio’s grassroots racing scene, and maintaining constant engagement with fans. His visibility and accessibility have set a standard that other drivers are encouraged to follow.
Blaney’s efforts off the track have elevated his status from a successful racer to a key figure in NASCAR’s expansion efforts. By connecting with individuals at races and community events, staying down-to-earth, and showing enthusiasm for every opportunity, he has effectively expanded NASCAR’s reach.
While Kyle Larson remains celebrated for his unmatched driving skills, it’s Blaney’s dedicated effort outside the race car—especially as part of Team Penske and as a role model for future drivers—that has redefined what makes a driver truly valuable to the sport in 2025. The Dale Earnhardt Jr. favorite NASCAR driver 2025 decision demonstrates a shift in NASCAR, where outreach and personality play a critical role alongside talent.
As NASCAR continues to push the boundaries with new programs like the Driver Ambassador Program, drivers are increasingly recognized for building relationships and fostering excitement. Ryan Blaney exemplifies that spirit, setting a high bar for both current competitors and those to come. Fans and organizations alike will be watching to see if others follow in his footsteps, and how this new focus shapes the sport’s future.
