Dale Earnhardt Jr. is bringing the legendary Dale Earnhardt Jr Budweiser MLB No 8 paint scheme back to the track, sparking excitement among racing fans as he prepares to showcase it in the CARS Tour event at Anderson Motor Speedway later this year. The special paint scheme, featuring Budweiser and MLB branding, aims to build buzz for the upcoming Speedway Classic between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2025.
Returning a NASCAR Icon to the Track
One of NASCAR’s most memorable paint schemes is set for a fresh chapter as Dale Earnhardt Jr. revives the Bud x MLB No. 8 livery. While this redesign won’t appear in a NASCAR race, it will be seen on Earnhardt’s Late Model Stock Car in the CARS Tour series. Acting as a promotional tie-in, it celebrates Budweiser’s partnership with Major League Baseball and highlights the anticipation around the Braves versus Reds event in Bristol.
The throwback instantly calls up memories of 2001, a season forever famous for its emotion and drama. Many fans are eager to see this iconic design return to an actual racetrack, evoking the spirit of early 2000s NASCAR. This time, although the platform is different, the impact is familiar—fans are buzzing and expecting memorable moments.
Anderson Motor Speedway to Host Anticipated Appearance
JR Motorsports has announced that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will compete with this celebrated paint scheme in the CARS Tour, taking place at Anderson Motor Speedway in August. Located about three hours south of Bristol Motor Speedway, Anderson will host what promises to be one of the hottest tickets of the summer. With Earnhardt racing, the venue is expected to reach full capacity, as has happened frequently when he appears on the track in any context.
The CARS Tour is known for its hard-fought short-track events along the Carolinas and the Atlantic Coast. Lately, it has earned additional recognition after being broadcast to a national cable TV audience during the NASCAR All-Star Race festivities at North Wilkesboro. Earnhardt’s involvement is only driving fan enthusiasm higher, particularly when a classic scheme is in the spotlight.
Earnhardt Jr.’s Ongoing Commitment to Grassroots Racing
Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to leverage his influence by putting the CARS Tour front and center for racing fans. His status as series co-owner has contributed to the tour’s expansion and widespread appeal in recent years. Notably, NASCAR fans still recall when Earnhardt ran a Budweiser and MLB-branded car at Daytona in 2001, delivering a triumphant performance in the shadow of personal tragedy, forever cementing the scheme’s place in American sports history.
The acquisition of the No. 8 DEI font trademark last year was a milestone for both Earnhardt and the CARS Tour, giving him the rights to release new Budweiser-themed merchandise and to bring classic paint schemes like the Bud x MLB No. 8 back to the racetrack. This move strengthens his brand and brings added attention to short-track stock car racing, benefitting the entire community.
National TV coverage with CARS Tour on FS1 has already expanded the series’ profile, and the presence of MLB sponsorship in grassroots events is poised to elevate it further. These collaborations fuel speculation about what exciting developments may still be in store with Earnhardt at the helm and the CARS Tour’s continued growth.
Looking Ahead to a Fan-Fueled Event
As anticipation builds for Anderson Motor Speedway’s event, all eyes will be on Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the return of his beloved paint scheme. With Budweiser, MLB representation, and the iconic No. 8 rolling again, the Speedway Classic’s promotion is all but certain to capture fans’ hearts. The combination of Earnhardt’s draw, the legacy of the paint scheme, and the growing reach of the CARS Tour suggest that 2025’s Speedway Classic and related events will be must-see moments, drawing big crowds and renewed energy to grassroots stock car racing.
