Dale Earnhardt Jr. will once again drive the No. 8 Budweiser/MLB All-Star Game-inspired paint scheme, marking a memorable return 24 years after he first won the Daytona 500 with that car, as part of a special promotion for the CARS Tour Speedway Classic at Anderson Speedway scheduled for August 16. This Dale Earnhardt Jr reunion with Budweiser and MLB All-Star paint scheme holds personal significance, as it celebrates both his racing past and pays a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., just months after his father’s tragic loss.
The iconic paint scheme is set to be showcased during the MLB Speedway Classic on August 2, sparking deep emotions for Dale Earnhardt Jr. His initial Daytona 500 victory with this car came at a poignant time, following his father’s passing, a turning point in his life and career. Earnhardt Jr. has spoken publicly about the importance of this partnership, especially his connection with Budweiser, a major beverage company valued at approximately $138 billion, according to Bloomberg, and with Major League Baseball.
“It is an incredible opportunity to reunite with Budweiser and Major League Baseball. I’ve watched that July 2001 race at Daytona so many times. It’s such a great memory for me.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
“I am excited that we have this chance to collaborate with Bud and MLB to bring that scheme back again because of what it means to me and so many others,”
he added. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
Reviving a Legacy on the Track
Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently brought his celebrated No. 8 Budweiser chevrolet/”>Chevrolet back to the racetrack during the South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway on November 23, 2024, a significant appearance as it marked the car’s return to competition after 17 years. Between 1999 and 2007, the Mooresville native clinched 17 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series while driving this legendary car, which became a symbol for fans and the sport alike.
Fans attending both the MLB Speedway Classic and the upcoming event at Anderson Motor Speedway will witness the car up close, participating in two high-profile races. Additionally, exclusive merchandise will be made available to allow supporters to commemorate this special revival with limited edition items, celebrating the return of a one-of-a-kind paint scheme closely tied to Earnhardt Jr.’s storied career and personal milestones.
Earnhardt Jr.’s Thoughts on Competing Across Racing Disciplines
NASCAR has seen several Formula One drivers, such as Kimi Räikkönen, Kamui Kobayashi, Jenson Button, Daniil Kvyat, Juan Pablo Montoya, and Jacques Villeneuve, take on the stock car circuit in recent years. Dale Earnhardt Jr., known for his own achievements including two Xfinity Series championships, shared his perspective on the crossover between racing disciplines. He believes he could have been successful in Formula 1—under the right circumstances.
“If F1 raced on ovals, I could have won an F1 race, absolutely!”
Dale Jr. explained while speaking with Hard Rock Bet.
“I grew up racing on ovals, that’s really like a completely different, unique discipline.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
“The way you drive an oval versus the way you drive a road course is so different. So, I think if they ever ran them on ovals I’d have a shot, for sure,”
he added. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
This reflection highlights Earnhardt Jr.’s deep understanding of diverse racing formats and underscores the uniqueness of oval track experience, particularly among American racers. It places him alongside other notable names who have transitioned between F1 and NASCAR, offering insight into the challenges that come with switching between different motorsport disciplines.
Next Steps in the Racing and Broadcasting World
Looking ahead, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will add broadcasting to his extensive racing resume by joining Amazon Prime Video as an on-air commentator. He will begin this new role for their Cup Series coverage starting in 2025, with his commentary scheduled to debut at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25. This move into media highlights his continued influence and commitment to the world of racing, ensuring that his insights and experiences remain an important part of the NASCAR conversation for years to come.
The revival of the Budweiser and MLB All-Star Game paint scheme, coupled with his recent on-track return and upcoming commentary role, underscores the lasting impact Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his late father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., have made on motorsports, and demonstrates how shared history and emotional tributes continue to inspire fans and shape NASCAR’s future.
