Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacts to Kerry Earnhardt racing comeback as his half-brother prepares to return to competitive driving after a 16-year absence. This weekend, Kerry Earnhardt will compete in the Grand National Super Series (GNSS) at Tri-County Motor Speedway, reviving a family racing legacy that stretches across generations and NASCAR history.
Kerry Earnhardt Set for Return to the Track
Kerry Earnhardt is set to take the wheel at Tri-County Motor Speedway in North Carolina on June 12. He steps in for AJ Henriksen, who is unable to race due to family obligations. The news first broke through Colby Evans, a NASCAR crew member, on social media and was quickly celebrated by Dale Earnhardt Jr., who shared his excitement with fans:
“Holy smokes this is amazing news.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver and Broadcaster
Kerry’s return was officially announced on the GNSS Facebook page, specifying that he will drive the ECC Motorsports No. 56 car in two 50-lap sprint races. These events take place on a 4/10-mile oval in Granite Falls, North Carolina, with $750 prize money up for grabs.
The GNSS brings together former NASCAR National Series cars in a regional stock car competition, attracting participants from various racing backgrounds. Previous competitors have included notable names like former Cup Series driver Jeremy Mayfield and YouTuber Mitchell Stapleton, highlighting the mix of seasoned professionals and new faces drawn to the series.
Background on Kerry Earnhardt’s Racing Career
Kerry Earnhardt was born to Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Latane Brown, making him the eldest among his siblings: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller. Unlike his more widely recognized brother, Kerry has built a steady, if quieter, career in motorsports. He competed between 1998 and 2009, racing in the NASCAR Busch Series (now called the Xfinity Series), Craftsman Truck Series, and ARCA Menards Series.
His most memorable season came in 2001 when he notched three wins in five ARCA races. Kerry’s sons, Bobby and Jeffrey Earnhardt, have both followed in his footsteps, continuing the Earnhardt family’s connection to the sport. As for Dale Jr., he continues to race part-time in late model regional events, in addition to his role with the Prime Video broadcast team, showing enduring passion for racing and his family’s heritage.
Reflecting on a Historic Race Involving the Earnhardt Family
Memories of the Earnhardt legacy are not only built on individual accomplishments, but also shared moments. On August 20, 2000, at Michigan International Speedway, a rare occurrence unfolded as Dale Earnhardt Sr. competed alongside both his sons, Kerry Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr., during the NASCAR Winston Cup Series’ Pepsi 400 presented by Meijer. This marked only the second time in Cup history that a father raced with two sons, a feat previously achieved by Lee Petty with his sons Richard and Maurice.
In that memorable race, outcomes varied for the trio. Dale Sr. showcased his skill by fighting from 37th on the grid to finish sixth. Dale Jr., in his rookie Cup Series season, started on pole and led 13 laps before ending up 31st. Kerry’s day was cut short after a spin ended his run early in the No. 71 chevrolet/”>Chevrolet for Marcis Auto Racing. While his participation lasted just five laps, the significance of three Earnhardts on the track together continues to resonate with fans and the sport itself.
Family Legacy Continues with Kerry’s Comeback
Kerry Earnhardt’s unexpected return reignites a sense of tradition and family spirit in American stock car racing. Now, a quarter-century after that iconic Michigan race, the Earnhardt family name continues to influence the racing community, inspiring both long-time fans and a new generation of drivers. As Dale Earnhardt Jr. celebrates his brother’s comeback, interest grows around how this next chapter unfolds and how the Earnhardt legacy will evolve in grassroots motorsports.
