On June 15, 2025, the NASCAR community, including Kyle Petty, Joey Logano, and Samantha Busch, came together online to mark Father’s Day with messages that highlighted the enduring role of fathers in racing. With Kyle Petty honoring the racing family legacy on Father’s Day, standing at the heart of the celebration, key NASCAR families publicly honored the generations that have shaped the sport as both a profession and a family tradition.
Generations of Racing Families Celebrate Fatherhood
NASCAR has long been defined by its multi-generational bonds, where sons and daughters inherit a mutual love for the racetrack from their fathers. The Petty family, iconic for their contributions both on and off the track, exemplifies this tradition, as do the Burtons, Nemecheks, Buschs, and Harvicks. The father-child connections in racing often extend beyond competition, influencing character and life off the track as well.
Kyle Petty Reflects on His Bond With Richard Petty
Kyle Petty, son of seven-time Cup Series Champion Richard Petty, posted a touching tribute to his father, recognizing his paternal guidance and legendary status. He wrote:
“Happy Father’s Day to my dad and all the other fathers out there. Growing up, every day I got to spend with my dad was Father’s Day. He was my hero, my teacher and the best dad.”
—Kyle Petty, NASCAR Driver
Kyle’s message highlights Richard Petty’s lasting impact not just as a mentor but as a personal role model who shaped his values, both as a professional driver and as an individual. For many, Richard stands as an example of how family ties can guide career paths and build lifelong legacies within motorsports.
Joey Logano and Team Penske Celebrate Their Roles as Fathers
Joey Logano, a two-time Cup Series Champion with Team Penske, used the occasion to reflect on the unique challenges and profound joy of raising his three children, Hudson, Jameson, and Emilia.
“I don’t think there’s really anything that compares to raising children. I think it’s kind of a thing of its own. I can tell you one thing, racing didn’t prepare me to raise children.”
—Joey Logano, NASCAR Champion
Logano’s teammates, Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin, echoed his feelings about entering fatherhood. Their shared experiences underscore that the demands and rewards of parenting often surpass the high pressures faced on the racetrack. Fathers across teams and generations pause each year to honor their families, bridging the competitive spirit of NASCAR with the warmth of family bonds.
Samantha Busch Honors the Men in Her Family
Samantha Busch, married to two-time Cup Series Champion Kyle Busch, also took to social media to express gratitude to both her husband and her own father with the following message:
“Happy Father’s Day to these two amazing men in my life. ❤️ Thank you for everything you both do, for your love, your hard work, and the way you show up for our family every single day. We’re all lucky to have you.”
—Samantha Busch, Family Member
Samantha’s tribute accompanied family photos featuring her children, Brexton and Lily, alongside Kyle and her father. These images captured the ongoing tradition of NASCAR families fostering love for racing in new generations, with children growing up immersed in the rhythm and excitement of the motorsports world.
Legacy Motor Club Drivers Reflect on Fatherhood Across Generations
Members of Legacy Motor Club, including John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones, joined the wave of tributes, offering insight into their experiences as both racers and fathers. John Hunter Nemechek, son of Cup Series driver Joe Nemechek, discussed what it meant to bring his daughters Aspen and Riley to the racetrack, sharing:
“I think now having two daughters and having them go to the racetrack for the first time at two weeks old, being able to win races and share moments with them in Victory Lane, and just be able to spend time with them the same way that I spent time with my dad growing up is super neat. And so it’s really neat that life has come full circle.”
—John Hunter Nemechek, NASCAR Driver
Nemechek’s story reflects how experiences with his own father now shape his approach to parenting, bringing the family narrative full circle. Similarly, Erik Jones, who recently became a father, called this holiday a meaningful turning point, as his first Father’s Day with his son David Wayne Jones coincided with a race weekend in Mexico. Jones’s recognition of his father’s presence in his own parenting journey echoes a recurring theme: fatherhood is celebrated both at home and at the racetrack.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Honors Fatherhood’s Lasting Impact
Dale Earnhardt Jr., son of the legendary Dale Earnhardt, commemorated the day by sharing his appreciation for fatherhood with fans and fellow drivers. He posted:
“Happy Fathers Day. Pretty cool club to be a part of. Cheers to all the dads and the happiness that it brings. 🍻”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver
Earnhardt Jr.’s words celebrated his membership in the “club” of NASCAR dads, noting the happiness and camaraderie fatherhood brings. His tribute resonates not just with fans of the sport but with the broader NASCAR community, which recognizes the measure of strength and joy found in both racing and raising a family.
NASCAR’s Ongoing Family Legacy and What Lies Ahead
The array of messages shared by stars like Kyle Petty, Joey Logano, Samantha Busch, John Hunter Nemechek, Erik Jones, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. demonstrates that for many in NASCAR, Father’s Day serves as an annual reminder of the foundational role families play in building and sustaining the sport. These tributes make clear that the lessons and inspiration handed down from parent to child will continue to shape both the personal lives and careers of future generations in racing, ensuring that the family legacy remains at the center of NASCAR’s identity for years to come.
