Dale Earnhardt Jr. has issued a pointed warning about the future of Martinsville Speedway‘s famed trophy after the announcement that Howard Miller—the long-time clockmaker supplying the award—will end its operations due to financial pressures. The Dale Earnhardt Jr. Martinsville trophy reaction underscores his insistence that any new version of the trophy must closely match the traditional grandfather clock treasured by generations of drivers.
Longstanding Tradition at Risk After Howard Miller Closure
Throughout his career, Dale Earnhardt Jr., who retired in 2017, claimed victory at Martinsville Speedway with Hendrick Motorsports in 2014 and earned the iconic seven-foot-tall grandfather clock. This distinctive prize has been a symbol of achievement at the track since 1964, serving as a unique hallmark among NASCAR trophies.
The news that Howard Miller can no longer continue its clock-making business comes primarily in response to new tariffs, creating a challenge for maintaining this hallmark of Martinsville. Paying tribute to the clock’s legacy, Dale Earnhardt Jr. posted his uncompromising opinion on social media:
“Whomever makes the next version better make them exactly like the previous versions. Don’t get cute and f*ck this up.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver and JR Motorsports co-owner
Martinsville Speedway itself is located in Ridgeway, Virginia, operating as a 0.526-mile oval and considered one of NASCAR’s premier short-track venues, alongside Bristol Motor Speedway, Iowa Speedway, and Richmond Raceway. The grandfather clock has become synonymous with short-track victory in American motor racing.
The Impact of Martinsville’s Clock on NASCAR Champions
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s connection to the clock is personal, but many drivers share his reverence for the trophy. The tradition transcends teams and generations, tying together competitors like Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson—both all-time Cup Series winners—and modern standouts such as Denny Hamlin, who dominated the Cook Out 400 for a recent Martinsville win. The Cup Series is scheduled to return to Martinsville for a crucial late-season event next year, intensifying anticipation among contenders and fans alike.
Though no longer a full-time competitor, Dale Earnhardt Jr. remains a vital figure in stock car racing as co-owner of JR Motorsports. He is also lending his voice to TNT Sports’ Cup Series broadcasts, including the upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway, reinforcing his commitment to keep the sport’s history and traditions alive.
Earnhardt Jr. Draws Parallels from Intense On-Track Rivalries
Reflecting on NASCAR’s spirit of competition, Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently compared the duels among current drivers to legendary face-offs from his Hendrick Motorsports days. After an Xfinity Series race in Chicago, where Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch battled fiercely for the win, Earnhardt Jr. noted similarities to past rivalries involving Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon.
“You know SVG’s not frustrated, but Connor’s a little disappointed right at the end of that race.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver and JR Motorsports co-owner
“It’ll be a lot like (Jeff) Gordon and (Jimmie) Johnson. When they were at HMS, they had those races at Martinsville where they get out and go, ‘Man, you f**king run me over a little dirty.’ They’re gonna have those because they’re both good, and they’re both gonna be up front.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver and JR Motorsports co-owner
Both Shane van Gisbergen, who is now racing in the Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, and Connor Zilisch, a full-time competitor with JR Motorsports, are learning from these classic confrontations. Their recent clash at Chicago reflects the kind of competitive intensity that Martinsville’s clock and short-track battles have come to represent.
The Legacy and Future of the Grandfather Clock Trophy
The closure of Howard Miller sends a signal that traditions—even those with decades behind them—are vulnerable to change. For Dale Earnhardt Jr., the design and symbolism of Martinsville’s grandfather clock embody the spirit of NASCAR’s short-track racing and its heroes, such as Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, and Jimmie Johnson. Next season’s races at Martinsville will reveal whether officials heed this call to preserve what has become a cherished part of the sport’s heritage.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dale Earnhardt Jr. a billionaire?
A. As of 2025, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s net worth is believed to be around $300 million. This amount includes money he earned as a leading NASCAR driver and his current job as a broadcaster. He continues to grow his wealth through endorsements, owning part of a racing team, and business partnerships.
Q. Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. race in 2025?
A. On Thursday, another date was added to the Late Model schedule for the 2025 season featuring a Sun Drop-sponsored entry. Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive the No. 8 JR Motorsports car at Tri-County Speedway. The zMAX CARS Tour will visit the Granite Falls, North Carolina track on October 4.
Q. Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. ever race again?
A. Dale Earnhardt Jr., a well-respected NASCAR figure, is preparing to race again in 2025. His fans will have the chance to watch him drive his famous No. car once more.
Q. Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. race again?
A. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s 2025 racing plans are starting to form. He will participate in at least one Late Model Stock Car race. His first confirmed race is at Florence Motor Speedway in Timmonsville, South Carolina. For those who follow him, this isn’t surprising.
