NASCAR legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will appear alongside country music star Luke Combs in an eagerly anticipated music video, which debuts this Friday, July 25. This collaboration highlights the intersection of country music with motor racing, featuring Richard Petty in Luke Combs music video as a significant point of excitement for both fan bases.
Luke Combs brings racing icons into his latest project
Luke Combs is preparing to launch the music video for his upcoming single, “Back In The Saddle,” and has enlisted the help of two celebrated figures from NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Richard Petty. Last year, Combs served as the pace car driver at the Ally 400 NASCAR race and recently joined Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download podcast. Combs shared behind-the-scenes photographs of himself with Petty and Earnhardt Jr. on social media, building hype for the project.
“Music video will be out with the song this Friday. Can’t wait for y’all to see it.”
—Luke Combs, Music Artist
Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacted to Combs’ promotion with a playful emoji, further fueling anticipation among fans for the video’s release. This project exemplifies the close relationship between country music stars and the NASCAR community, especially for notable figures from North Carolina such as Luke Combs himself.
NASCAR’s ongoing partnership with country music
Earlier this year, Dale Earnhardt Jr. partnered with Grammy-winning country musician Chris Stapleton to field the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet at the Daytona 500. The car, piloted by Justin Allgaier of JR Motorsports, showcased a throwback design emblazoned with Stapleton’s beverage brand and marked the team’s debut in the Cup Series.
JR Motorsports, the team founded by Earnhardt Jr., continues to make headlines in racing this season with its dominance in the Xfinity Series. With a remarkable six different racers winning events out of twenty and rookie Connor Zilisch claiming four victories at tracks like COTA, Sonoma, Pocono, and Dover, the team has become a central figure in the year’s NASCAR storylines. Justin Allgaier, the defending series champion, has added wins at Homestead, Las Vegas, and Nashville, leading the championship standings alongside rising star Connor Zilisch and Haas Factory Team’s Sam Mayer.
Luke Combs’ North Carolina roots celebrated alongside NASCAR stars
During a recent appearance on The Dale Jr. Download podcast, Earnhardt Jr. prompted Combs to reflect on their shared North Carolina heritage and its influence on his career.
“We rarely have stars in either sport or entertainment that are from North Carolina. Talk about that for a minute, just your appreciation and love for your roots and where you’re from,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.
“I had such a great experience growing up there a lot of my favorite memories of my life are made there. … I grew up in the mountains and then I went to school in the mountains and I feel connected to that place you know you get out in the woods somewhere in the mountains it just feels different to me and I just feel connected to,” Luke Combs replied.
This connection to North Carolina is also evident in Combs’ personal life. Last month, he and his wife Nicole celebrated their son Tex’s birthday with a Dale Earnhardt Sr.-themed party, complete with racing decor, a replica podium inspired by the legendary driver’s car, and activities for family and friends. The gesture showcased Combs’ admiration for the racing tradition he shares with fellow North Carolinians.
Combs’ association with NASCAR has deepened over the years, including a live debut of his song “Blue Collar Boys” during the 2020 Cup Series championship at Phoenix Raceway. This continued involvement underscores the ties between music and motorsport culture.
Anticipation builds for Friday’s music video release
With the upcoming release of “Back In The Saddle,” featuring Richard Petty in Luke Combs music video, excitement is building for fans of racing and country music alike. The collaboration brings together longstanding figures from both worlds, highlighting their shared admiration for North Carolina roots and the enduring popularity of NASCAR. The premiere on Friday will not only spotlight legendary drivers but also reinforce the cultural crossroads where sport and music meet, making it a significant moment for both industries.
