Dale Earnhardt Jr. will return to the racetrack with a celebrated throwback in the Dale Earnhardt Jr CARS Tour throwback this weekend at Anderson Motor Speedway, reviving the legendary No. 8 Budweiser MLB car that made history at Daytona in 2001. This special appearance, marking 24 years since that memorable win, draws together fans from both NASCAR and Major League Baseball for the Speedway Classic event, highlighting the enduring impact of Earnhardt’s career and his ability to unite diverse sports audiences.
Celebrating a Historic Partnership on Track
Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR Hall of Famer and co-owner of the zMAX CARS Tour, has received a surge of positive reaction following the announcement of his nostalgic racing scheme. He is set to compete this weekend in the much-anticipated race at Anderson Motor Speedway, piloting a Budweiser and MLB-branded Late Model Stock Car. This marks the full-circle return of a partnership that originally began in 2001, when Earnhardt, Budweiser, and Major League Baseball joined forces to commemorate his July Daytona victory with a special car.
“The legacy continues 🏁⚾️Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive the No. 8 Budweiser MLB car once again, 24 years after first winning with it at DaytonaThis time, the NASCAR Hall of Famer will pilot the iconic scheme in support of the Speedway Classic at Anderson Speedway in the CARS… pic.twitter.com/ZEiEATL68p” — MLB (@MLB) May 22, 2025
The resonance of this partnership extends beyond nostalgic appeal. It reflects a mutual appreciation between NASCAR and MLB, reinforcing how such collaborations can draw heightened attention to short track racing while celebrating major milestones in both motorsports and baseball.
Short Track Racing Finds New Momentum
The recent momentum within short track racing mirrors the wave of popularity that NASCAR experienced in the early 2000s. Streaming technology has been pivotal, allowing fans to watch high-profile races in real time from their homes, extending the reach of grassroots racing. As NASCAR stars like Earnhardt Jr. test their skills in these events, respected regional tracks are seeing renewed interest and development.
The involvement of high-profile athletes and significant brand partnerships signal a promising future for short track racing. This attention is not only driven by the popularity of personalities like Earnhardt Jr., but also by brands seeking to engage with vibrant racing communities. With the Dale Earnhardt Jr CARS Tour throwback, the event stands as proof that big-name sponsorships can still bring energy and excitement to local tracks.
Linking Baseball and Racing Communities
Earnhardt’s 2001 partnership with Budweiser and MLB was initially crafted to promote that season’s MLB All-Star Game. This year, the sponsorship supports the MLB Speedway Classic, held earlier this month at Bristol Motor Speedway. Transforming the track’s infield into a baseball field, the event saw the Atlanta Braves face off against the Cincinnati Reds, blending the thrill of baseball and the spectacle of motorsports.
Though the timing of the racing throwback occurs two weeks after the Speedway Classic, the partnership managed to create a unique and unexpected experience for fans. Baseball played in a renowned NASCAR race track is an unconventional spectacle, yet it succeeded in drawing the two audiences closer together.
As a result, many baseball enthusiasts attending the Speedway Classic were introduced to American motorsports for the first time, many even picking up Dale Earnhardt Jr. Budweiser-themed apparel at the event. Enthusiasts new to auto racing experienced the vibrancy and thrill of a NASCAR-style atmosphere, while motorsports fans explored the energy of a Major League Baseball environment in a familiar venue.
The Power of Diverse Sports Partnerships
This fusion of baseball and motorsports isn’t limited to Earnhardt’s endeavors. Fellow zMAX CARS Tour competitor Landon Huffman, for instance, has received support from the Rocket City Trash Pandas, a Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, highlighting a trend of professional baseball teams supporting grassroots racing. Across the country, teams hold racing-themed promotional events that profile local racing talent and connect both fan bases.
The intertwining of fan communities reflects a growing recognition that partnerships between major sports brands and grassroots racing bring broad benefits, revitalizing track attendance and expanding viewership. These joint ventures offer unique entertainment experiences and amplify the star power of both industries.
Impact and Future Prospects for Grassroots Racing
Despite the challenge of matching baseball’s widespread popularity in America, short track racing is making headway, buoyed by iconic figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the appeal of innovative crossover events. Each sponsorship and partnership introduces new audiences to racing, fostering growth for the sport at the grassroots level.
The display of Earnhardt’s throwback car this weekend signifies more than nostalgia; it is a testament to enduring legacies, cross-sport collaboration, and the potential for motorsports to attract even broader mainstream attention. Many hope that these initiatives, pairing stars like Earnhardt Jr. with big-name sponsors, will continue to spur the evolution and expansion of local racing circles and multi-sport partnerships.
What to Expect at Anderson Motor Speedway
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the zMAX CARS Tour are scheduled to return to South Carolina’s Anderson Motor Speedway on Saturday, August 16th. Racing fans and newcomers alike can catch the live broadcast of the competition on FloRacing, and the anticipation around Earnhardt’s iconic No. 8 Budweiser MLB car is expected to fuel excitement both at the track and among viewers at home.
