In May, Charlotte became a hub for motorsport fans and film enthusiasts as Prime Video launched its four-part Dale Earnhardt Jr documentary, shining a spotlight not only on Dale Jr. but also on his legendary father, Ralph Earnhardt. Among the show’s highlights was the revelation of rare and long-lost footage, offering glimpses into the Earnhardt family’s personal history, much of which had never been seen or heard by even close relatives.
Rediscovering Ralph Earnhardt Through Archival Footage
The Dale Earnhardt Jr documentary went beyond sharing the well-known racing successes, instead delving into obscure chapters of the Earnhardt legacy. A key draw for viewers was the recovery of archival video clips featuring Ralph Earnhardt, including footage that, until recently, had remained entirely unknown to the family. Dale Jr. recalled how, many years ago, his father Dale Sr. showed him a short video of Ralph walking and moving, but without any audio to truly capture his presence.
For Dale Jr., the documentary marked the first time he was able to actually hear his grandfather’s voice, an experience made possible by the production team’s determined search through personal belongings, family collections, and contributions from friends and acquaintances of Ralph. These materials, once tucked away and nearly forgotten, provided intimate insight into Ralph Earnhardt’s life during his racing days. According to Dale Jr.,
“So my father showed me a video many many years ago, and dad said that to his understanding this was the only video of Ralph talking and walking and moving around. So there’s I’d never seen Ralph speak, never heard his voice until that day.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Behind-the-Scenes Efforts to Preserve Racing History
Dale Jr. commended the documentary team for their dedication to finding and restoring moving images and interviews with Ralph, some of which were sourced from family archives, friends, and even casual acquaintances. This previously overlooked footage not only enriched the storytelling but also shed new light on the private life of a NASCAR pioneer. Speaking of the discovery, Dale Jr. reflected,
“We watched it, and in my mind for all of my life, that was the only piece, and it’s only a few minutes long. It’s an interview he did after a race at Charlotte, and this this group imagine Kelly talked about how incredibly talented they are. They found new video or video that I’d never seen, and no one had even realized was available.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr.
He highlighted how difficult it remains to locate these materials, with most archival footage of Ralph being dispersed and hard to access, adding even more significance to the finds unveiled in the series.
Audience Reception and Cultural Impact
While official ratings have not been released, the docuseries quickly climbed to the top spot on Prime Video’s U.S. rankings following its premiere in May 2025. This project marked Prime Video’s initial venture into NASCAR Cup Series content, coinciding with a broadcast season that averaged around 2.16 million viewers over five races, as reported by Nielsen. The partnership between motorsports storytelling and mainstream streaming services demonstrated the enduring appeal of the Earnhardt legacy.
The Dale Earnhardt Jr documentary’s success has not only brought previously hidden family stories to light but also renewed interest in NASCAR’s rich heritage. With lost footage recovered and shared, both longtime fans and new audiences have gained a fresh perspective on a foundational figure in American auto racing, deepening the cultural resonance of the Earnhardt family within the sport and beyond.
