Bobby Earnhardt, grandson of legendary NASCAR figure Dale Earnhardt Sr., marked the beginning of the 2026 ARCA Menards Series pre-season test at Daytona International Speedway with a moving Dale Earnhardt Sr. ARCA tribute on January 9. Sporting a distinctive livery that echoed his grandfather’s legacy, Earnhardt made debut laps for Rise Motorsports amid high anticipation and deep family significance.
Special Livery Pays Homage to Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Team Family History
To honor his family’s celebrated racing past, Bobby Earnhardt piloted a yellow No. 89E Chevrolet, accented by black rear quarter panels and trunk—a direct visual tribute to the Chevrolet Corvette C5-R campaigned by Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Dale Earnhardt Jr. during the 2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona. That car achieved a notable fourth overall and second in class, making its colors instantly recognizable to motorsports fans. Earnhardt ensured the connection was clear by sharing images of the car after his initial track runs. He expressed his excitement and satisfaction with the opening day:
“What a day. Truly a dream come true. @RiseRacing89 team worked extremely well together from start to finish. I was able to make some solid single-car runs and jump into a five-car draft this afternoon, and the car felt amazing every time it hit the track.”
Bobby Earnhardt, who is the eldest grandson of seven-time Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt and son of Kerry Earnhardt, made a point to thank those who made his Daytona tribute possible. He extended appreciation to his partners and team members:
“Huge thanks to Dale Quarterly for getting this thing dialed in for us. Thank you to Dave Wright, Tim Goulet and the entire Rise Racing crew for working with me and helping me get better every single lap. Grateful for the continued support from Copeland Insurance Agency and Circle S Ranch, and a big thank you to @ARCA_Racing for hosting such a great test. We’re just getting started. Ready for more tomorrow.💪”
Besides honoring Dale Earnhardt Sr., Bobby Earnhardt also paid his respects to Greg Biffle, remembering the driver who died in a plane crash last month. The gesture gave added emotional weight to an already meaningful day for the Earnhardt family and the ARCA community.
Intensive Testing Kicks Off 2026 ARCA Season Preparation
The two-day test at Daytona represents the first significant track time for ARCA teams as they prepare for the season-opening Daytona ARCA 200 on February 14. For Rise Motorsports, these laps were crucial for assessing speed and handling after an up-and-down 2025, when the team finished 19th in owner points. With the field for Daytona shaped by entry numbers, each run gained importance for both the rookie driver and the organization, as their chance to make the starting grid could rest on performance at the test.
Throughout opening sessions, focus centered on finding balance and car stability. Bobby Earnhardt completed 31 laps on Friday, ending the day 31st on the timesheets and 1.968 seconds off the leader, Gus Dean. Dean, piloting the No. 25 Nitro Motorsports Toyota, set the top mark and led a sweep of the first six spots for his team. With 65 drivers on the roster, veterans and newcomers alike concentrated on adapting to the draft and building confidence behind the wheel.
The session was not without incidents, with Amber Balcaen and Bob Martin each involved in on-track events but later cleared after evaluation. For several part-time and development drivers, including Earnhardt, testing offered the crucial experience needed to master pack racing at Daytona, improve single-car speed, and prepare for the pressures of race day.
Rookie Season Set to Begin for Bobby Earnhardt and Rise Motorsports
The 2026 campaign marks Bobby Earnhardt’s first full season pursuing the ARCA Menards Series title, a significant opportunity for him and for Rise Motorsports. Though not yet a competitor at the Cup Series level like his grandfather Dale Earnhardt Sr., or uncle Dale Earnhardt Jr., Bobby has steadily gained experience through starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards circuits.
In 2025, Earnhardt competed in three events with Rise Motorsports, including outings at Bristol and Kansas, along with separate entries in the ARCA Menards Series East. Both driver and team are determined to capitalize on a fresh start and aim for consistent performances in 2026. Team owner Tim Goulet described the partnership and future goals:
“We’re thrilled to have Bobby join our program for the 2026 season,” Goulet said in a team statement. “He’s hungry, he’s focused and he connects with fans in a way that fits perfectly with the vision of our team.”
For his part, Earnhardt brought enthusiasm for what the next chapter holds:
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity with Rise Motorsports… We’re building something strong for 2026 and I can’t wait to hit the track and show what this group is capable of.”
While Rise Racing continues to chase lead-lap finishes, all eyes will be on how Bobby Earnhardt and the No. 89E Chevrolet perform in the upcoming weeks. The team’s integration of historic family legacy with present-day ambition makes Earnhardt’s rookie campaign one of the more intriguing narratives as the season approaches.
Future Outlook: Legacy, Growth, and ARCA Contention
Bobby Earnhardt’s Dale Earnhardt Sr. ARCA tribute at Daytona was a powerful reminder of the Earnhardt family’s deep roots in American motorsports. Blending tribute with competitive drive, both driver and team enter the new season ready to build on their strengths while honoring the impact of names like Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Greg Biffle. As the Daytona ARCA 200 nears, the progress shown during testing will serve as the foundation for their 2026 ARCA Menards Series ambitions, continuing a legacy into a new era.
What a day. Truly a dream come true.@RiseRacing89 team worked extremely well together from start to finish. I was able to make some solid single-car runs and jump into a 5-car draft this afternoon, and the car felt amazing every time it hit the track.
Huge thanks to Dale… pic.twitter.com/QReCFAbgXC
— Bobby Dale Earnhardt (@BobbyEarnhardt) January 10, 2026
