Dale Earnhardt Jr. is set to make his highly anticipated return to racing next month, stepping behind the wheel at the renowned Nashville Fairgrounds as part of the JR Motorsports Late Model program. This Dale Earnhardt Jr. racing return will see the legendary driver compete on April 11, representing Bass Pro Shops in a CARS Tour event.
Previewing the Race and Dale Jr.’s Recent Activity
During a recent episode of his podcast, Dale Jr. made his intentions clear.
“I’m racing at Nashville Fairgrounds, April 11,”
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer, said. Clarifying the details further, he added,
“You know I have a million things going on up here in my head? I’m looking around in there — I think it’s April 11 — and I’m driving the Bass Pro Shops car at the Fairgrounds for the CARS Tour.”
– Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer.
To prepare for his Nashville return, Earnhardt Jr. plans to conduct a tire test with the No. 8 car, helping him gauge performance and adapt to the Late Model field. Though he stepped away from full-time Cup Series racing after 2017, he remained active in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series through 2024, making select starts for his own JR Motorsports team while continuing partnerships with sponsors like Hellmann’s.
Earlier this year at Bristol Motor Speedway, Earnhardt Jr. revealed to media members that his NASCAR appearances would end, shifting focus exclusively to Late Model racing. His career in this division features collaborations with notable sponsors such as Bass Pro Shops, Sun Drop, and Budweiser, along with memorable car designs like the Budweiser/MLB scheme famously used for a Daytona International Speedway victory in 2001.
CARS Tour Action Returns to Nashville
The zMAX CARS Tour season began on February 28 at Southern National Motorsports Park, where Caden Kvapil secured victory in the Late Model Stock Car race, and Mason Walters claimed the Pro Late Model title. Both CARS Tour divisions will converge at Nashville Fairgrounds for the upcoming event, with Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge as the presenting sponsor.
Tootsie’s owner Steve Smith voiced his enthusiasm for participating:
“I’m thrilled to be a part of the CARS Tour in Nashville,”
Steve Smith, Tootsie’s Owner, said. He continued,
“This is some of the best racing in America and it belongs at such an iconic track and an iconic city.”
– Steve Smith, Tootsie’s Owner. Reflecting on his connection to the venue, Smith added,
“I grew up across the street from [Nashville] Fairgrounds Speedway and am a huge supporter of racing in Nashville. I can’t wait to watch these guys race and to host the teams at Tootsie’s afterwards.”
– Steve Smith, Tootsie’s Owner.
Significance for Fans and Racing Community
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s return adds prestige and excitement to one of America’s oldest racetracks and highlights the enduring fan appeal of NASCAR Hall of Famers in grassroots racing. The event is expected to draw attention from longtime supporters and newcomers to the CARS Tour, especially with iconic car schemes and important sponsors involved. As anticipation builds, this comeback is set to energize both fans and participants, reinforcing Nashville’s pivotal role in short-track racing and honoring the ongoing legacy of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his connection to motorsports history.
BACK IN THE SADDLE 🐎@DaleJr will be back behind the wheel of the No. 8 at Nashville Fairgrounds for the April 11th CARS Tour race. pic.twitter.com/rzV9GByU25
— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) March 3, 2026
DALE YEAH! An iconic @DaleJr scheme returned to the track. 😍⚾ pic.twitter.com/SNRIfBUTHm
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 18, 2025
