Dale Earnhardt Jr. has rekindled his partnership with Budweiser, bringing back the iconic No. 8 Budweiser paint scheme in a heartfelt tribute to his late father, Dale Earnhardt Sr. This reunion is more than a nostalgic nod; it’s a deeply personal homage to a pivotal moment in Earnhardt Jr.’s career and a celebration of his father’s enduring legacy.
The collaboration will be showcased during the CARS Tour event at Anderson Motor Speedway on August 16, 2025, where Earnhardt Jr. will drive a car featuring the Budweiser/MLB All-Star Game-inspired paint scheme. This design mirrors the one he drove to an emotional victory at the 2001 Pepsi 400 at Daytona, just months after his father’s tragic passing. That win was not only a professional triumph but also a significant personal milestone, symbolizing resilience and the continuation of the Earnhardt racing legacy .
In addition to the race, the No. 8 Budweiser car will be on display at the MLB Speedway Classic on August 2 at Bristol Motor Speedway, marking the first Major League Baseball game played in Tennessee. This event intertwines two of America’s beloved pastimes—racing and baseball—highlighting the cultural significance of the Earnhardt-Budweiser partnership .
Reflecting on the reunion, Earnhardt Jr. expressed profound emotion, stating, “It’s an incredible opportunity to reunite with Budweiser and Major League Baseball. I’ve watched that July 2001 race at Daytona so many times. It’s such a great memory for me.” He emphasized that this collaboration is not just about revisiting the past but also about honoring his father’s memory and the shared history they created together .
Budweiser’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Todd Allen, echoed this sentiment, noting the overwhelming fan response to the reunion and the significance of the paint scheme as a tribute to one of the most iconic moments in NASCAR history .
This partnership serves as a poignant reminder of the deep connections between family, legacy, and the sports that bring people together. For Earnhardt Jr., it’s a way to keep his father’s spirit alive on the track and to share that legacy with fans old and new.
