Dale Earnhardt Jr., the son of the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr., recently spoke about which current NASCAR drivers remind him the most of his iconic father, famously known as “The Intimidator.” During an interview, Earnhardt Jr. reflected on the qualities that made his dad such a formidable presence on the track — fierce competitiveness, raw aggression, and an unwavering desire to win. He then turned his attention to the current generation of drivers and pointed out a few who embody that same gritty spirit.
Among those mentioned was Ross Chastain, who has developed a reputation for his aggressive style and fearless racing tactics. Earnhardt Jr. sees in Chastain a level of determination and boldness that mirrors the way his father used to race. While not always popular with other drivers, Chastain’s willingness to push limits and fight for every position evokes memories of how Earnhardt Sr. made his name on the track.
Another name that came up was Kyle Busch. Known for his intensity and no-nonsense attitude, Busch has long been one of NASCAR’s most polarizing yet undeniably talented drivers. Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged Busch’s ability to control a race and make daring moves when it matters most, traits that would have made him a formidable rival—or ally—for his father.
Earnhardt Jr. also pointed out that while no one can truly replicate his father’s legacy, these drivers carry pieces of that old-school toughness and competitive fire. In their aggressive approaches and hunger to win, they keep the spirit of “The Intimidator” alive on today’s NASCAR circuits.
