Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans gushed over a nostalgic paint scheme returning this summer.
On Thursday, Earnhardt Jr and MLB unveiled a special collaboration to commemorate this year’s inaugural MLB Speedway Classic. On Saturday, Aug. 16, the Hall of Famer will drive an MLB-themed No. 8 Budweiser car in a CARS Tour Series race at Anderson Speedway. The design resembles the vehicle he drove to victory at Daytona International Speedway in July 2001.
“It is an incredible opportunity to reunite with Budweiser and Major League Baseball,” Earnhardt Jr. said in NASCAR’s announcement. “I’ve watched that July 2001 race at Daytona so many times. It’s such a great memory for me. I am excited that we have this chance to collaborate with Bud and MLB to bring that scheme back again because of what it means to me and so many others.”
Fans rejoiced over the reveal on social media.
“Iconic,” a fan wrote.
“This is so awesome!” a fan declared.
“This car was a part of one of the most memorable moments in American Sports history,” a fan recalled.
“Take my money,” a fan said.
“Tears in my eyes, man,” a fan wrote.
Five months after his father’s tragic death, Earnhardt Jr. returned to Daytona to earn an emotional win. He achieved the unforgettable moment while driving a white No. 8 car with a baseball-themed design.
Earnhardt Jr. resumed his relationship with Budweiser when he brought back his iconic red No. 8 car late last year. They’ll revisit another famous scheme two weeks after the Atlanta Braves play the Cincinnati Reds in the first-ever MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway.
“The incredible fan response to Budweiser’s reunion with Dale Jr. last November reminded us just how special this partnership is to racing fans,” said Todd Allen, SVP of Marketing at Budweiser and Bud Light. “This No. 8 Budweiser/MLB All-Star Game-inspired paint scheme pays tribute to one of the most iconic moments in the storied history of Dale Jr. and Budweiser’s partnership. The MLB Speedway Classic is the perfect stage to revive this fan-favorite design.”
Related: NASCAR Insider Has Important Message About Coca-Cola 600
NASCAR Fans React To Dale Jr.’s Return Announcement first appeared on The Spun on May 22, 2025
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