Legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. is getting back behind the wheel.
But what he plans on driving next just made racing fans absolutely giddy.
Next month, the NASCAR Hall of Famer plans to compete in a limited series of late model stock car races in 2024 and 2025, driving none other than the iconic No. 8 Budweiser car.
It’s been nearly 20 years since Earnhardt, Jr. last raced in one of the most recognizable cars in NASCAR history.
But Earnhardt, Jr. himself teased the news of him returning to the car, and fans went wild.
“It is an incredible opportunity for me to be able to reunite with Budweiser, and the No. 8,” Earnhardt, Jr. said of the car he made famous from 1999 to 2007.
“Budweiser and I had some great memories with that iconic scheme and number. We’ve always supported each other over the years. It’s going to be really special for me to be able to represent that brand on the racetrack again.”
This Bud’s for you…
See you at Florence. pic.twitter.com/BZE4LwO4S2
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) October 22, 2024
Bud 8 is back 🍻 pic.twitter.com/HvmA1itYiH
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) October 23, 2024
JR Motorsports announced yesterday that Earnhardt’s Nov. 23 entry in the South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway.
Earnhardt, Jr. won 26 races in the NASCAR Cup Series, including the Daytona 500 in 2004 and 2014.
He was voted NASCAR’s most popular driver for 15 straight years from 2003 to 2017, his final season of full-time competition, according to ESPN.
“There are names that when mentioned, draw on the significance of their place in American history. Among them, Budweiser, and Earnhardt,” said Matt Davis, vice president of partnerships at Anheuser-Busch.
“This return to the racetrack alongside Dale with the Bud King of Beers paint scheme is another chapter in Anheuser-Busch’s long and storied sports history.”