MOORESVILLE, N.C. (WBTV/Gray News) – One of the most iconic numbers and paint schemes in NASCAR history will be returning to the racetrack with a very familiar face behind the wheel.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be bringing his famed red No. 8 Chevrolet back to the track when he races in the South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway on Nov. 23.
Partnering with Budweiser once again, the paint scheme pays homage to the early days of his Cup Series career, when Earnhardt drove for his late father Dale Earnhardt Inc.
“It is an incredible opportunity for me to be able to reunite with Budweiser, and the No. 8,” Earnhardt said in a press release. “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.”
Earnhardt applied for the trademark for the round No. 8 in May after the rights expired. Previously, the number font was trademarked by Teresa Earnhardt, the widow of Dale Earnhardt Sr.
After the race at Florence, the 26-time Cup winner will drive the red Budweiser car in select Late Model Stock Car Races in 2024 and 2025.
Longtime sponsors Sun Drop and Bass Pro Shops will also be on the car after previously appearing on the hood of Earnhardt’s late models.
Earnhardt fans have already taken to social media to share their enthusiasm about the driver’s return to race in the nostalgic Chevy.
“Idk what I got more excited for. The Budweiser return or that beautiful 8,” one fan posted on social media. “I’m gonna say both. This is awesome.”
Another fan added, “I can’t hit like enough on this.”
Earnhardt retired from full-time Cup Series competition at the end of the 2017 season. He has stayed in the sport by competing in select Xfinity Series and late model races, as well as appearing in the broadcast booth.
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