The No. 8 made famous by Dale Earnhardt Jr. is one of the most iconic numbers in NASCAR history.
The stylized digit, with its signature font, is one of the most recognizable numbers in all of racing, stemming from Earnhardt Jr.’s use of it from the beginning of his career in the NASCAR Cup Series in 1999 through 2007.
It’s back where it belongs for 2025 for JR Motorsports, adorning the sides of driver Sammy Smith’s Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
“It is awesome to have this number and this font back at JR Motorsports this year, and I can’t wait to see it on the car in Daytona,” said Earnhardt Jr. upon its unveiling. “That’s going to be a pretty awesome feeling for me personally. Sammy is going to do a great job with it. Excited to have that number out there and I know everybody else is as well.”
In November, Earnhardt Jr. stepped back in time with the debut of his iconic Budweiser paint scheme for the Florence 400 Late Model race. In that event, the third-generation star raced from the back of the field to second by the halfway break and was in contention for the win before a mechanical issue ended his day.
“It is an incredible opportunity for me to be able to reunite with Budweiser, and the No. 8,” said Earnhardt Jr. “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.”
The championship-winning JRM Late Model team campaigned the No. 8 for the past three seasons, though not in the stylized font carried by Earnhardt Jr. Carson Kvapil won two straight zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car championships (2022 and 2023) wearing that number, as well as the 2024 ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.
The No. 8 has been associated with the Earnhardt family since Earnhardt Jr.’s grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt, took it to the 1959 and 1960 NASCAR Limited Sportsman championships. It was additionally used by Dale Earnhardt Sr. in his racing efforts in what is now the NXS throughout the 1980’s.
And today, the historic No. 8, in its traditional stylized font, officially makes its return to NASCAR competition, with Smith behind the wheel.
