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Dale Earnhardt Jr. to return to NASCAR at Bristol for Food City 300 in September

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra05/25/23

SamraSource

Dale Earnhardt Jr
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has revealed his slick paint scheme for his upcoming return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series

The iconic wheelman will enter the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, Sept. 15. Fans and drivers alike are elated to see Earnhardt Jr. step back into the car, even if it’s a one-off event.

Check out the video of his paint scheme unveiling below, as the curtain is pulled back on the Hellmanns No. 88 hot rod.

That’s going to look damn good going around Bristol Motor Speedway, a track Earnhardt Jr. has been notoriously good at throughout his time in NASCAR. Now just imagine it in Victory Lane.

It may be too much to ask to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. get back to the Winner’s Circle in his one start, but we’ll enjoy watching him be back on the track at the least. September can’t come soon enough.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. named to NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers list

In other news, it was just a matter of time before we heard this name on NASCAR‘s 75 Greatest Drivers list, Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself. The son of The Intimidator made a name for himself in his own right. His father was able to see the beginning of that journey. Now Junior still carries the torch for the sport in many ways. 

Father and son duos are part of NASCAR history from the very beginning with Lee and Richard Petty. You have Ned and Dale Jarrett as well. Bill and Chase Elliott. Hell, Ralph and Dale Earnhardt themselves. Now, Dale Earnhardt Jr. joins those two on the list. 

Three generations of Earnhardt, three generations of excellence. Forever solidified in NASCAR history for the rest of time as part of the NASCAR 75. 

While he never won a Cup Series championship, Dale Jr. was a two-time Xfinity Series champion. Two-time Daytona 500 champion and who can forget his six wins at Talladega, four in a row from 2001-2003? Hall of Famer. One of the 75 Greatest Drivers of all time.

How fitting is it that Kyle Busch was able to take the win in the black and red No. 8 once again at Talladega? The first time since Junior himself did it in the 8 car. Not only has Dale Jr. made an impact as a driver, but he has also taken on the pressures of being an owner. And of course, being the figurehead of stock car racing.