Wyatt Miller, Son of Kelley Earnhardt & Nephew of Dale Jr., Takes 2nd Place in His Limited Late Model Debut

In the world of motorsports, the Earnhardt name is synonymous with speed, determination, and racing excellence. The legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr. built an enduring legacy in NASCAR, a legacy carried forward by his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and his daughter, Kelley Earnhardt Miller. Now, the next generation has arrived: Wyatt Miller, the 13-year-old son of Kelley Earnhardt Miller and nephew of Dale Jr., is making waves in the racing world.

On March 8, 2025, Wyatt made his highly anticipated debut in the Limited Late Model series at Hickory Motor Speedway, one of the most historic short tracks in the country. In a remarkable performance that left fans and industry insiders buzzing, he secured an impressive second-place finish, proving that the Earnhardt bloodline is still producing elite racers.

In this article, we’ll explore Wyatt Miller’s background, his debut race, the family’s reaction, and what the future holds for this rising star.

Who is Wyatt Miller? A Look at His Racing Roots

A Family Steeped in Racing History

Wyatt Miller is no ordinary young racer. His mother, Kelley Earnhardt Miller, is a respected name in motorsports, serving as the co-owner of JR Motorsports alongside her brother, Dale Earnhardt Jr. His father, L.W. Miller, is also an experienced racer, making Wyatt’s path into the sport almost inevitable.

But the legacy doesn’t stop there. Wyatt is the grandson of Dale Earnhardt Sr., the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion who redefined stock car racing with his aggressive driving style and unmatched competitive spirit. His great-grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt, was a dominant short-track racer, known for winning multiple championships at Hickory Motor Speedway in the 1950s.

Hickory Motor Speedway holds special significance for the Earnhardt family. Dale Earnhardt Sr. raced there in his early years, and Kelley Earnhardt Miller competed at the track in the 1990s. Dale Jr. also honed his skills on this historic oval. Now, Wyatt Miller has officially joined this legacy with his own impressive debut.

Wyatt Miller’s Limited Late Model Debut: A Star Is Born

A New Challenge on Asphalt

While Wyatt has already made a name for himself in dirt racing, stepping into the world of asphalt Late Models was a major milestone in his young career. Unlike dirt racing, where sliding and car control are key, asphalt racing demands precise handling, braking, and tire management.

Going into the race, Wyatt acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic:

“I’ve only run Legend Cars on asphalt. It’s harder than a dirt car just because I’m not used to it yet. But it’ll be fun, hopefully. I want to get at least a top-five finish.”

With the support of JR Motorsports and guidance from experienced mentors, Wyatt strapped in for the 35-lap feature race at Hickory, ready to prove himself.

The Race: Fighting for the Win

Wyatt’s performance exceeded all expectations. He ran within the top five for most of the race, displaying patience and composure far beyond his years. As the laps wound down, he found himself in contention for the lead, battling against William Aldred, one of the track’s most seasoned drivers.

On the final lap, Wyatt attempted a move that would have made his grandfather, Dale Sr., proud—a classic Earnhardt-style nudge to the leader’s rear bumper in an effort to take the top spot. While he didn’t complete the pass, he still crossed the finish line in an impressive second place, signaling to the racing world that he is a serious contender.

After the race, Wyatt reflected on his performance:

“There at the end, I just tried to move him out of the way a little bit, but it didn’t work. Hats off to him. I want to thank JRM, my team, and everyone who worked on this car.”

Earnhardt Family Reactions: A Proud Racing Dynasty

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Heartfelt Response

No one was prouder of Wyatt’s debut than Dale Earnhardt Jr., who took to social media to express his excitement:

“His great-grandfather Ralph won races and track titles at Hickory in the 1950s. Grandfather Dale Sr. also ran and won there. Wyatt’s mother, Kelley, raced at the track in the mid-1990s. And now Wyatt is keeping the family tradition alive.”

For Dale Jr., who has been a mentor to Wyatt, this race was more than just another competition—it was a continuation of the Earnhardt legacy.

Kelley Earnhardt Miller: A Proud Mother’s Perspective

Wyatt’s mother, Kelley Earnhardt Miller, has played a key role in guiding his racing career. She has spoken about the balance between allowing Wyatt to develop naturally as a racer while also making sure he understands the challenges of the sport.

“I want him to enjoy it, to learn, and to understand what it takes to succeed at this level. Racing is in his blood, but he has to carve his own path.”

The Fans Weigh In

The NASCAR and short-track racing communities immediately took notice of Wyatt’s performance. Social media lit up with praise for the young driver, with many commenting on his smooth driving style and fearless approach. Some even began speculating about a future NASCAR career for Wyatt.

Wyatt Miller’s Racing Journey: From Dirt to Asphalt

Notable Accomplishments So Far

Before his Late Model debut, Wyatt had already built an impressive resume:

• 2021 Millbridge Speedway Beginner Box Stock Champion
• 2022 Millbridge Speedway Restricted Micro Champion
• 2023 Tulsa Shootout Winner (Restricted A-Class)
• 2024 Short Course Off-Road Racing Debut (Two Second-Place Finishes in Pro SPEC Class)

Each of these achievements highlights his adaptability across different forms of racing, a trait that could serve him well in a potential NASCAR career.

What’s Next for Wyatt Miller?

Wyatt’s journey is only beginning. In late April 2025, he is set to make his Dirt Late Model debut at Natural Bridge Speedway in Virginia, competing in a 604 Crate Late Model event. This move will test his ability to juggle both dirt and asphalt racing, a challenge that only the most versatile drivers can master.

Additionally, JR Motorsports is expected to continue supporting Wyatt’s development, providing him with opportunities to race in more competitive series as he gains experience.

Long term, many fans and analysts believe Wyatt has the potential to follow in the footsteps of his uncle, Dale Jr., and possibly race in NASCAR Xfinity or even the Cup Series in the future.

Conclusion: A Star in the Making

Wyatt Miller’s Limited Late Model debut was more than just an impressive second-place finish—it was a statement. At just 13 years old, he is already proving to be a fearless and talented racer, carrying on the Earnhardt legacy in spectacular fashion.

With the support of his family, JR Motorsports, and a growing fanbase, Wyatt has a bright future ahead. Whether he ends up in NASCAR, dirt racing, or another form of motorsports, one thing is certain:

The Earnhardt name will continue to be a force in racing for years to come.