CONFIRMED, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has reclaimed the No. 8 badge from Teresa Earnhardt after nearly two decades of intense drama…

After nearly two decades of legal disputes, emotional conflicts, and corporate politics, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has officially reclaimed the iconic No. 8 from Teresa Earnhardt. This marks a major turning point in NASCAR history, putting an end to one of the most controversial disputes in motorsports.

For years, the Earnhardt family name has been synonymous with racing excellence, tragedy, and resilience. However, behind the scenes, a battle over the rights to No. 8, a number deeply associated with the Earnhardt legacy, has quietly played out. Now, with the trademark officially secured by Dale Earnhardt Jr., fans can finally witness the restoration of an important part of NASCAR history.

The Importance of No. 8 in NASCAR History

The No. 8 has long been a defining element of the Earnhardt legacy. Though many NASCAR numbers have been legendary, few carry the emotional weight and history of the No. 8.

• Ralph Earnhardt, Dale Jr.’s grandfather, originally made No. 8 famous during his time as a short-track racing legend in the 1950s and 1960s.
• Dale Earnhardt Jr., the son of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt Sr., carried on the tradition by racing under the No. 8 for Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) during the early years of his NASCAR career.
• The No. 8 Chevrolet, with its iconic red and white Budweiser paint scheme, became one of the most recognizable cars in NASCAR during the early 2000s.

For fans of Dale Jr., seeing him behind the wheel of a car adorned with the No. 8 was more than just a number—it was a symbol of tradition, passion, and family heritage.

The Origin of the Dispute

After the tragic passing of Dale Earnhardt Sr. in the 2001 Daytona 500, ownership of Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) fell into the hands of his widow, Teresa Earnhardt. As a result, she gained control over many of the assets associated with the Earnhardt name, including the No. 8.

By the mid-2000s, tensions between Dale Jr. and Teresa had become public knowledge. Their conflicts revolved around the management of DEI, financial disagreements, and ultimately, the inability of Dale Jr. to gain ownership of the No. 8 he had driven since joining NASCAR’s top series.

In 2007, after unsuccessful negotiations with Teresa Earnhardt, Dale Jr. left DEI and moved to Hendrick Motorsports, where he was forced to adopt the No. 88 instead. While he continued to be successful, winning races and growing his fanbase, the fact remained that the No. 8 was left behind at DEI, where it was barely used in the years that followed.

The Battle Over the No. 8 Trademark

Following Dale Jr.‘s departure from DEI, the No. 8 largely faded from NASCAR’s spotlight. The number was occasionally used by other drivers but never regained the prominence it had during Dale Jr.’s tenure.

Meanwhile, Teresa Earnhardt continued to hold onto the rights to No. 8, refusing to relinquish control despite multiple requests and attempts by Dale Jr. to reclaim it. Over the years, the trademark remained in Teresa’s possession, preventing Dale Jr. from using it for any of his racing ventures, including his team, JR Motorsports.

In June 2024, however, something unexpected happened—Teresa Earnhardt allowed the No. 8 trademark to lapse. This lapse provided Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister, Kelley Earnhardt, with an opportunity to secure the trademark under their own business entity, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Holdings.

Dale Jr.’s Reaction to Reclaiming No. 8

For years, fans had hoped that Dale Jr. would once again have the chance to race under the No. 8, but few expected that Teresa would willingly give up her claim to it. When asked about how the situation unfolded, Dale Jr. expressed surprise:

“I never thought that the trademark would not be renewed. I was certainly surprised when Teresa decided not to renew that trademark. Not sure why, but we applied.”

The reaction from the NASCAR community was overwhelmingly positive. Many fans viewed this as a long-overdue correction, ensuring that the No. 8 was finally back where it belonged—with Dale Earnhardt Jr.

What This Means for JR Motorsports

Now that Dale Earnhardt Jr. officially holds the rights to No. 8, the possibilities are endless. One of the biggest questions is how he will choose to use it.

• Return to racing? While Dale Jr. has retired from full-time competition, he has made occasional starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Could this mean he will make a return in a No. 8 car for a special event?
• JR Motorsports expansion? JR Motorsports, co-owned by Dale Jr., has become one of the top teams in the Xfinity Series. With the No. 8 now under his control, it could become a permanent fixture in the team’s branding and operations.
• Merchandising and Legacy Projects? The No. 8 is an iconic brand in NASCAR, and now that it’s back under Earnhardt ownership, it could be leveraged for new merchandise, memorabilia, and historical tributes.

The Earnhardt Family Legacy Lives On

For fans of Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., and the Earnhardt family as a whole, the return of the No. 8 is more than just a legal victory—it is a symbolic restoration of a racing dynasty.

Although the feud between Dale Jr. and Teresa Earnhardt has not been completely forgotten, this move signals a step toward closure. With No. 8 back in the hands of the Earnhardt family, the legacy of Ralph Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Sr., and Dale Earnhardt Jr. is now stronger than ever.

Conclusion

The battle for No. 8 has finally come to an end. After nearly two decades of disputes, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has reclaimed what many fans believe was always rightfully his. This marks a new chapter not just for Dale Jr. but for NASCAR as a whole.

While it remains to be seen exactly how the No. 8 will be used moving forward, one thing is certain: its return to Dale Earnhardt Jr. represents a victory for tradition, perseverance, and the undying passion of NASCAR fans everywhere.