Get ready for a heartwarming and controversial tribute that’s set to ignite emotions at Daytona International Speedway! Bobby Dale Earnhardt is honoring his legendary grandfather, Dale Earnhardt Sr., with a paint scheme that’s as bold as it is nostalgic—but here’s where it gets controversial: is this a genuine homage or a strategic move to capitalize on the Earnhardt legacy?
Rise Racing is fielding the No. 89 Chevrolet for the ARCA Menard’s Series season opener at Daytona, and behind the wheel will be none other than Bobby Dale Earnhardt, a fourth-generation racer with a lineage that reads like a who’s who of NASCAR royalty. As the grandson of seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, nephew of Daytona 500 icon Dale Earnhardt Jr., son of former racer Kerry Earnhardt, and older brother to current driver Jeffrey Earnhardt, Bobby carries the weight of a storied legacy—and this tribute is his way of keeping it alive.
At Daytona, Bobby’s car will sport a throwback paint scheme that’s instantly recognizable to NASCAR fans: the iconic black and silver Goodwrench design that Dale Sr. made famous during a significant portion of his career. But this isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a deeply personal statement. “Bringing back the black Chevrolet means everything to me,” Bobby shared. “It’s not just about honoring my grandpa’s racing legacy; it’s about celebrating the man he was—his grit, his connection with fans, and the tradition he built. Racing this car at Daytona feels like carrying a piece of him with me.”
And this is the part most people miss: Bobby’s tribute goes beyond Daytona. Last month, during an ARCA test, he ran a black and yellow car as a nod to the Corvette his grandfather drove in the 2001 Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. This dual homage—25 years after Dale Sr.’s tragic passing in the 2001 Daytona 500—raises a thought-provoking question: How do we balance honoring the past with moving forward in a sport that’s constantly evolving?
At 38, Bobby is no newcomer to racing, though his ARCA starts have been limited. His best finish? A 19th-place at Elko in 2017. Last year, he made two starts at Bristol and Kansas, but 2026 marks his first full ARCA schedule. He’ll be one of 50 drivers vying for just 40 spots in the season opener—a high-stakes battle that adds another layer of pressure to his tribute.
But here’s the real question: Is Bobby Dale Earnhardt the rightful heir to the Earnhardt legacy, or is he riding the coattails of a name that’s bigger than life? We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For more racing news, check out these stories:
- Bobby Dale Earnhardt to Race Full ARCA Schedule in 2026
- Cleetus McFarland to Make NASCAR Truck Debut at Daytona
- Carson Hocevar Signs Lengthy Extension with Spire into the 2030s
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com? Take our 5-minute survey and let us know!
— The Motorsport.com Team
