Full History Of Dale Earnhardt Jr. In Timeline From 1957

1957: Ralph Earnhardt Drives No. 88

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s new number, No. 88, also held family significance, as it was the same number driven by his paternal grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt, back in 1957.

October 10, 1974: Birth of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

On October 10, 1974, Dale Earnhardt Jr., a third-generation race car driver, was born. He would follow in the footsteps of his father, 7-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt, and become a prominent figure in the racing world.

1975: Tribute Livery

In 1975, Earnhardt Jr. drove a car with a livery designed after his father's 1975 Cup car.

1979: First Race Car

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s journey in racing began with a 1979 Monte Carlo, a car he co-owned with his half-brother, Kerry. This marked the start of his hands-on experience in the sport, learning the ins and outs of car preparation and maintenance.

1987: Vintage Winston Cup Stock Car Race

In 1987, Earnhardt Jr. competed in a race featuring vintage 1987 Winston Cup stock cars at Talladega, showcasing his interest in motorsports history.

1991: Bill Elliott's Most Popular Driver Streak Begins

Bill Elliott began his impressive streak of winning the Most Popular Driver Award, achieving the accolade for ten consecutive years.

1992: Graduation from Mooresville High School

In 1992, Dale Earnhardt Jr. graduated from Mooresville High School. This marked the completion of his formal education as he pursued a career in racing.

October 28, 1994: Pole Position at Greenville Merchants 300

On October 28, 1994, Dale Earnhardt Jr. showcased his racing prowess by securing the pole position for the Greenville Merchants 300. This accomplishment highlighted his growing talent and potential in the world of motorsports.

1996: Debut in the Busch Series

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s professional racing career took off in 1996 when he made his debut in the Busch Series, driving for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Ed Whitaker. This marked his entry into NASCAR's national touring series.

1997: Continuing in the Busch Series

Dale Earnhardt Jr. continued to hone his skills in the Busch Series in 1997. His persistence and growing experience in the series laid the groundwork for future success.

1998: First Xfinity Series Championship

Dale Earnhardt Jr. achieved a significant milestone in his racing career by winning his first NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship in 1998. This victory marked the beginning of a successful journey in the series.

1998: NASCAR Thunder/Motegi 500 in Japan

In 1998, Earnhardt Jr. participated in the NASCAR Thunder/Motegi 500 held in Motegi, Japan, where he achieved a sixth-place finish.

1998: Full-Time Busch Series and First Winston Cup Start

The year 1998 marked a pivotal point in Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s racing career. He began competing full-time in the Busch Series for his father's team and also made his debut in the Winston Cup Series at an exhibition race in Japan.

1999: Back-to-Back Busch Series Championships and Winston Cup Preparation

Building on his success, Dale Earnhardt Jr. secured his second consecutive NASCAR Busch Series Championship in 1999. That same year, he participated in five Winston Cup races, gaining valuable experience in preparation for a full-time Cup Series ride in the following year.

1999: Early Success in the Busch Series

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s racing career gained momentum in 1999 when he secured his second consecutive NASCAR Busch Series Championship. This victory, achieved while the series was still known as the Busch Series, showcased his talent and potential within the sport.

1999: Earnhardt Jr. Joins Cup Series

In 1999, Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined the Cup Series, choosing to race with the No. 8, a number with deep family history in racing.

1999: Second Place Finish in IROC Race

In 1999, Earnhardt Jr. finished a close second to his father in the IROC race at Michigan International Speedway.

1999: Return to Darlington

In 1999, Earnhardt Jr. returned to race at the Darlington Raceway in the Xfinity Series.

1999: Earnhardt Jr.'s Consecutive Race Streak Begins

Since 1999, Earnhardt Jr. had maintained a streak of competing in consecutive races until his concussion in 2012.

2000: Successful Conclusion to the 2000 Season

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s impressive performance throughout the 2000 season culminated in two wins, three top-five finishes, five top-10 finishes, and two pole positions. This successful season solidified his position as a formidable competitor in the Winston Cup Series.

2000: Full-Time Winston Cup Debut

In 2000, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s racing career reached a new level as he began competing full-time in the Winston Cup Series. This marked his entry into NASCAR's premier series, where he would go on to achieve numerous victories and accolades.

2000: The Winston Victory

In 2000, Earnhardt Jr. emerged triumphant at The Winston, an exhibition race.

2000: A Family Affair at Michigan International Speedway

In a historic event at Michigan International Speedway in 2000, Dale Earnhardt Jr. competed alongside his father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., and half-brother, Kerry, in the Pepsi 400. This marked a rare occasion in NASCAR history, with only one other instance of a father racing against his two sons.

2000: Breakout Year in the Winston Cup Series

The year 2000 proved to be a breakout year for Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the Winston Cup Series. He competed for the Raybestos NASCAR Rookie of the Year Award, securing his first win in the series at Texas Motor Speedway and another at Richmond International Raceway. He also became the first rookie to win The Winston, solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport.

2000: End of Elliott's Streak

This year marked the conclusion of Bill Elliott's ten-year reign as the Most Popular Driver.

2001: Confederate Flag Stance in Autobiography

Dale Earnhardt Jr. addressed his stance on the Confederate flag in his 2001 autobiography, "Driver #8."

2001: Victory and Penalty at Talladega

Dale Earnhardt Jr. experienced a mix of triumph and setback at the EA Sports 500 in Talladega in 2001. He secured his second restrictor plate win, earning a Winston No Bull 5 $1 million bonus. However, his car failed post-race inspection, resulting in a 25-point deduction.

2001: Death of Dale Earnhardt Sr.

Dale Earnhardt Sr., Dale Jr.'s father, died in a crash at the 2001 Daytona 500.

2001: Dale Earnhardt's Death

Dale Earnhardt Sr., Earnhardt Jr.'s father, passed away in a crash at the 2001 Daytona 500.

2001: First "MTV Cribs" Appearance

He made his first appearance on the MTV show "Cribs" in 2001.

2001: Tragedy at the Daytona 500

The 2001 Daytona 500 will forever be remembered for the tragic accident that claimed the life of Dale Earnhardt Sr. As Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his teammate Michael Waltrip raced towards the finish line, Earnhardt Sr. was involved in a fatal crash on the final lap. This event sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community and beyond.

2002: Last Pole Position Before 2007

Before his pole position win in 2007, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s previous pole position was in 2002.

2002: Pole Positions and Strong Performances

Earnhardt Jr. secured multiple pole positions throughout 2002, showcasing his speed and driving prowess, notably at Dover with a new qualifying speed record.

2002: A Season of Ups and Downs

The 2002 season proved to be a roller coaster for Dale Earnhardt Jr. He faced adversity early on, suffering a concussion from a crash at the California race in April. Despite this setback, he rallied to achieve notable victories, including sweeping both Talladega races.

2003: Playboy Appearance

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was featured in the video "Playboy: Celebrity Photographers" in 2003, where he photographed The Dahm Triplets.

2003: Featured on "NASCAR Thunder 2003" Cover

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was featured on the cover of the video game "NASCAR Thunder 2003."

2003: Beginning of Most Popular Driver Streak

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s immense popularity among NASCAR fans was evident in 2003 when he won the Most Popular Driver Award for the first time. This marked the beginning of an unprecedented streak of 15 consecutive wins.

2003: Earnhardt Jr.'s Controversial Talladega Victory

In 2003, Dale Earnhardt Jr. secured his fourth consecutive win at Talladega, a record-breaking achievement. Despite struggling for a significant portion of the race and even falling a half-lap behind, he managed to catch up during a caution. The win was shrouded in controversy due to a late-race maneuver where Earnhardt dipped below the yellow line while passing Matt Kenseth. NASCAR ruled that Kenseth had forced him below the line, thus deeming it a legal pass.

2003: Exhibition Race Victories

In 2003, Earnhardt Jr. emerged victorious in several exhibition races, including the Budweiser Duel, Budweiser Shootout, and The Winston. He also narrowly lost to his father in the IROC race at Michigan International Speedway.

2003: Chance 2 Motorsports Founding and Early Success

In 2003, Earnhardt Jr., along with his stepmother Teresa, established Chance 2 Motorsports, a separate entity from DEI. The team experienced immediate success, with Martin Truex Jr. winning the Busch Series championship in 2004 and 2005 while driving the No. 8 car.

October 2004: Talladega Victory and Season Highlights

In October 2004, Earnhardt Jr. secured a win at Talladega, tying him with Jeff Gordon for the most wins among active drivers at the track.

2004: Crew Chief Changes and Continued Success as Car Owner

At the end of the 2004 season, Tony Eury Sr. was promoted to team manager for DEI, while Tony Eury Jr. became Michael Waltrip's crew chief. Peter Rondeau then became Earnhardt Jr.'s crew chief for 2005. As a car owner, Earnhardt Jr.'s JR Motorsports continued to thrive in 2005, fielding a winning car in the USAR Hooters ProCup Series.

2004: Brenda Jackson Joins JR Motorsports

Brenda Jackson, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s mother, started working as an accounting specialist for JR Motorsports in 2004.

2004: First Daytona 500 Victory

Dale Earnhardt Jr. achieved a lifelong dream in 2004 by winning his first Daytona 500. This victory held special significance for Earnhardt Jr. as it came at the same track where his father tragically lost his life a few years earlier.

2004: First Pocono Victory and Season Highlights

Dale Earnhardt Jr. achieved a significant victory at Pocono in 2004, marking his first win at the track and his second of the season, a feat he hadn't accomplished since 2004.

2004: Bristol Race and Near Miss

Earnhardt Jr. aimed for his first win at Bristol since 2004, but despite a strong performance, he finished in 9th place.

2004: Strong Season Finish

Earnhardt Jr. concluded the 2004 season with a strong performance, securing 8th place in the final standings, marking his best season performance since 2004, with four wins, 12 Top 5s, 20 Top 10s, and an average finish of 12.2.

2004: Back-to-Back Busch Series Championships

In 2004, Chance 2 Motorsports, owned by Earnhardt Jr. and his stepmother Teresa, celebrated Martin Truex Jr.'s first Busch Series championship win.

2004: Earnhardt Jr.'s Career-High Wins and Championship Run

In 2004, Dale Earnhardt Jr. achieved a career-high of five NEXTEL Cup wins, including a victory at Talladega, securing his place in the NASCAR 10-race playoff. Despite this success, he was penalized 25 points for using obscene language on air, a new rule following the Super Bowl halftime show controversy. The penalty, coupled with consecutive DNFs, hampered his championship hopes. He finished fifth in the NEXTEL Cup Chase and won the Most Popular Driver Award for the second consecutive time.

2004: Political Views Revealed

In 2004, Dale Earnhardt Jr. revealed his political views, stating that he is a Republican and supported President George W. Bush.

2004: Budweiser Duel Victory

In 2004, Earnhardt Jr. won the Budweiser Duel exhibition race.

2004: Earnhardt Jr. Wins Daytona 500

Six years after his father's sole Daytona 500 victory and three years after his tragic death in the same race, Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the 2004 Daytona 500. This victory held special significance. He came close to sweeping Speedweeks that year, winning his Gatorade Duel and the Busch Series race.

2005: Earnhardt Jr.'s 2005 Season: Crew Chief Changes and a Single Win

During the 2005 NASCAR season, Dale Earnhardt Jr. experienced several crew chief changes, starting with Peter Rondeau who was later replaced by Steve Hmiel. Despite the changes, Earnhardt Jr. secured a win at Chicagoland. However, engine failure at California Speedway dashed his championship aspirations. Reuniting with Tony Eury Jr. later in the season brought improved results, but he ended 19th in points. He still earned the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award for the third consecutive year.

2005: Truex Jr.'s Second Consecutive Busch Series Championship

In 2005, Chance 2 Motorsports achieved another milestone as Martin Truex Jr. secured his second consecutive Busch Series championship title.

2005: Expansion of JR Motorsports

In 2005, JR Motorsports, Dale Jr.'s racing team outside of DEI, fielded a car in the USAR Hooters ProCup Series, securing a win and qualifying for the Four Champions playoff.

May 2006: Earnhardt Jr.'s Victory and Father's Day Tribute

Dale Earnhardt Jr. secured a win at Richmond in May 2006. On Father's Day 2006, he paid tribute to his father and grandfather by driving a vintage Budweiser car at Michigan International Speedway, a nod to the number 8 car both had driven during their careers.

September 9, 2006: Earnhardt Jr. Secures Chase Berth Despite Challenges

Despite experiencing engine failures and a crash at Pocono, Dale Earnhardt Jr. made a strategic pit stop decision at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, securing a crucial Top 10 finish that boosted him to 10th in points. He ultimately secured a spot in the 2006 Chase for the NEXTEL Cup with a 17th place finish at the Chevy Rock and Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway. He came close to winning at Talladega but finished the season 5th in the point standings.

2006: Pocono Sweep and Season Success

Earnhardt Jr. achieved a remarkable feat in 2006 by sweeping both Pocono races, making him the first driver to do so since Denny Hamlin in 2006.

2006: "Talladega Nights" Cameo

He made a cameo appearance in the 2006 film "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby."

2006: Closure of Chance 2 Motorsports

In 2006, Chance 2 Motorsports, the team founded by Earnhardt Jr. and Teresa Earnhardt, ceased operations due to financial challenges.

2006: Comments on Confederate Flag to Yahoo! Sports

In 2006, he shared his thoughts on the Confederate flag in an interview with Yahoo! Sports.

February 6, 2007: "Back in the Day" Premiere

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s show "Back in the Day," which he hosted, premiered on the Speed Channel on February 6, 2007.

May 10, 2007: Earnhardt Announces Departure from DEI

On May 10, 2007, Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced his decision to leave Dale Earnhardt Inc., the company founded by his father, to pursue his dream of winning a Sprint Cup Championship. He believed that he would have a better chance of achieving this goal with a different team.

May 14, 2007: Earnhardt Jr. Penalized for Illegal Mounting Brackets

On May 14, 2007, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was penalized for using illegal mounting brackets on his car during the April race at Texas Motor Speedway. He was docked 100 driver championship points, car owner Teresa Earnhardt lost 100 owner points, and his crew chief, Tony Eury Jr., was fined $100,000 and suspended for six races.

May 27, 2007: Earnhardt Jr. Honors Fallen Soldiers in Coca-Cola 600

In a gesture of respect and support for military families, Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove a camouflage No. 8 car during the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day. His efforts, along with other participating drivers, aimed to raise funds for families of military personnel.

June 13, 2007: Earnhardt Joins Hendrick Motorsports

On June 13, 2007, Dale Earnhardt Jr. held a press conference to announce his five-year contract with Hendrick Motorsports. This move would see him replace Kyle Busch and join a team that consisted of Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Casey Mears.

July 13, 2007: Earnhardt and Budweiser Part Ways

On July 13, 2007, it was announced that Budweiser, Earnhardt's long-time primary sponsor, would not be joining him at Hendrick Motorsports. This separation was attributed to existing contractual agreements within Hendrick Motorsports that prevented a partnership with Budweiser.

August 5, 2007: Earnhardt Jr.'s First Pole Position Since 2002

On August 5, 2007, Dale Earnhardt Jr. achieved his first pole position since 2002 at Pocono Raceway. Despite a spin and shock issues during the race, he made a strong comeback to finish second to Kurt Busch.

August 15, 2007: Earnhardt Leaves No. 8 Car Behind

On August 15, 2007, it was announced that Dale Earnhardt Jr. would not be using his familiar No. 8 when he moved to Hendrick Motorsports. This number held significance as it was used by his late grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt, and his father early in his career. Earnhardt Jr. himself chose the number when he joined the Cup Series in 1999. He attributed the inability to move the number to Hendrick Motorsports to his stepmother, Teresa Earnhardt.

September 19, 2007: Earnhardt's New Car and Sponsor Announced

On September 19, 2007, it was officially announced that Dale Earnhardt Jr. would be driving the No. 88 Mountain Dew AMP/National Guard Chevrolet Impala starting in the 2008 season. Tony Eury Jr. also made the move to Hendrick Motorsports to continue as his crew chief.

2007: Departure from DEI

In 2007, Dale Earnhardt Jr. made a significant career move by leaving Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI), the team founded by his father. This decision marked the end of an era for both Earnhardt Jr. and DEI.

June 15, 2008: Last Win Before 143-Race Winless Streak

June 15, 2008 marked the date of Earnhardt Jr.'s last win before a winless streak that would last for 143 races.

2008: Earnhardt's Strong Start with Hendrick

Dale Earnhardt Jr. started his 2008 season with Hendrick Motorsports on a high note. He won the Budweiser Shootout, a non-points exhibition race, in his first outing with the team. He followed this with another victory five days later in the Gatorade Duels, marking his third career win in the event. Although he led for a significant portion of the Daytona 500, he finished in 9th place. Ryan Newman won the event.

2008: Earnhardt Debuts with Hendrick Motorsports

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s 2008 season marked the beginning of his time with Hendrick Motorsports. He started the season driving the No. 88 car.

2008: Joining Hendrick Motorsports

Following his departure from DEI, Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2008 to drive their No. 88 car. This move marked a new chapter in his racing journey and set the stage for further success in the NASCAR Cup Series.

2008: Earnhardt's Move to a New Team

In 2008, Dale Earnhardt Jr. made a significant career move by joining a new team after leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc. the previous year.

2008: "Shifting Gears" Production

In 2008, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s production company, Hammerhead Entertainment, produced the ESPN2 show "Shifting Gears," which documented his team switch that year.

2008: Exhibition Race Wins

In 2008, Earnhardt Jr. added to his exhibition race wins by taking the checkered flag at the Budweiser Duel and Budweiser Shootout.

2008: Hendrick Motorsports Merger and Family Ties

The 2008 season saw Hendrick Motorsports merging its Nationwide Series team with Earnhardt's JR Motorsports. This merger deepened the family ties within the organization, as JR Motorsports' cars were produced in Earnhardt's shop, which employed his mother and uncles. Adding to the family connection, Earnhardt's maternal grandfather, Robert Gee, was one of the first employees of All Star Racing, the precursor to Hendrick Motorsports.

2008: Successful Season for No. 8 Team

The No. 8 team, driven by Mark Martin and Aric Almirola, had a successful season in 2008.

December 31, 2008: Earnhardt and Hendrick Penalized

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and team owner Rick Hendrick were penalized in the Nationwide Series due to a rear spoiler violation on Earnhardt's car. Both received a 50-point deduction, and Earnhardt's crew chief, Chad Walter, faced a $35,000 fine, a six-race suspension, and probation until December 31, 2008.

January 2009: Earnhardt Expresses Enthusiasm for President Obama

In January 2009, Dale Earnhardt Jr. publicly shared his excitement about President Barack Obama's inauguration, expressing a desire to meet him and considering it a great honor.

May 28, 2009: Eury Jr. Replaced as Crew Chief

Following a series of disappointing performances, including a 40th place finish at the Coca-Cola 600, Tony Eury Jr. was fired as Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew chief on May 28, 2009.

June 2009: McGrew Takes Over as Interim Crew Chief

Lance McGrew was appointed as the interim crew chief for Dale Earnhardt Jr. starting with the June 2009 race at Pocono. Before McGrew's official start, team manager Brian Whitesell filled in at Dover, leading Earnhardt to a 12th place finish after contending for the lead.

2009: Second "MTV Cribs" Appearance

Dale Earnhardt Jr. appeared on "MTV Cribs" again in 2009, this time showcasing a Western town he had built.

2009: DEI and Ganassi Racing Merge, No. 8 Team Shuts Down

Following DEI's merger with Ganassi Racing in 2009, the No. 8 team was shut down.

2009: Earnhardt's Struggles Continue

Throughout 2009, Dale Earnhardt Jr. continued to face challenges on the track, experiencing both moments of improvement and setbacks. While he secured a third-place finish at Michigan and showed potential at other races, he also faced incidents and struggles, culminating in a winless season and a disappointing 25th place finish in the standings.

February 6, 2010: Earnhardt Qualifies Second at Daytona 500

Dale Earnhardt Jr. secured the second starting position for the 52nd Daytona 500 after being edged out for the pole position by his teammate Mark Martin.

February 13, 2010: Earnhardt Involved in Wreck, Finishes Second at Daytona 500

Dale Earnhardt Jr. experienced a dramatic weekend at Daytona. He was involved in a multi-car wreck during the Nationwide Series race, resulting in his car flipping upside down. Despite this, he walked away uninjured. In the Daytona 500 the next day, he made a late charge for the lead but ultimately finished second to Jamie McMurray. This strong start continued with Earnhardt qualifying well and even winning the pole for the spring race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March. However, he finished 15th in the race.

December 2, 2010: Earnhardt Wins 8th Consecutive NMPA Most Popular Driver Award

On December 2, 2010, Dale Earnhardt Jr. received the NMPA Most Popular Driver award for the eighth consecutive year, highlighting his enduring popularity among fans.

2010: McGrew Becomes Permanent Crew Chief

Despite some improvements in performance, Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished the 2009 season without a win, ending with a career-low 25th in the standings. However, Lance McGrew's role as crew chief was made permanent, and he continued working with the No. 88 team through the 2010 season.

2010: Daytona 500 Runner-Up

Earnhardt Jr. secured a second-place finish in the Daytona 500, marking one of his several strong performances in the prestigious race.

2010: Appearance on "Shaq Vs."

He appeared on an episode of "Shaq Vs." in 2010, where he raced against Shaquille O'Neal.

2010: Sprint Cup Series Resurgence

In 2010, Dale Earnhardt Jr. experienced a resurgence in the Sprint Cup Series, achieving three Top 5 and five Top 10 finishes within the first five races.

2010: Toyota Care 250 Victory

In 2010, at the Toyota Care 250 in Richmond, Earnhardt secured a dominant win, his first Xfinity win since 2010 and his first for JR Motorsports.

September 1, 2011: Contract Extension with Hendrick Motorsports

On September 1, 2011, Dale Earnhardt Jr. signed a five-year contract extension with Hendrick Motorsports, securing his position as the driver of the No. 88 car until 2017.

September 19, 2011: Chase for the Sprint Cup Appearance

On September 19, 2011, Earnhardt Jr. participated in the Chase for the Sprint Cup for the first time since 2008.

December 1, 2011: Most Popular Driver Award

Earnhardt Jr. was awarded the Most Popular Driver award for the ninth consecutive time on December 1, 2011.

2011: Car Featured in "Transformers: Dark of the Moon"

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s No. 88 car was featured as the vehicle form of the character Roadbuster in the 2011 film "Transformers: Dark of the Moon."

2011: A Mix of Success and Setbacks

The 2011 Sprint Cup Series saw Earnhardt Jr. grappling with both high points and setbacks, including a win at the Sprint All-Star Race and engine troubles at the Coca-Cola 600.

April 2012: Earnhardt Partners with American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity

Dale Earnhardt Jr. became a partner of the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity in April 2012 and addressed the Democratic National Convention on their behalf.

May 2012: Earnhardt Speaks Against Amendment to Defense Bill

In May 2012, Dale Earnhardt Jr. spoke out against a proposed amendment to a defense bill that would prevent the military from sponsoring professional sports, specifically calling out Republican Representative Jack Kingston of Georgia.

August 2012: Car Dealership Opening

Dale Earnhardt Jr. entered the car dealership business in August 2012, opening Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Buick-GMC-Cadillac in Tallahassee, Florida.

October 7, 2012: Concussion at Talladega

Earnhardt Jr. suffered a concussion in a 25-car crash on the last lap at Talladega on October 7, 2012.

October 11, 2012: Concussion Sidelines Earnhardt Jr.

On October 11, 2012, Hendrick Motorsports announced that Earnhardt Jr. would be sidelined due to a concussion sustained in a crash at Talladega on October 7, 2012. Regan Smith replaced him in the following two races.

October 23, 2012: Return to Racing After Concussion

Earnhardt Jr. was cleared to race and returned to competition on October 23, 2012, at the Tums Fast Relief 500 at Martinsville after missing two races due to a concussion.

November 29, 2012: 10th Consecutive NMPA Most Popular Driver Award

On November 29, 2012, Earnhardt Jr. won the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award for the tenth year in a row, tying Bill Elliott's record.

2012: Earnhardt Collects Wrecked Race Cars

Dale Earnhardt Jr. owns a collection of wrecked race cars, including Juan Pablo Montoya's car from the 2012 Daytona 500 crash.

2012: Another Daytona 500 Near Miss

Earnhardt Jr. narrowly missed out on the Daytona 500 victory, finishing as the runner-up.

2012: Featured on "NASCAR The Game: Inside Line" Cover

He was voted to be on the cover of "NASCAR The Game: Inside Line" in 2012.

2012: Chase for the Sprint Cup Qualification

In 2012, Earnhardt Jr. secured a spot in the Chase for the Sprint Cup alongside Greg Biffle and teammate Jimmie Johnson.

2012: Sprint Showdown Victory

In 2012, Earnhardt Jr. won the Sprint Showdown exhibition race.

2012: Regional Late Model Success

In 2012, Josh Berry, driving for JR Motorsports, captured the Motor Mile Championship in the Whelen All-American Series. Berry also secured another track championship at Hickory Motor Speedway, highlighting the team's success in regional late model racing.

December 5, 2013: Most Popular Driver Award Record

On December 5, 2013, Dale Earnhardt Jr. made history by winning his 11th consecutive Most Popular Driver Award, surpassing Bill Elliott's previous record of 10 consecutive wins from 1991 to 2000.

2013: Signature Eyeglass Line Launch

Dale Earnhardt Jr. launched his signature line of eyeglass frames in partnership with NY Eye Inc. in 2013.

2013: "The Dale Jr. Download" Launch

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Hammerhead Entertainment and his Dirty Mo Radio podcasting network launched the weekly podcast "The Dale Jr. Download" in 2013.

2013: Third Daytona 500 Second-Place Finish

For the third time, Earnhardt Jr. finished as the runner-up in the Daytona 500, showcasing his consistent performance in the race.

2013: Appearances on "Fast N' Loud" and "Teen Titans Go!"

In 2013, he appeared on the show "Fast N' Loud" and voiced a character in an episode of the animated series "Teen Titans Go!"

2014: Second Daytona 500 Victory

Adding to his legacy at Daytona International Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr. secured his second Daytona 500 victory in 2014. This win solidified his status as one of the most successful drivers at the iconic track.

2014: Earnhardt's Collection Expands

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s collection of wrecked race cars includes David Gilliland's car from the 2014 5-hour Energy 400 and his own car from the 2014 Duck Commander 500.

2014: Earnhardt Encourages Voter Turnout

In 2014, Dale Earnhardt Jr. recorded an advertisement for America's Power, urging people to vote in the U.S. elections.

2014: JR Motorsports Championship Success

In 2014, JR Motorsports, the NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series team co-owned by Earnhardt Jr., achieved its first NASCAR national championship with Chase Elliott winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship.

2014: Crew Chief and Sponsor Changes

The year 2014 saw significant changes for Earnhardt Jr.'s team, including Steve Letarte's departure as crew chief and the arrival of Greg Ives, along with Nationwide Insurance becoming a new sponsor.

June 17, 2015: Earnhardt Announces Engagement

On June 17, 2015, Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced his engagement to his girlfriend, Amy Reimann.

2015: Statement on Confederate Flag After Charleston Shooting

Following the Charleston church shooting in 2015, Dale Earnhardt Jr. publicly stated that he found the Confederate flag offensive.

2015: Daytona 500 and Early Season Performance

In 2015, Earnhardt Jr. began the season with a ninth-place finish at the Sprint Unlimited, followed by a win in the first Budweiser Duel, his fourth triumph in the event. He also led the Daytona 500 for over 30 laps but ultimately finished third.

2015: Budweiser Duel Victory

In 2015, Earnhardt Jr. won the Budweiser Duel exhibition race.

2015: Crew Chief Change

In 2015, Greg Ives joined Hendrick Motorsports and became Earnhardt Jr.'s crew chief, replacing Steve Letarte.

2015: Truck Series Team Expansion and Victories

In 2015, JR Motorsports expanded its operations to include a part-time Truck Series team. Drivers Cole Custer and Kasey Kahne secured victories for the team at Gateway Motorsports Park and Charlotte Motor Speedway, respectively.

March 2016: Earnhardt Pledges Brain for Concussion Research

In March 2016, Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced his decision to donate his brain for concussion research after his death.

December 8, 2016: Medical Clearance and Award

On December 8, 2016, Earnhardt Jr. received medical clearance to return to racing in 2017 after recovering from concussion-like symptoms. Despite missing the latter half of the 2016 season, he earned the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award for a 14th consecutive time.

2016: Earnhardt Announces Wedding Plans and Gets Married

After winning his 14th Most Popular Driver Award in 2016, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared that he and Amy Reimann would marry on New Year's Eve at Richard Childress' Childress Vineyards in Lexington, North Carolina.

2016: 2016 Racing Season

In 2016, Earnhardt Jr. experienced a mixed bag of results in his racing season. He started the year with a crash at the Sprint Unlimited and a win at the Can-Am Duel race. He had a major crash at the Daytona 500 but rebounded with strong finishes in Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. He faced struggles at Fontana and Martinsville but achieved strong finishes at Texas and Bristol.

2016: Budweiser Duel Victory

In 2016, Earnhardt Jr. secured a victory in the Budweiser Duel exhibition race.

2016: Guest Analyst for NASCAR Broadcasts

In 2016, Earnhardt Jr. took on the role of guest analyst for NASCAR Cup and Xfinity race broadcasts on Fox and NBC.

2016: "The Dale Jr. Download" Host Change

The hosts of "The Dale Jr. Download" changed at the end of the 2016 season.

January 2017: Earnhardt Reveals Family's Immigrant History

In January 2017, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared that his family emigrated from Germany in the 1770s to flee religious persecution, making a statement that "America is created by immigrants."

April 25, 2017: Retirement Announcement and Final Season

On April 25, 2017, Earnhardt Jr. announced his retirement from full-time racing after the 2017 season. He had a tough final season, marked by one top-five finish, eight top-ten finishes, two poles, seven DNFs, and failing to make the Playoffs. However, he ended his career on a high note by receiving his 15th consecutive Most Popular Driver award.

October 2017: Earnhardt Announces First Pregnancy

Dale Earnhardt Jr. revealed in October 2017 that he and his wife, Amy, were expecting their first child.

2017: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Retires from Full-Time Racing

After a successful career, Dale Earnhardt Jr. decided to retire from full-time racing in 2017. However, his passion for racing continued, and he continued to compete part-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

2017: End of Most Popular Driver Streak

After an incredible run of 15 consecutive years, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s streak of winning the Most Popular Driver Award came to an end in 2017. This marked the end of an era in NASCAR's popularity contest, as Earnhardt Jr. had become synonymous with the award.

2017: New Hosts for "The Dale Jr. Download"

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tyler Overstreet took over as hosts of "The Dale Jr. Download" in 2017.

2017: Final Full-Time Season with Hendrick Motorsports

Dale Earnhardt Jr. concluded his tenure as a full-time driver with Hendrick Motorsports in 2017. He remained with the team until the end of the season, marking the end of a significant chapter in his racing career.

2017: Return to Racing and Most Popular Driver Award

In 2017, Earnhardt Jr. returned to racing after recovering from concussion-like symptoms that cut his previous season short. He continued to be a fan favorite, winning his 14th consecutive NMPA Most Popular Driver Award.

March 12, 2018: NASCAR on NBC Debut

On March 12, 2018, Dale Earnhardt Jr. made his debut as a color commentator for NASCAR on NBC's NASCAR America.

March 2018: Earnhardt's Philanthropic Work with Make-A-Wish Foundation

By March 2018, Dale Earnhardt Jr. had granted over 250 wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy.

April 30, 2018: Earnhardt Welcomes Daughter, Isla Rose

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Amy Reimann became parents to a daughter, Isla Rose Earnhardt, on April 30, 2018.

2018: Sporadic Xfinity Races

After retiring from full-time racing in 2017, Earnhardt Jr. began racing sporadically in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports in 2018. He had a strong showing at Richmond, leading for a majority of the race.

2018: "The Dale Jr. Download" Airs on NBCSN

Edited versions of "The Dale Jr. Download" began airing on NBCSN in 2018.

2018: Transition to Broadcasting

In 2018, Dale Earnhardt Jr. transitioned to a new role in motorsports, becoming a color commentator for NASCAR on NBC. This marked a new chapter in his career, allowing him to share his expertise and insights with fans from the broadcasting booth.

2018: Return to the No. 88 Car

In 2018, Earnhardt Jr. returned to racing the No. 88 car in the Xfinity Series race at Martinsville.

April 22, 2019: Earnhardt's Mother, Brenda Jackson, Passes Away

Brenda Jackson, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s mother, passed away on April 22, 2019, at 65 after battling cancer. She had worked as an accounting specialist for JR Motorsports since 2004.

August 15, 2019: Earnhardt Involved in Plane Crash

On August 15, 2019, Dale Earnhardt Jr., his wife Amy, daughter Isla Rose, and dog Gus were in a private jet accident at Elizabethton Municipal Airport in Tennessee. While the plane caught fire after a bounced landing, none sustained serious injuries.

March 2020: Earnhardt Announces Second Pregnancy

In March 2020, Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced that he and Amy were expecting their second child.

October 12, 2020: Earnhardt Welcomes Daughter, Nicole Loraine

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Amy Earnhardt welcomed their second daughter, Nicole Loraine Earnhardt, on October 12, 2020.

November 2020: Joining iRacing

In November 2020, Dale Earnhardt Jr. officially joined iRacing as an executive director and became a part of their management committee.

2020: Executive Director at iRacing

Dale Earnhardt Jr. became an executive director at iRacing in 2020.

2020: "Lost Speedways" Premiere

Dale Earnhardt Jr. hosted the television documentary series "Lost Speedways," which premiered in 2020.

2020: Daytona 500 Honorary Starter and Hooters 250

In 2020, Earnhardt Jr. served as the Honorary Starter for the Daytona 500 and competed in the Hooters 250 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, finishing 5th.

September 10, 2021: Go Bowling 250 and 9/11 Tribute

On September 10, 2021, Earnhardt Jr.'s participation in the Go Bowling 250 was announced. He drove a car with a paint scheme honoring the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

April 8, 2022: Martinsville Xfinity Race

On April 8, 2022, Earnhardt Jr. competed in the Xfinity Series race at Martinsville, finishing 11th after starting 30th. It was his first time driving the No. 88 car in the race since 2018.

April 20, 2022: iRacing MOONCAR Series Debut and Victory

On April 20, 2022, Earnhardt Jr. made a memorable debut in the iRacing MOONCAR series, winning the race at Talladega in dramatic fashion by flipping across the finish line.

2022: "The Dale Jr. Download" Moves to Peacock

"The Dale Jr. Download" moved to NBC's Peacock streaming service in 2022.

2022: Trophy Renamed in His Honor

The trophy for the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series was renamed in honor of Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2022.

January 9, 2023: CARS Tour Purchase

On January 9, 2023, a consortium including Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s DEJ Management purchased the CARS Tour.

2023: End of Contract with NBC

After several years as a color commentator for NASCAR on NBC, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s contract with the network came to an end in 2023. This opened up opportunities for him to explore other avenues within the world of motorsports broadcasting.

2023: Expanded Xfinity Schedule and Bristol Fire

In 2023, Earnhardt Jr. expanded his Xfinity Series schedule to two races, with sponsorship from Hellmann's and Bass Pro Shops. At Bristol, he experienced a setback when a fire in the shifter tunnel column led to a 30th-place finish.

February 29, 2024: Report of NBC Departure

On February 29, 2024, The Athletic reported that Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s contract with NASCAR on NBC would not be renewed after the 2023 season.

May 7, 2024: Amazon and TNT Confirmation

It was officially announced on May 7, 2024, that Dale Earnhardt Jr. would be joining the broadcast teams of Amazon Prime Video and TNT for their NASCAR coverage.

May 2024: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Legacy as a NASCAR Driver

As of May 2024, Dale Earnhardt Jr. holds an impressive record of 26 wins in the Cup Series. This accomplishment places him tied with Fred Lorenzen for 32nd place in NASCAR history, solidifying his legacy as a successful and respected driver.

2025: Joining Amazon and TNT

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is reported to be joining the broadcast teams for Amazon and TNT's NASCAR coverage starting in 2025.

2025: Commencement of Amazon and TNT Coverage

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will begin his role with Amazon Prime Video and TNT's NASCAR coverage in 2025.

2025: Joining Amazon and TNT's NASCAR Coverage

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s career in motorsports broadcasting took another turn as he joined Amazon and TNT's new NASCAR coverage, which is set to begin in 2025. This move further solidified his presence in the broadcasting world and gave fans another platform to hear his commentary and analysis.