A car steeped in history and synonymous with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s early NASCAR success, the No. 8 returned to NASCAR in style with the South Carolina 400. Sporting the Budweiser branding on it, fans instantly went down nostalgia lane thinking it couldn’t get any better. It seems like Junior wanted to prove them wrong once again, as he confirmed the No. 8’s return to NASCAR, with Sammy Smith at the wheel. JR Motorsports recently unveiled the first glimpse of Smith’s ride, leaving fans buzzing. 

Even Dale Jr. couldn’t help but admit just how good the new color scheme looked.

Dale Jr. approves as the No. 8 gets a modern makeover

On Tuesday morning, JR Motorsports officially revealed the No. 8 Chevrolet that’s set to hit the track in the upcoming Xfinity Series season. Although the paint scheme diverges from the vintage look of Earnhardt’s DEI-era cars, the fresh design offers a new perspective on a familiar icon. JRM hinted that more paint schemes were in development, giving fans additional designs for the rest season.

As for the autographed No. 8 Chevy, Dale Jr. took to X to approve the well-made replica JRM posted about. Sharing a post from JR Motorsports, he said, “Damn this is good.” The tone of approval was pretty evident in his comment. Sporting a white base with a striking black ‘Magic 8 ball’ accent beneath the side windows, the car pays homage to its legendary past while carving out a distinct identity for 2025. The Pilot branding features prominently in red with a white hood and a red stripe completing the sleek design. The redesign may have been a crucial part of bringing the No. 8 after 17 years of Dale Jr. not using it.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 8 returns to JR Motorsports after a long and emotional journey. In 2024, the number was reclaimed after 14 years. Following Dale Sr.’s death, the number became a point of contention between Junior and his stepmother, Teresa Earnhardt. Junior left DEI in 2007 after tensions with Teresa culminated in his joining Hendrick Motorsports and leaving the No. 8. For years, Teresa owned the number and Dale Jr. couldn’t bring it back. When the number’s rights expired in 2024, Teresa stunned NASCAR by not renewing, allowing Junior to take back the legacy-laden number.

In no time Earnhardt Jr. revived the number. He drove a Late Model No. 8 car in a non-NASCAR-sanctioned event shortly after its return, rekindling fans’ emotional attachment. After Sammy Smith takes over for the 2025 season, the task of upholding the number’s storied reputation lies ahead.

This is more than nostalgia to Earnhardt Jr. it’s a chance to mentor the next generation. Watching the No. 8 tear up the track is a reminder of one of the sport’s most beloved eras. Smith’s Pilot Chevrolet performance builds anticipation for the 2025 Xfinity Series.

There is one small issue for NASCAR fans, as some expected to see Martin Truex Jr. sport the No. 8 car for Daytona.

Junior hands over the No. 8 to JRM’s rising star

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Despite the excitement, some fans misinterpreted the nostalgic tone of the initial announcement. With the throwback vibes of the teaser, many speculated that the announcement might involve Martin Truex Jr. returning to the Daytona 500. However, those hopes quickly faded when JRM confirmed that Smith would take on the responsibility of driving the No. 8.

MTJ had an open invitation to race at 23XI Racing after his former teammate Denny Hamlin left the door open for a one-race return to NASCAR. However, fans believe with things not looking positive for the team in their lawsuit against NASCAR, MTJ began looking at other teams. Speaking about his return, he said, “I’m not sure what they’re doing, honestly. Kind of up in the air. I just told Gibbs, JGR is doing it somehow, so, we’ll see.”

Following this announcement, JRM became an option for his return, since Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a good friend of the driver. However, it seems Joe Gibbs Racing is the destination for the man who called it quits from NASCAR this year. With years spent in the chase of his racing bug, MTJ now wants to spend time with his family, unwinding and kicking his feet back.