Documentaries and films about NASCAR legends have a way of pulling fans closer to the sport’s heart and soul. Whether it’s the behind-the-scenes drama of Race: Bubba Wallace or the breathtaking visuals of NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience, these productions capture the essence of racing like nothing else. They tell stories not just of speed and glory but also of the struggles, sacrifices, and legacies that define the sport.

Now, Amazon Prime Video is stepping into the spotlight with Earnhardt, a four-part documentary that promises to be one of the most personal and emotional explorations of NASCAR history ever made. Centered on the life and legacy of Dale Earnhardt Sr., this series aims to take viewers deeper than ever before into the world of one of NASCAR’s most iconic figures. And according to Dale Earnhardt Jr., this isn’t just another racing documentary. It’s something truly extraordinary.

A documentary that redefines the legacy of Dale Earnhardt Sr.

The upcoming documentary, Earnhardt, set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video, promises to be a groundbreaking exploration of Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s life and legacy. Known as “The Intimidator,” Dale Sr. was one of NASCAR’s most iconic figures, with seven championships and an unmatched fan following. His tragic death during the 2001 Daytona 500 marked a seismic moment in motorsports history. It led to the introduction of SAFER barriers on tracks and HANS (Head and Neck Safety) devices inside cars, preventing drivers from suffering whiplash like Earnhardt Sr. did.

This documentary aims to go beyond the headlines. It promises to offer an intimate look at both the man and the legendary Earnhardt family. Dale Earnhardt Jr., a producer on the project, recently shared his emotional reaction to watching parts of the series. “This might take you as far as you’ve ever been into what it would be like to actually have been in the same room with the guy, lived with him, been his son,” he said. The documentary promises “unparalleled access and never-before-seen archival material,” offering a “definitive account of a historic American family,” according to its producers.

One of the most compelling aspects of Earnhardt is its focus on the entire Earnhardt family’s contributions to NASCAR. Beyond Dale Sr.’s dominance on the track, the series will highlight how his legacy influenced generations of racers within the family. From his father Ralph Earnhardt to his son Dale Jr.’s own successful career.

The involvement of Ron Howard as a producer adds another layer of credibility and storytelling expertise to the project. Known for his motorsport-themed film Rush, which covered Niki Lauda’s horrific accident during the 1976 German Grand Prix, Howard brings a layer of expertise when it comes to covering motorsports. It ensures that Earnhardt will not only appeal to NASCAR fans but also resonate with broader audiences. As Dale Jr. put it, “Several parts of it, man, was really hard to watch… This show is gonna be a lot for people to take in.”

With its emotional depth and unprecedented access, Earnhardt is shaping up to be more than just a documentary—it’s a heartfelt tribute to one of NASCAR’s greatest legends. The question now is: How will fans respond when they get an unfiltered look at The Intimidator’s life?

Amazon Prime’s growing focus on motorsports

Amazon Prime Video has steadily carved out a niche in motorsports storytelling, producing compelling documentaries and series that captivate fans worldwide. One of its earliest ventures, Le Mans: Racing is Everything, offered unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the grueling 24-hour race in France. It put the focus on legendary teams like Porsche, Audi, and Nissan. The series set the tone for Amazon’s commitment to bringing motorsport stories to life.

Amazon’s recent broadcast deal with NASCAR marks another milestone in its motorsport expansion. Starting in 2025, Prime Video will air five mid-season Cup Series races annually. This includes the Coca-Cola 600 – a crown jewel of NASCAR’s calendar. Additionally, it will stream live practice and qualifying sessions for the first half of the season. With Dale Earnhardt Jr. joining as a broadcaster, Amazon is poised to bring unparalleled insight and star power to its coverage.

Dale Jr. previously worked as a broadcaster with NBC after leaving the sport in 2017. However, after his contract was up in 2023, he left and was not seen in the booth last year. After NASCAR’s $7.7 billion media rights deal roped in Prime Video and TNT to broadcast races, Dale Jr. will be there for over half the season now! He signed a deal with TNT and Amazon in 2024, as the two media moguls sponsor 19 combined races for the 2025 season.

As Amazon continues to invest in motorsports content and broadcasting, one question lingers. Can it redefine how fans experience racing through streaming innovation? With a mix of documentaries, live coverage, and creative formats, Prime Video is well-positioned to lead this transformation in the years ahead.