The wildly popular social media platform TikTok finds itself amid a boiling controversy. With over 170 million users across the United States, the app has become a cultural juggernaut, particularly among younger audiences. However, its ties to the Chinese-owned company ByteDance have raised concerns about national security. The Biden administration has pushed for either a complete ban or the sale of TikTok to a U.S.-based company. Amid the ongoing debate, the NASCAR world is also buzzing with the potential impact of TikTok’s ban on the sport.

Notably, TikTok has proven to be a vital platform for NASCAR to connect with younger audiences. Many drivers and teams leverage it to share highlights, engage fans, and promote the sport. With more than 140 million posts related to its events, NASCAR is one of the most talked about sports on the platform. Recently, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. gave a blunt three-word verdict on the potential ban of TikTok.

NASCAR veteran debates TikTok’s role in sport

Two-time Daytona 500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. is one of the most respected voices in NASCAR. After his racing career, his media company, Dirty Mo Media, has been voicing fans in the sport. Recently, Dale Jr. offered his unfiltered opinion when NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace weighed in on the TikTok controversy.

“People seriously, losing their minds over the thought of TikTok being gone. On every news station this morning,” Wallace posted on X (formerly Twitter). Earnhardt Jr. responded with a single image that read, “Zero f***s given.” Dale Jr.’s comments underscored the tension within NASCAR regarding TikTok’s importance. While Dale Jr. feels that TikTok is not so important for NASCAR, the reality might be something different. Notably, TikTok entered NASCAR in 2020 by sponsoring the Xfinity Series driver Ryan Vargas. Since then, TikTok has helped NASCAR to build a special young community. NASCAR has more than 2.5 million followers on the platform with more than 59 million likes. According to Torey Fox, Nascar’s director of social content, the sport has witnessed 14% year-on-year growth in follower counts on TikTok in 2024. Teams like Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports have used the platform to market itself.

JGR team president Dave Alpern is a well-known TikTok star. Since 2020 he has been the driving force behind JGR’s popularity on TikTok. He once revealed that TikTok has helped NASCAR to grow fans. He said, “I actually had a guy in Atlanta that said, ‘Hey, I follow NASCAR because of your TikToks. I discovered you and now I’m a fan and this is my first race.’ Seriously, a guy came up to me and said this. I thought it was cool.”

NASCAR driver turned TV presenter Kenny Wallace also echoes the same. He recently gave a detailed analysis of social media’s importance in sports like NASCAR. “These racers, they live on TikTok. It must be a really good app… NASCAR says TikTok is very important to them, and they’ve invested everything. All their highlights, everything’s on TikTok,” Wallace explained in his latest YouTube video.

Wallace also touched on the broader concerns about TikTok’s ownership, noting, “They say TikTok is a threat to our national security because TikTok is owned by a foreign country… I’m laughing to myself in a bad way.” Notably, the U.S. government claims that TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, poses a national security threat by allegedly sharing user data with the Chinese government. These fears have led to bipartisan calls for stricter regulation or an outright ban. Critics argue that banning TikTok infringes on free expression and highlights broader tensions between the U.S. and China over technology and trade.

The proposals to address these concerns suggested that TikTok sell its U.S. operations to an American company, but no one resolved yet. If the ban moves forward, the U.S. will join countries like India, which prohibited TikTok in 2020 over similar security concerns.

Amid all this discussion, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is preparing his NASCAR team to participate in the upcoming Daytona 500.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports joins the Daytona 500

Trending

1

NASCAR Set to Force Major Technological Change for Cup Series Teams

2

Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Wife Amy and Danica Patrick Heave a Sigh of Relief as Red #3 Gets Banned

3

When Sponsor’s Revolt: NASCAR’s ‘Worst’ Driver Dragged to Court Over Shocking Issue

4

Rick Hendrick Again Flaunts His Influence in NASCAR as He Openly Defies Their New Rules

5

Does Rick Hendrick Own JR Motorsports? Exploring Hendrick Motorsports Boss’ Role in Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Team

While Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s blunt TikTok commentary stirred debate, his racing team, JR Motorsports, is preparing for a historic milestone. The team will compete in NASCAR’s premier Cup Series for the first time. They will debut their No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevy at the 2025 Daytona 500. This move reflects years of success in the Xfinity Series. JR Motorsports has earned 88 wins and four championships in the second-tier series. Reigning Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier will drive the No. 40 Chevy. He must secure one of four available spots to qualify for the Great American Race.

Speaking about what prompted the decision, Junior said, “With Justin winning the Xfinity Series Championship and Chris Stapleton’s undeniable star power, the planets aligned for this perfect opportunity to enter this year’s Daytona 500.” 

The car’s whiskey-themed design honors NASCAR’s moonshining roots. This connection creates a symbolic full-circle moment for the sport. With Rick Hendrick’s support and a Hendrick Motorsports engine, the Chevy is built for speed. Allgaier’s experience and the team’s determination raise high expectations for their Daytona debut.