It’s official, the countdown has begun. In anticipation of one of NASCAR’s most iconic reunions, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the legendary No. 8 Chevrolet are buzzing. Budweiser’s familiar paint scheme will return to the track after nearly two decades, marking a special chapter for the driver and the brand. Earnhardt Jr. will race the historic No. 8 Chevrolet in 2024 and 2025 adorned with the famous red-and-black Budweiser “King of Beers” paint scheme. It’ll all start at the South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway on November 23, 2024, a race fans are already planning to attend.

Earnhardt Jr. returns to his roots with the No. 8, which defined his career from 1999 to 2007. As Earnhardt Jr. acknowledges Budweiser’s special bond with him, the emotional significance is clear. It’s a great chance to reconnect with the brand and the racing legacy it represents. His relationship with Budweiser throughout the years makes this moment on the track special, marking a special chapter in his life.

In a reminder post, Dale Jr. took to X to share a photo that read, “To everyone that loves reunions… this Bud’s for you.” In the image was also skeleton sim racing gloves, which instantly caught the eye of his fans. The response on social media was electric, with fans going gaga with excitement.

Beyond the racing excitement, this is another important moment in Budweiser’s NASCAR history. Anheuser-Busch has been synonymous with the sport for over 40 years, supporting legends like Earnhardt Jr. throughout his career. “There are names that when mentioned, draw on the significance of their place in American history. Among them, Budweiser, and Earnhardt,” said Matt Davis, Vice-President of Partnerships at Anheuser-Busch. This continued partnership is not just about looking back but also about honoring the legacy that both Dale Jr. and Budweiser have built in the motorsport world.

It seems Budweiser has a way of bringing back some of the greatest Dale Jr memories for NASCAR fans. Over a decade-and-a-half ago, Dale Earnhardt Jr. even appeared in an ad for the company at the Super Bowl. Driving his iconic #8 car in the commercial, a group of cars chased him through a setting right out of the ‘Mad Max’ movies. He even had to shake off one of his pursuers from the roof of his car, before coming to a halt. It’s at the end of the commercial where Earnhardt Jr.’s lines explained the pursuers simply wanted a Budweiser they thought was in the car.

It’s these memories that make the Bud-Dale Jr. combination so memorable for fans, who can’t get enough of the gloves and other memorabilia.

Fans react to Dale Jr’s post

Not just because of the nostalgic paint scheme or the No. 8 car but because Dale Earnhardt Jr. keeps bringing the past to life while keeping fans interested. One fan summed it up perfectly, “Man, I need some skeleton sim racing gloves.” Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his fans keep their connection strong in preparation for this historic return.

Earnhardt Jr.’s initiative isn’t just about reviving a fan-favorite paint scheme, it’s about giving back. The return of the No. 8 car gives him the chance to connect with fans in a meaningful way, and his passion for philanthropy is well known. Earnhardt Jr. posted a reel on Instagram about auctioning off some of his personal Budweiser memorabilia, including things he’s had for a long time. Various items, from skateboards to die casts, have been part of his racing journey and now serve as a way for fans to take a piece home. One fan even joked about the timing of the reunion, reconsidering their attendance at their wedding, saying, “My wedding is the same date as Bud 8 return. What should I do?” 

As Earnhardt Jr. explained, “People bring me old Bud items that they’ve collected over the years. If they made it, we’ve got it. We have prototypes, samples, and everything in between.” His sister Kelly and others from his foundation went through his storage to pick out items they thought fans would appreciate. These items, many of which have been in storage for over 20 years, will be auctioned off to raise money for the Dale Jr. Foundation. Knowing this, Dale Jr can certainly fulfill this fan’s request, who asked, “Can you please make the hat one that is sold to the public?”

This auction is more than just a sale of collectibles. It’s a chance to support the foundation’s work. Over $8 million has been raised for various charities since the Dale Jr. Foundation started in 2007. There are five main areas the foundation focuses on: empowerment, education, wellness, hunger, and hope. Funds raised from the auction will help continue these initiatives and help communities across the country. Similarly, others gushed about their memorabilia, including one fan who shared, “I have a very cool Budweiser/junior lamp that’s made with a fire extinguisher for the base,”