Teresa Earnhardt has always found it difficult to win over NASCAR fans. Widow of the legendary Dale Earnhardt, Teresa inherited the team ownership after her husband tragically died in a car crash in 2001’s Daytona 500. Taking over Dale Earnhardt, Inc. after her husband’s passing, a public and bitter spat with Dale Earnhardt Jr. forced her stepson to leave for Hendrick Motorsports after the 2007 season, leading to intense backlash from fans.

Speaking about his respectful relationship with Teresa Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt’s best friend Donnie Rives revealed her importance in the legendary NASCAR driver’s career.

A turbulent history between Teresa Earnhardt and her stepsons

The saga between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Teresa Earnhardt has left a bitter taste, especially for fans. A public battle over the ownership of Dale Earnhardt, Inc., Junior’s subsequent departure, and the team eventually shutting down operations, meant fans haven’t held her in high regard over the years.

Aside from Dale Jr.’s problems with the race team, Teresa Earnhardt has also had a turbulent relationship with Kerry Earnhardt, Junior’s stepbrother. She had filed a lawsuit against him over the use of the ‘Earnhardt’ name after Kerry announced plans to roll out furniture and homes called ‘The Earnhardt Collection’.

However, Donnie Rives, Dale Earnhardt’s best friend, shared his views on Teresa Earnhardt while speaking on the Dale Jr. Download. Speaking about their respectful relationship, Rives said, “I have high respect because even before Dale’s passing, she had a lot on her. And as Dale said, it might take her a while to get it done, but when it’s done, it’s right. As husband and wife, he really loved her. Teresa was really good at managing Dale. I’ve heard him tell lots of people, if it weren’t for that lady right there, I wouldn’t have nothing. You know, I still hold Teresa in high regards and think the world of her. She’s really kept everything mostly low-key. And not went out and tried to do anything under the Earnhardt name. It’s very gratifying for me.”

While their relationship might not have always been smooth, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has given Teresa Earnhardt credit where it’s due. He has praised her in the past for the way she handled the legal fight over his father’s autopsy images, which were being hunted by the media after Earnhardt’s death. In a rare event when Dale Jr. and Teresa Earnhardt were on the same side, the pair managed to successfully fight off the media’s attempts, blocking off the photos from becoming public.

While Teresa Earnhardt has been publicly outspoken about Dale Earnhart Jr., famously saying they would just “make another Dale Jr.” if he left the team, the relationship has been handled more respectfully by her stepson. Aside from a few rare occasions, Dale Jr. has refrained from talking about her in public, maintaining a dignified silence for most of his career.

However, he recently spoke about the way she handled the Earnhardt estate after the trademark of his iconic #8 car was let go, which has since been applied for by Dale Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. praises Teresa’s business acumen

Trending

Martin Truex Jr. Urges Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Come Back for a Final Battle Despite His Off-Track Commitments

Dale Earnhardt Jr Skeptical About His New Found Partnership With Amazon as He Reminisces His Days With NBC

NASCAR Ready to Break Up With $32+ Billion Worth Premier Partner After 15 Years of Service

NASCAR Fans Back Kyle Busch’s Son’s Desperate Plea Amidst Denny Hamlin’s ‘Bad Luck’ Reluctance

Cole Custer Drops 5-Word Confession as He Hands Tony Stewart & Co Another Championship Crown

They may not have seen eye-to-eye on various matters over the years, but in Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s own words, his relationship with Teresa Earnhardt has been “hot and cold.” Recently, Junior applied for the trademark #8 font, which was previously held by his stepmother.

By doing so, Dale Jr. may attempt to take control of Dale Earnhardt Inc., or it could be his way of getting back into the Cup Series, having tasted success in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports. However, with Richard Childress Racing owning the #8 number, the chances of that happening are slim.

Praising his stepmother for protecting his family legacy, Dale Jr. said, “I would love it (the trademark) to stay either hers or mine, and not end up somewhere else. There’s one thing that I’ll say about Teresa, is in terms of owning a trademark and protecting things like that, protecting our legacy and our family name, I have a lot of trust in her around those things. She’s very smart, very savvy, always thinking. She takes some emotion out of business decisions and says, ‘This is what’s fair. This is what’s right.’”

The most likely outcome of Dale Earnhardt Jr. attempting to get back the #8 trademark is to release some throwback merchandise and paint schemes. However, it’s good to see him publicly praise his stepmother, particularly after the volatile relationship the pair have shared over the years. With Junior registering for trademarks, it could signal hope for a potential DEI revival and bring Dale Earnhardt’s legacy to the center stage of NASCAR once again.

What are your thoughts on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s relationship with Teresa Earnhardt? Let us know in the comments!