The No. 8, immortalized by Dale Earnhardt Jr., remains one of the most iconic numbers in NASCAR’s storied history. Earnhardt Jr.’s early NASCAR Cup Series dominance from 1999 to 2007 is synonymous with its distinctive font.

JR Motorsports teased a major announcement recently and NASCAR fans speculated that it might involve Martin Truex Jr. Retired in 2024, MTJ had hinted at a potential return at the 2025 Daytona 500. Given Earnhardt Jr.’s ties with Truex and the potential to facilitate his comeback, expectations soared. However, the announcement took a different turn focusing not on Truex’s future but on the legacy-laden No. 8 returning to NASCAR, driven by JRM’s rising star.

For the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, JR Motorsports revealed that Sammy Smith will pilot the iconic No. 8 Chevrolet, adorned with Earnhardt’s signature font that became legendary at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. The reveal came through a nostalgic video on JRM’s social media. In the clip, Earnhardt Jr. and Smith approach a covered No. 8 car. Upon removal, the car sported a clean, minimalist design featuring the famed No. 8 and Smith’s name above the window. JRM has yet to decide on Smith’s official paint scheme, which has left fans eagerly anticipating the car’s final look.

2024 became a monumental year for Dale Earnhardt Jr. because he was able to bring back his iconic No. 8 car after 14 years of not using it. As the story goes, Junior drove for his father’s team, Dale Earnhardt Inc., which passed on to his step-mother, Teresa, after his father’s passing. Although he raced with the team for a few years, tensions between Junior and Teresa came to a head in 2007, and Junior eventually left for Hendrick Motorsports.

However, Teresa Earnhardt still had the rights to the No. 8 car, meaning Junior couldn’t use it, until 2024 that is. With the contract for the number’s rights about the expire, Teresa Earnhardt stunned the NASCAR world by not claiming the number, effectively allowing Junior to bring it back. For many, seeing the No. 8 back in NASCAR stirs deep emotions. Junior himself drove a Late Model No. 8 car after the 2024 season even though it wasn’t in a NASCAR-sanctioned event. With Earnhardt Jr. watching, Smith has a tough task ahead. 

Despite this, the nostalgic tone of the announcement video misled fans. With its retro vibe, some viewers hoped the announcement might signal Truex’s return to the Daytona 500. It didn’t take long for that hope to turn into reality as JRM confirmed Smith’s position. With the announcement going Smith’s way, fans lamented not seeing MTJ in the iconic #8 car.

Truex Jr.’s Daytona 500 hopes remain alive in a different way

While the return of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s iconic No. 8 font to JR Motorsports was a thrilling announcement, many NASCAR fans were briefly convinced it was something even bigger, Martin Truex Jr.’s return to the Daytona 500 in a JR Motorsports car. Social media lit up with speculation fueled by the history between Truex and Jr., who share roots from their Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI) days.

One fan commented, “As the video started I totally thought it was a ‘JR Motorsports fielding a Cup car for Truex at Daytona’ announcement.” This sentiment wasn’t far-fetched. Martin Truex Jr, after retiring from full-time racing in 2024, hinted multiple times at returning for the Daytona 500 sparking persistent rumors about a potential JR Motorsports partnership. It would have been even more special with MTJ sporting the No. 8 Dale Jr. became known for in his career. 

Another fan added, “Thought this was about to be a JRM x MTJ 500 announcement.” Given JR Motorsports’ growing Cup Series aspirations and Truex’s storied career, including his two Xfinity Series championships with DEI, fans saw this as a plausible next step. Truex’s comments fueled the buzz. He confirmed ongoing discussions with Joe Gibbs Racing about racing part-time in the Xfinity Series next year. 

Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, previously declared his support for Truex. In June, Hamlin left an open invitation for Truex Jr. for the Daytona 500. However, 23XI Racing’s legal troubles involving charter negotiations and an antitrust lawsuit complicated its 2025 lineup. While its ability to field cars next season remains uncertain fans still hold onto hope that Hamlin can overcome these hurdles and secure a Daytona 500 seat for Truex. However, for fans that simply made the idea of MTJ coming to JR Motorsports more real. One perfectly captured the sentiment, “The excitement I felt for the first few seconds thinking this was a JRM MTJ Cup car for the Daytona 500…”

Another added, “For half a minute, I thought JRM was putting a car together for MTJ and the Daytona 500.” While JR Motorsports’ announcement ultimately centered on Sammy Smith driving the No. 8 in the Xfinity Series, the lingering hope for Truex’s Daytona 500 comeback remains. His deep ties to Earnhardt, Hamlin’s open invitation, and Truex’s competitive spirit leave the door open for a dramatic return to NASCAR’s biggest stage.