BREAKING NEWS: Kelley and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Unveil Plans for JR Motorsports’ Historic Entry in the NASCAR Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway to Cement Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s Legacy, with a Surprise Driver Set to Take Charge
June 3, 2025 — In a stunning and emotional announcement that has rocked the motorsports world, JR Motorsports has officially revealed its plans to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway, with the goal of honoring the legacy of the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr. Even more surprising: a mystery driver, with deep roots in NASCAR, will pilot the No. 3-inspired entry.
A Tribute Years in the Making
At a press conference held earlier today at JR Motorsports headquarters in Mooresville, North Carolina, Kelley Earnhardt Miller and Dale Earnhardt Jr. stood side-by-side as they detailed their team’s long-anticipated entry into the biggest race of the season. While JR Motorsports has long been a powerhouse in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, this Cup Series one-off is a symbolic gesture years in the making.
“This isn’t just about racing,” said Dale Jr. “It’s about family, legacy, and bringing the Earnhardt name full circle—at the track where champions are crowned. We’ve dreamed of this for a long time, and now it’s real.”
Phoenix Raceway: A Symbolic Battleground
Choosing Phoenix Raceway was no accident. The one-mile oval in the desert has played host to the Cup Series Championship finale since 2020, and its placement in the schedule makes it a poignant stage for what Kelley Earnhardt Miller calls “a once-in-a-lifetime moment.”
“Phoenix is where legends are made now,” Kelley said. “It’s only fitting we take our shot there—not for points, but for pride and for Dad.”
The Surprise Driver: Who’s Behind the Wheel?
Perhaps the most buzzworthy revelation was that Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself will not be behind the wheel. Instead, JR Motorsports has secured a high-profile, yet unnamed driver with strong ties to both the Earnhardt legacy and championship-level racing.
Dale Jr. teased the driver’s identity during the announcement: “He’s a former champion. He’s driven the No. 3. And he’s ready to make history with us.”
Speculation is already running wild, with many fans pointing to names like Kevin Harvick—who took over Dale Sr.’s ride after his passing in 2001 and retired in 2023—or even a returning star like Carl Edwards or Greg Biffle. However, JR Motorsports has confirmed that the official reveal will take place during a special broadcast next week on NBC Sports.
A Car That Carries a Legacy
The car itself will carry a special throwback scheme—a modern interpretation of the iconic black and silver GM Goodwrench livery that Dale Sr. made famous. According to JR Motorsports, the number on the car won’t be “3,” out of respect for Richard Childress Racing’s ownership of that number, but “03” or “33” has been rumored.
The livery will also include tributes to key milestones in Earnhardt Sr.’s career, from his seven Cup championships to his unforgettable 1998 Daytona 500 victory.
Fan and Industry Reactions Pour In
Within hours of the announcement, social media exploded with messages of support and excitement from fans, drivers, and NASCAR legends.
Jeff Gordon tweeted: “This is the kind of story NASCAR needs. Incredible way to honor Dale Sr.’s legacy. Can’t wait to see who’s in the car.”
NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Richard Petty also weighed in: “Dale Sr. was one of the greats. This tribute—if done right—could be one of the most powerful moments we’ve ever seen in the sport.”
What This Means for JR Motorsports’ Future
While the Phoenix entry is currently planned as a one-off, Kelley Earnhardt Miller left the door open for a deeper Cup Series commitment in the future.
“This is a statement,” she said. “We’re proving we can compete at the highest level, when it matters most. If the opportunity is right, we’ll be back.”
The Countdown to Phoenix Begins
With the NASCAR Championship Race set for November 2, 2025, anticipation is building fast. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dale Earnhardt Sr., a follower of JR Motorsports, or simply a racing enthusiast, this story is shaping up to be one of the defining narratives of the season.
Stay tuned—motorsports history is about to be made.
