Motorsport Legend Lets Out His Dale Earnhardt ‘Fanboying’, Recalling 4-Words That Got Him the Shot to Fame

At Daytona International Speedway, hallowed ground where racing icons are born and sometimes lost, a Supercross star’s impromptu tribute once echoed through the grandstands with unexpected power. When Aaron Plessinger first uttered those words in 2021 after securing his first podium, the crowd’s thunderous response caught him completely off guard. That spontaneous tribute to NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. at the very track where the Intimidator had left his mark—and ultimately lost his life—created a ripple effect that would follow Plessinger throughout his career, eventually bringing him face-to-face with Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself.

What started as a casual comment has evolved into a cross-motorsport phenomenon that highlighted just how deeply the seven-time NASCAR champion’s influence runs through American racing culture. For Plessinger, that brief moment of inspiration transformed a regular podium celebration into a defining career moment that would eventually earn him a coveted spot on Dale Jr.’s popular podcast.

Plessinger still vividly remembers the moment it all began. “In 2021, when I got my first podium, I just cut my hair into a mullet. I just shaved in this mustache, right?” he recalled. After finishing his standard interview comments about the race, Plessinger made racing history with four simple words: “Do it for Dale.” The response was immediate and overwhelming. “It was like there was more people in the stadium than there were before. They got so loud when I said that. It was crazy,” Plessinger explained. “It just showed me the respect that those words had and it was really cool.”

That enthusiastic reception planted a seed that would bloom this year when Plessinger was back on the Daytona podium. This time, he came prepared. “This year I had the numbers three shirt with me and I was like, I don’t care if I get in trouble. I don’t care what anybody says. I’m wearing this up there if I get on the podium,” Plessinger shared. Earnhardt’s No. 3 has remained iconic to this day, and wearing it on a T-shirt made Plessinger’s love for the Intimidator clear.

The moment he finished the race, his thoughts immediately turned to his planned tribute: “First thing I said when I come off the track is, ‘Where’s my Dale shirt? Where’s it at?’ And they had to actually run back to my camper and get it.”

The gesture struck a deep chord with Dale Earnhardt Jr., who expressed genuine appreciation for Plessinger’s tribute to his father. “You took that moment, your moment, you shared your moment, something that was really important to you and acknowledged him in that moment. I’m so thankful you did that,” Earnhardt Jr. told Plessinger. “When somebody like you does that, it’s just a neat thing because it’s just a real genuine gesture.” For Junior, who has openly expressed fears that his father’s legacy might someday fade with time, such tributes serve as powerful reminders of the Intimidator’s lasting impact.

Plessinger’s experience at Daytona proved that the spirit of Dale Earnhardt Sr. remains deeply embedded in racing culture. “Every single race, at least four or five people come up to me, hey man, do it for Dale. Do it for Dale,” he shared. The phrase has become his signature, connecting him to fans across different racing disciplines and generations.

What makes Earnhardt Sr.’s legacy particularly remarkable is how it transcends the boundaries of NASCAR. Born in 1996, Plessinger didn’t even have the opportunity to watch many of Earnhardt’s races live. Instead, his appreciation developed through his father’s NASCAR fandom and watching vintage races as he grew older.

“I just thought it was his want to win. His will to get by somebody to win,” Plessinger explained about his admiration for Earnhardt. “That mentality, it gives me chills because I am the opposite. I will do everything I can to be nice to somebody and get around them. It’s like opposites attract. I was so attracted to how your dad got to the front and how bad he wanted to win.”

Twenty-four years after Earnhardt Sr.’s fatal crash at Daytona, his influence continues to inspire racers across all motorsport disciplines. Plessinger’s simple four-word tribute—”Do it for Dale”—stands as a testament to the Intimidator’s enduring legacy, ensuring that as long as engines roar and checkered flags wave, the spirit of Dale Earnhardt will continue to drive racers forward, regardless of what track they call home.

A Rising Star Continues His Journey with Red Bull KTM

Off the track, Plessinger’s career continues to flourish. The 29-year-old star has recently extended his contract with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for the 2026 SuperMotocross World Championship. This latest agreement marks what will be a fifth consecutive season with the team, showcasing the strong relationship he’s built within the organization.

“It means everything to me to be part of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2026,” Plessinger shared in the announcement. “I love everybody and everything about this team, it’s been an awesome four years together already, and it’s flying by, but we’re having such a good time.” Currently sitting sixth in the 450SX championship standings with five podiums to his credit this season, including a victory at the Foxborough round in April, Plessinger has cemented his position as one of the sport’s most competitive and beloved riders.

Team Manager Ian Harrison highlighted Plessinger’s unique impact: “He is more than just a racer, he is an incredible competitor on the track and a huge personality off it as well. From his long hair and cowboy hat to his unique riding style, Aaron truly stands out.” This distinctive presence, combined with his authentic connection to fans and fellow riders alike, has made Plessinger a vital part of the KTM family and the broader motorsport community – the same community where his heartfelt Earnhardt tributes continue to resonate.

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