“See Ya in October” – Dale Jr. Sparks Frenzy With Retro No. 8 Makeover as Iconic Sponsor Fuels 2025 Racing Comeback

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has always been more than just a NASCAR driver. He’s a historian, a businessman, and most of all, a fan of racing’s grassroots. When he and his group—including Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, and Justin Marks—purchased the zMAX CARS Tour in 2023, it wasn’t just a business move; it was personal. “This is a dream come true for me,” Earnhardt Jr. said then.

He had spent years advocating for short-track racing, and now he had a stake in preserving and growing one of the country’s top Late Model series. His vision was clear: keep local racing strong and give future stars a place to develop. Since then, he hasn’t just been an owner. He has strapped in and raced himself, reliving his early days behind the wheel. Now, in 2025, he’s back on track once again.

But this time, he’s making headlines before even taking a lap. With a fresh throwback paint scheme and the backing of a longtime sponsor, Dale Jr. is set to make another memorable Late Model run. On Thursday, Dale Jr. confirmed his latest CARS Tour race for 2025, announcing he’ll compete at Tri-County Speedway on October 4. This race, the penultimate event of the season, will be another chapter in his ongoing Late Model journey.

However, what set social media ablaze was the new look for his No. 8 Sun Drop Chevrolet. The scheme is a nod to his early racing days, bringing back the colors of Sun Drop, a brand that has been part of his career since the 1990s. Fans immediately recognized the classic green-and-yellow paint scheme, reminiscent of Dale Jr.’s early days in racing. The No. 8 Sun Drop Chevy pays homage to his 1994 late-model stock car, which first carried him into the spotlight.

Fans quickly took to social media, praising the car’s design and its connection to the Earnhardt legacy. Many were thrilled to see the number in its traditional spot on the door, something that’s been a hot topic among NASCAR purists since the Cup Series moved numbers forward in recent years. One fan summed it up perfectly, saying, “That looks so much better with the numbers in the right spot. I wish NASCAR would change it back to normal.”

New look for the No. 8 @SunDrop Chevy.

See ya at Tri-County in October. pic.twitter.com/Un1rT2ZjBX

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) April 3, 2025

Notably, the race at Tri-County is now the third confirmed event on Dale Jr.’s schedule for 2025. He will first hit the track on April 12 at Cordele Motor Speedway, marking the CARS Tour’s debut in Georgia. His second appearance comes on August 29 at Florence Motor Speedway, a track where he’s logged multiple starts in recent years. There’s also speculation about another race at Anderson Motor Speedway on August 16. When a fan asked about it on social media, Dale Jr. replied, “It’s on my shortlist.”

While nothing is confirmed yet, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him add more races before the season ends. However, Dale Jr. has mostly preferred low-grip, high tire-wear tracks in recent years, and Tri-County presents a new challenge. The recent repaving makes it a much faster, high-commitment race compared to the worn-out surfaces he usually prefers. That’s part of what makes this event so intriguing.

It’s a test of his adaptability in Late Model Stock racing. And, of course, there’s Sun Drop. The brand has been with Earnhardt Jr. since 1994 when he ran a Sun Drop-sponsored Late Model. In 2022, the partnership reignited when he drove a No. 3 Sun Drop Chevy at North Wilkesboro’s Racetrack Revival, finishing third. Later, in 2023, they announced a multi-year partnership, ensuring their connection would continue. Now, in 2025, the Sun Drop No. 8 is back, and fans couldn’t be more excited.

Fans go gaga over Dale Jr’s new paint scheme

Dale Jr.’s announcement sent fans into a frenzy. His No. 8 Sun Drop Chevy isn’t just a race car—it’s a symbol of nostalgia and passion for grassroots racing. The reaction was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their excitement for both the paint scheme and his continued commitment to short-track racing. One fan appreciated the color contrast, saying, “Thank you for keeping color in the sport.”

In an era where many cars sport muted tones and corporate designs, the Sun Drop scheme stands out with its bold, vibrant look. And, of course, the design itself received high praise. “This is pretty bad—, man. Chef Jr. always cookin’ with the paint scheme,” another fan wrote. Meanwhile, some fans also celebrated the strong connection between the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Sun Drop.

One fan wrote: “Really great looking car Dale! Love it! Hopefully, you have some deals online like last time you ran Sun Drop. I have some soda cans, the car, and some koozies that were a good deal. Love it, man. Good luck and have fun in that baby.” Notably, the brand has become part of his racing identity, and many are eager to grab more merchandise featuring the retro design.

The response proves that Dale Jr. still has one of the most passionate fan bases in motorsports. Dale Jr. has three confirmed races and may add a fourth at Anderson Motor Speedway. Fans will have plenty of chances to watch him race. His No. 8 Sun Drop Chevy is already making waves. His October 4 race at Tri-County will be one of the biggest Late Model events of the year.

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