In a major announcement that has NASCAR fans buzzing, Kelley Earnhardt Miller and her brother, Dale Earnhardt Jr., have officially revealed plans for JR Motorsports to enter the upcoming NASCAR Champions Race at Phnix Raceway. The entry marks a historic first for the team in a showcase event that features legendoes and former champions of the sport.
The race, scheduled as a special exhibition event, will take place at the end of the season in Phoenix, serving as a celebration of NASCAR’s greatest drivers and iconic teams.
“We’ve been waiting for the right moment to make our mark in a champions-style event like this,” said Kelley Earnhardt Miller during the press conference. “This isn’t just about showcasing JR Motorsports—this is about honoring our family’s legacy and proving we belong in that circle.”
The JR Motorsports entry will be driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself, making a rare return behind the wheel in a high-profile event. Earnhardt Jr., a 15-time Most Popular Driver and two-time Xfinity Series champion, hasn’t raced full-time since 2017 but has made occasional one-off appearances in the Xfinity Series and late model events.
“To race again at Phoenix in a champions event—it’s a full-circle moment,” Dale Jr. said. “My last full-time Cup race was there. To bring JR Motorsports into the spotlight in a race like this just feels right.”
What makes the entry even more special is that it will feature a throwback paint scheme honoring his late father, Dale Earnhardt Sr. The car will sport a black-and-silver livery reminiscent of the legendary No. 3, combined with modern JR Motorsports branding—a visual blend of past and present.
Fans can also expect behind-the-scenes content in the lead-up to the event, as the Earnhardts plan to document the preparation and race weekend for their popular Dirty Mo Media platforms.
The announcement has already generated massive buzz across social media, with fans and former drivers expressing excitement and support.
“Any time Dale Jr. gets back in a car, it’s an event,” tweeted NASCAR analyst Jeff Gluck. “But this time it’s about more than just nostalgia—it’s about legacy.”
The NASCAR Champions Race is expected to feature other iconic names including Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and potentially even Jimmie Johnson, making it one of the most anticipated non-points events in recent memory.
For JR Motorsports, this entry is more than symbolic. It’s a message: the Earnhardt legacy is still writing chapters—and the next one begins at Phoenix Raceway.
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