Dale Earnhardt Jr. is set to revive the legendary Budweiser MLB special paint scheme, originally made famous in 2001, in conjunction with Major League Baseball’s 2025 MLB Speedway Classic event at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee. This collaboration between Earnhardt Jr., Budweiser, and MLB marks a nostalgic return of a racing classic that holds deep emotional significance for fans and Earnhardt Jr. himself.
The iconic No. 8 Budweiser / MLB All-Star Game paint scheme will be showcased on August 2 at the MLB Speedway Classic, and Earnhardt Jr. will race it again on August 16 during the zMAX CARS Tour event at Anderson Motor Speedway in South Carolina. The original paint scheme gained legendary status in July 2001 when Earnhardt Jr. drove the red and white No. 8 car to an emotional victory at Daytona International Speedway. This win was particularly poignant as it was his first race at Daytona after the tragic death of his father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., earlier that year at the same track.
Earnhardt Jr. expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating that the 2001 race at Daytona is a cherished memory for him and that bringing the scheme back is meaningful not only to him but to many fans. This revival follows a 2023 reunion with Budweiser when they brought back the famous red Budweiser No. 8 paint scheme that Earnhardt Jr. raced from 1999 to 2007.
Budweiser is the longest-serving sponsor in Major League Baseball history, deeply embedded in the sport’s traditions and gameday atmosphere for adult fans. The 2025 MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway will feature a unique MLB regular season game between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds—the first MLB game ever played in Tennessee. Budweiser, MLB, and Earnhardt Jr. will use the event to celebrate this milestone, with fans able to see the No. 8 Budweiser / MLB Speedway Classic show car up close.
Todd Allen, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Budweiser and Bud Light, highlighted the strong fan response to the partnership and noted that the revived paint scheme pays tribute to one of the most iconic moments in the history of Dale Jr. and Budweiser’s partnership. The MLB Speedway Classic is seen as the perfect platform to unite an American racing icon with American beer at a first-of-its-kind MLB event.
Alongside the on-track excitement, fans can purchase limited-edition memorabilia commemorating the return of this memorable paint scheme. Merchandise is currently available at shopjrnation.com, with plans to expand to more retail outlets, allowing fans to own exclusive keepsakes tied to this historic collaboration.
Anheuser-Busch, through brands such as Budweiser, Busch, and Busch Light, has had a lasting impact on motorsports for over four decades, including a nine-season principal sponsorship of Earnhardt Jr. Their commitment involves long-term driver partnerships, major event sponsorships, and media support. This latest partnership underscores the enduring connection between Budweiser, MLB, and motorsports legends like Earnhardt Jr..
The revived paint scheme will be featured not in a NASCAR Cup Series race but in the zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock car series, where Earnhardt Jr. is a co-owner and active participant. The CARS Tour races at short tracks along the Carolinas and Atlantic Coast and recently gained cable TV exposure during NASCAR All-Star Race week. Bringing back this paint scheme in the CARS Tour helps promote the MLB Speedway Classic and continues to elevate the series’ profile.
The return of the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Budweiser MLB special paint scheme is a heartfelt tribute to a pivotal moment in racing history and a celebration of American sports culture. It bridges the worlds of NASCAR, Major League Baseball, and iconic American brands, promising memorable experiences for fans at the MLB Speedway Classic in Bristol and the zMAX CARS Tour event in Anderson, South Carolina.
