Wyatt Miller’s Blazing Debut: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Nephew Secures P2 in First Limited Late Model Race at Hickory
The Earnhardt racing legacy roared to life once again on March 8, 2025, as 13-year-old Wyatt Miller, son of Kelley Earnhardt Miller and nephew of Dale Earnhardt Jr., turned heads with a stunning second-place finish in his Limited Late Model debut at Hickory Motor Speedway. Carrying the weight of one of motorsport’s most iconic surnames, the young prodigy showed he’s more than just a name, battling for the win in a 35-lap feature and proving that the next generation of Earnhardt talent is ready to shine.
Hickory Motor Speedway, a track steeped in Earnhardt history, was the perfect stage for Wyatt’s pavement debut. His great-grandfather Ralph Earnhardt won five track championships there, while his grandfather, seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt Sr., claimed multiple victories at the venue. Both Wyatt’s mother, Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and uncle, Dale Earnhardt Jr., have raced at Hickory, as has his father, L.W. Miller, a veteran Modified racer. For Wyatt, the .363-mile oval wasn’t just another racetrack—it was a proving ground where family legacy met raw ambition.
Driving for JR Motorsports in the No. 73 Limited Late Model, Wyatt displayed a maturity beyond his years. He ran in the top five for much of the race, conserving his equipment while keeping pace with more experienced competitors. In the closing laps, he seized an opportunity to challenge race leader William Aldred, pulling alongside and even attempting a bold move to nudge Aldred out of the groove on the final lap—a nod to the hard-charging style his grandfather made famous. Despite the aggressive bid, Aldred held firm, crossing the line just ahead of Wyatt to take the win. “There at the end, I just tried to move him out of the way a little bit, but it didn’t work,” Wyatt said post-race with a grin, tipping his cap to Aldred. “Hats off to him. I want to thank JRM and all the guys who worked on this thing.”
Wyatt’s goal heading into the weekend was modest—a top-five finish would have been a success given his limited pavement experience. Having primarily raced on dirt in micro sprints and off-road trucks, he’d only turned laps on asphalt in Legend Cars prior to this event. Yet, his runner-up result exceeded expectations, showcasing both his adaptability and raw speed. “I’ve only run Legend Cars on asphalt,” Wyatt told FloRacing before the race. “It’s going to be a challenge, but we’re aiming for a top five.” That he came within a whisker of victory speaks volumes about his potential.
The Earnhardt family was out in force to support Wyatt’s milestone moment. Kelley Earnhardt Miller, CEO of JR Motorsports and a former racer herself, beamed with pride as her son climbed from the car. Dale Earnhardt Jr., a two-time Xfinity Series champion and one of NASCAR’s most beloved figures, was also on hand, offering guidance to his nephew throughout the weekend. The family’s racing roots run deep, and Wyatt’s debut felt like a passing of the torch—a new chapter in a dynasty that has defined American motorsport for decades.
Wyatt’s racing resume already boasts impressive achievements for someone so young. The 2024 Tulsa Shootout Restricted champion has racked up wins across multiple disciplines, including a Golden Driller at Tulsa and championships at Millbridge Speedway in Beginner Box Stock (2021) and Restricted Micro (2022). In 2023 alone, he notched 20 victories across seven states, and in 2024, he expanded his horizons by competing in the Amsoil Champ Off-Road Series with Ryan Beat Motorsports. His dirt Late Model debut is slated for late April at Natural Bridge Speedway in Virginia, where he’ll pilot a 604 Crate Late Model—a race he’s already calling “a blast” after testing at Ultimate Motorsports Park.
For now, Wyatt’s focus remains on building his pavement racing experience. He’s scheduled to return to Hickory on March 22 for the next NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Series event, aiming to build on his debut success. “We’ve got a lot to learn, but this was a great start,” he said, reflecting on the weekend. With the Pro All Stars Series’ Easter Bunny Weekend set for March 14-15 at Hickory, the track will remain a hotbed of short-track action, but Wyatt’s P2 finish has already etched his name into its 75-year history.
As the racing world watches Wyatt Miller’s meteoric rise, one thing is clear: the Earnhardt legacy is in good hands. With talent, grit, and a family name that carries both privilege and pressure, Wyatt is carving his own path—one lap at a time. If his Hickory debut is any indication, the checkered flags are only just beginning to fall for this fourth-generation racer.
