American · Kannapolis, USA · Born 10 October 1974American NASCAR driver, son of Dale Earnhardt Sr., three-time Daytona 500 winner and 15-time Most Popular Driver Award recipient.
Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr. was born on 10 October 1974 in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the son of seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Brenda Lorraine Jackson, and grew up immersed in the family's racing world, beginning his own career at 17 in the Street Stock division at Concord's Motorsport Park. Earnhardt won back-to-back NASCAR Busch Series championships in 1998 and 1999 before moving to the Winston Cup Series, and won the 2004 Daytona 500 driving for his father's team, Dale Earnhardt Inc., a decade before adding a second Daytona 500 victory in 2014 with Hendrick Motorsports. Earnhardt, nicknamed "the Pied Piper" of Daytona and Talladega for his success at those tracks, became one of the most beloved drivers in NASCAR history, winning the sport's Most Popular Driver Award a record 15 consecutive times from 2003 to 2017, reflecting his standing as the sport's most marketable figure during a pivotal era. Earnhardt retired from full-time competition in 2017, and was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2021. He has continued to compete part-time and expanded into team ownership and broadcasting, remaining one of the most influential figures in American motorsport, his career forever shaped by the legacy — and tragic loss — of his famous father.
NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award winner 15 consecutive times
How They Played
Aggressive superspeedway racer known for late-race charges
Lasting Impact
One of NASCAR's most beloved drivers and successful team owner
Career Honours
- NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion 1998
- NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion 1999
- Daytona 500 Winner 2004
- Daytona 500 Winner 2014
- NASCAR All-Star Race Winner 2000
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 2003
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 2004
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 2005
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 2006
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 2007
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 2008
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 2009
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 2010
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 2011
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 2012
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 2013
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 2014
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 2015
- NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award 2016
American Athletes