Dale Earnhardt Jr. to return to racing at CARS Tour event

The NASCAR legend will compete at the Nashville Fairgrounds in April.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 8:18pm

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Retired NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. has announced that he will be returning to racing at an upcoming CARS Tour event at the Nashville Fairgrounds on April 11, 2026. Earnhardt Jr. will be driving the No. 8 car, the same number he made famous during his illustrious NASCAR career.

Why it matters

Earnhardt Jr. is one of the most popular and successful drivers in NASCAR history, with 26 career Cup Series wins and two Xfinity Series championships. His return to racing, even if just for a single event, is sure to generate significant excitement and attention from NASCAR fans.

The details

Earnhardt Jr. has not competed in a professional race since his retirement from full-time NASCAR competition in 2017. The CARS Tour event at the Nashville Fairgrounds will mark his first time back behind the wheel of a race car in nearly a decade.

  • Earnhardt Jr. will compete at the CARS Tour event on April 11, 2026.
  • He last raced professionally in 2017 before retiring from full-time NASCAR competition.

The players

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

A retired NASCAR driver and one of the most popular and successful drivers in the history of the sport, with 26 career Cup Series wins and two Xfinity Series championships.

CARS Tour

A regional late model stock car racing series that features events at short tracks across the Southeast United States.

Nashville Fairgrounds

A historic short track located in Nashville, Tennessee that has hosted NASCAR and other racing events for decades.

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What they’re saying

“I'm really excited to get back behind the wheel and compete at the Nashville Fairgrounds. It's a track I have a lot of great memories at, and I can't wait to see the fans again.”

— Dale Earnhardt Jr.

What’s next

Earnhardt Jr.'s return to racing at the CARS Tour event on April 11, 2026 will be a highly anticipated event for NASCAR fans, and it remains to be seen if this will lead to any additional racing opportunities for the legendary driver.

The takeaway

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s decision to return to racing, even if just for a single event, is a testament to his enduring popularity and love for the sport of NASCAR. His appearance at the CARS Tour event is sure to generate significant excitement and attention from fans who have missed seeing the iconic No. 8 car on the track.