Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr. (born October 10, 1974) is a retired NASCAR driver, team owner, and broadcaster. The son of legendary driver Dale Earnhardt, he raced full-time until 2017, earning 26 Cup Series wins, including two Daytona 500 victories (2004, 2014).
Known as the “Pied Piper” for his success at superspeedways, he also won the Xfinity Series championship twice (1998, 1999). After retiring, he became a commentator for NBC in 2018 and joined Amazon/TNT’s NASCAR coverage in 2025. Earnhardt claimed Most Popular Driver honors 15 straight years.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Net Worth
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has a net worth of $300 million, earning up to $30 million annually at his peak, with $22 million from endorsements alone. His primary sponsor was Bud Light, and he had deals with Chevy, Gillette, and others. By 2017, he earned $410 million from winnings and endorsements.
Outside racing, Earnhardt owns Hammerhead Entertainment, Paducah International Raceway, a car dealership, and a restaurant chain. He also owns private jets and real estate, including a $3.7 million pirate-themed house in Key West.
Early Life
Dale Earnhardt Jr. was born in Kannapolis, North Carolina, to Brenda Jackson and Dale Earnhardt. He has an elder sister, Kelley, a half-brother, Kerry, and a half-sister, Taylor. His maternal grandfather, Robert Gee Sr., was a NASCAR car builder.
After his parents divorced, he lived with his mother until a house fire led her to relinquish custody to his father. Raised primarily by Kelley during race seasons, Dale attended Oak Ridge Military Academy at 12 but later graduated from Mooresville High School in 1992. He is of part German ancestry.
Career
Dale Earnhardt Jr. began racing at 17, driving a 1979 Monte Carlo in Concord, North Carolina. He won his first NASCAR race in 1988 and claimed his first Cup Series victory at the 2000 DirecTV 500. Over his career, he earned 60 total wins, over 300 top-ten finishes, and 25 pole positions.
Known as the “Pied Piper of Daytona,” he won the Daytona 500 in 2004 and 2014. He became NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver 14 times (2003–2016). Since 2018, he’s been a broadcaster for NBC Sports.
Personal Life
Dale Earnhardt Jr. married Amy Reimann on December 31, 2016, at a North Carolina vineyard. They welcomed their first child, Isla Rose, on April 30, 2018, and announced a second pregnancy in March 2020. Earnhardt plans to donate his brain for concussion research and supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting over 250 wishes by 2018.
In 2019, Earnhardt, Amy, Isla, and their dog survived a plane crash in Tennessee with minor injuries. That same year, his mother, Brenda, passed away from cancer at age 65.
Who drove the 3 car after Earnhardt died?
After Dale Earnhardt’s death, the No. 3 car was not used in the NASCAR Cup Series by car owner Richard Childress in honor of Earnhardt’s legacy. The number was retired until 2014, when Childress allowed his grandson, Austin Dillon, to drive the No. 3 car in the Cup Series.
Conclusion
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s story is one of triumph, both on and off the track. His success in NASCAR, combined with astute business ventures and a commitment to giving back, cements his legacy as a legend of the sport and a financial role model.
FAQs about Dale Earnhardt Jr. Net Worth
- What is Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s net worth? Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s net worth is approximately $300 million.
- How did Dale Earnhardt Jr. accumulate his wealth? His wealth comes from his successful NASCAR career, endorsements, business ventures, and media appearances.
- What businesses does Dale Earnhardt Jr. own? He owns a media production company, a raceway, eyeglass frames line, a car dealership, and a restaurant chain.
- What are some of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s career highlights? Winning the Daytona 500 twice and being voted NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver 14 times are among his key achievements.
- How does Dale Earnhardt Jr. contribute to society? He supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation and plans to donate his brain for concussion research.
