A Supercross rider’s unexpected tribute to NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. left his son Dale Earnhardt Jr. scratching his head. Fresh off a third-place finish at Daytona’s Supercross event, Aaron Plessinger sported a black No. 3 shirt honoring the late Intimidator and declared, “We’re always doing it for Dale.”
The retired 49-year-old racer responded with a baffled four-word tweet: “What is going on!!??!!” The tribute and its viral fallout highlighted Earnhardt Sr.’s enduring influence across motorsports.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Stunned by Cross-Sport Tribute
A 29-year-old Supercross star, Plessinger achieved his first podium of 2025 at Daytona International Speedway by finishing in third place. However, it was his post-race remarks that stole the spotlight. Wearing a black T-shirt featuring Earnhardt Sr.’s iconic No. 3 Goodwrench Chevrolet, Plessinger told NBC Sports, “I love this place, and we’re always doing it for Dale.”
What is going on!!??!! https://t.co/V9jaDAYAFS
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) March 2, 2025
The homage came 24 years after Earnhardt Sr.’s fatal crash at the same track. Fans flooded social media with reactions, but none matched Earnhardt Jr.’s stunned reply. The JR Motorsports co-owner retweeted Plessinger’s interview clip, echoing the collective bewilderment of NASCAR loyalists. Plessinger later dedicated the finish to a friend battling cancer, blending Earnhardt fandom with personal resolve.
The Earnhardt Legacy, Fan Reactions Fuel Calls for Collaboration
Plessinger’s homage quickly spiraled into a rallying cry for collaboration between NASCAR and Supercross. Fans flooded social media, demanding an appearance by the rider on Earnhardt Jr.’s popular podcast, “The Dale Jr. Download.”
“DJD in the future,” said NASCAR on NBC on X.
DJD in the future? 👀
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) March 2, 2025
“Also, Aaron would be a phenomenal guest on your podcast. Genuinely loves people, America, and your dad!” another added.
The incident emphasized Earnhardt Sr.’s lasting influence across racing genres. Earnhardt Jr., who has openly feared his father’s legacy might fade, found reassurance in the moment.
“My fear is that he’ll one day just be forgotten with time. My worry would be that he would just disappear into the distance, right? As we get further and further removed from his career,” he admitted on a recent podcast episode.
“That kind of thing is the staying power. That is the reminder to me that he resonated with people,” Earnhardt expressed his opinion on the “Doing it for Dale” quote.
Meanwhile, Plessinger’s tribute highlighted how Earnhardt Sr.’s impact transcends generations. A fan commented, “I’m 47. Been saying this since I was 16 … Glad to see the newer generation love him as much as we did.”
The No. 3 shirt, paired with Plessinger’s podium, was a vivid reminder of Earnhardt Sr.’s cultural footprint, from safety innovations like the HANS device to the enduring “Doing it for Dale” mantra.
As debates about motorsports’ “GOAT” persist, Plessinger’s gesture proved one thing: Earnhardt Sr. remains a unifying force. And for Earnhardt Jr., the bizarre yet heartfelt shoutout was a welcome jolt of nostalgia and proof that his father’s legend is far from being forgotten.
