In NASCAR, first, there are fan favorites, and then there’s Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet, a car that became a legend in its own right. Evoking memories of NASCAR’s golden era, the veteran racer recently pulled back the curtains on a hidden piece of history, revealing never-before-seen prototype paint schemes of the legendary ride.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Red and Black Unseen No. 8 Car Prototypes
Bold and instantly recognizable, the No. 8 symbolized NASCAR’s modern era, forever linked to Earnhardt, who carried it from his Cup Series debut in 1999 to 2007. Although the driver left full-time racing in 2017, competing in only a handful of stock car races each year, he remains a popular hero, with fans often reminiscing about his glory days.
Despite the untimely retirement from concussion-related health woes, the Earnhardt Army remains as loyal as ever, following the 50-year-old closely. So, when he recently unveiled a never-produced prototype of his No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet on his social media, the comments were flooded with fans sharing their collection.
Earnhardt shared, “These are two 1/16th prototypes that never were produced back in the day. Super cool detail on these,” as he posted two accompanying snaps of the die-casts of No. 8 Budweiser Prototype Cars in red and black colors.
These are two 1/16th prototypes that never were produced back in the day. Super cool detail on these. pic.twitter.com/Pv7DxCCHhu
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) June 18, 2025
Budweiser has been intertwined with American motorsports since its debut in 1876, backing some of racing’s biggest legends. Few alliances were as iconic as its partnership with Earnhardt and the famed No. 8 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.
Last year, the JR Motorsports co-owner and “Bud” joined hands, showcasing a red No. 8 Budweiser car at Florence Speedway. In fact, the veteran’s 2024 Budweiser revival was big, proving to be more than just a trip down memory lane.
The on-track return of the No. 8 paint scheme sparked a surge in demand, propelling die-cast replicas to the top of Lionel Racing’s (the official die-cast manufacturer of NASCAR) annual best-sellers list, outshining Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson’s popular models.
The company CEO, Howard Hitchcock, noted, “Dale Jr. reuniting with Budweiser and his signature number eight was meaningful to many fans and collectors across motorsports. Just how meaningful it was showed right away in strong demand for the die-cast.”
For ardent fans, Earnhardt’s No. 8 livery is a celebration of an era; for young fans, it’s a glimpse into what made the veteran a NASCAR icon. And as these long-lost prototypes resurface, clearly, the connection between Earnhardt, Budweiser, and the No. 8 continues to resonate in the hearts of racing fans.
