The magic of NASCAR often comes from the perfect blend of driver and sponsor, turning race cars into cultural icons that burn into fans\u2019 memories. Jeff Gordon\u2019s No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet, hitting the Cup Series full-time in 1993, was a bolt from the blue. With its rainbow paint scheme screaming high-tech innovation, it stood out against the rugged black of Dale Earnhardt Sr.\u2019s No. 3 Goodwrench Chevy. Gordon wasn\u2019t just a pretty face.<\/p>\n
Kyle Busch and M&M\u2019s? That\u2019s a whole different flavor of iconic. \u201cRowdy\u201d Busch, with his love-him-or-hate-him vibe, slid into the No. 18 M&M\u2019s Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008, and the candy brand ran with his brash energy. M&M\u2019s had been in NASCAR since 1999, but Busch made the colorful car a victory lane regular, winning eight races in his first season alone.<\/p>\n
No driver-sponsor duo, though, captured hearts like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Budweiser. From 1999 to 2007, Junior\u2019s red No. 8 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Inc. was NASCAR\u2019s soul in the post-boom years. The bold red livery, white script, and Earnhardt name reflected blue-collar pride, matching Junior\u2019s mix of rebellion and humility. Budweiser, already a NASCAR veteran through drivers like Terry Labonte, hit the jackpot with Junior\u2019s star power. His 17 Cup wins during that era, including the emotional 2001 Pepsi 400 at Daytona just months after his father\u2019s death, made the No. 8 a symbol of resilience and hope.<\/p>\n
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Now, in a move that has everyone buzzing, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Budweiser are back together. The $133 billion beer giant is reuniting with the NASCAR Hall of Famer for a blockbuster event full of nostalgia and American pride. It\u2019s not a full-time return to the track, but it celebrates one of NASCAR\u2019s most iconic pairings, and fans are already excited about the news.<\/p>\n
Bud, Baseball, and Bristol<\/p>\n
Budweiser is diving back into the spotlight with Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the MLB Speedway Classic on August 2 in Bristol, Tennessee. It\u2019s a mash-up of American sports that has fans hyped. Junior is leading the Bristol Bud Crew, decked out in Budweiser-inspired fire suits featuring his legendary No. 8 and the Clydesdale emblem. Their mission is to bring race-day energy to the first-ever MLB game at Bristol Motor Speedway. The crew will be all over the pre-game festivities, firing up the Speedway Classic Fan Zone and visiting Bristol hotspots to hand out ice-cold Budweisers to fans aged 21 and older.<\/p>\n
The cherry on top? The iconic No. 8 Budweiser\/MLB All-Star Game paint scheme from 2001 will be on display, now updated with the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic logo, giving fans a chance to relive the glory days. Junior is all in, saying, \u201cBudweiser has been a part of some of the biggest moments in my career. It\u2019s nostalgic to bring back this iconic paint scheme, and I can\u2019t wait for everyone to see it at the game.\u201d Budweiser\u2019s Todd Allen echoed the excitement: \u201cBudweiser has been a core part of baseball traditions and the gameday experience for decades.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The event is packed with fan experiences. NASCAR racing simulators, appearances by the Budweiser Clydesdales, a mobile bar with a roof deck, and exclusive MLB x Budweiser merch for 21+ fans will all be featured. As the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds square off on a baseball diamond built at NASCAR\u2019s wildest track, this collaboration between Budweiser, Junior, and MLB is a slam dunk for fans of both sports.<\/p>\n
The Speedway Classic is more than just a game. It\u2019s a historic moment. Budweiser, MLB\u2019s longest-tenured sponsor, is leaning into its baseball roots while tapping into Junior\u2019s NASCAR legacy to bridge two passionate fan bases. The No. 8 show car, simulators, and Clydesdales make it a full-on experience, blending the roar of the track with the crack of the bat. This is Budweiser and Junior doing what they do best: uniting fans around cold beers and big moments.<\/p>\n
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Kenny Wallace backs Dale Jr. in NASCAR\u2019s Championship Format Debate.<\/p>\n
The NASCAR Cup Series championship format has been stirring up debate, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn\u2019t staying silent. When a fan asked on X if he\u2019d support a return to the Chase format, Junior replied, \u201cSure. 10 drivers, 10 races. Or 6 drivers and 6 races. Or 5 and 5, or 4 and 4. All those sound good. Just a regular season and a final round.\u201d He\u2019s comfortable with a shorter playoff-style showdown but doesn\u2019t believe NASCAR will ever revert to a full-season points system.<\/p>\n