Dale Earnhardt Jr. Returns to Racing at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway
NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. Will compete in the CARS Tour’s Tootsie’s Music City Showdown at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on April 11, 2026. This marks his return to the historic track for the first time since the 1999 BellSouth Mobility 320 Busch Grand National race.
A Return to Roots
Earnhardt, 50, will pilot his signature No. 8 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet for JR Motorsports in the Late Model Stock Car race. He announced his participation on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, stating he is looking forward to the event. [On3]
CARS Tour Debut at Nashville Fairgrounds
This event will be the first time the CARS Tour’s Late Model Stock and Pro Late Model classes have competed at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. [On3] Earnhardt co-owns the CARS Tour alongside Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks, having purchased the series to support grassroots racing and develop future talent. [The Tennessean]
Longtime Support for Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway
Earnhardt has been a vocal supporter of bringing a major NASCAR series back to the Nashville Fairgrounds for several years. In 2021, he expressed his desire to compete in a race at the track if NASCAR returned. [The Tennessean] He fondly remembers testing at the track early in his career, falling in love with the venue after his first lap. [The Tennessean] His father, Dale Sr., also raced at the Fairgrounds Speedway throughout his career.
Competitive Field Expected
Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway promoter Bob Sargent anticipates a challenging race for Earnhardt, noting he will be competing against a talented field of drivers from both the CARS Tour and the local Nashville racing scene. [The Tennessean]
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge Sponsorship
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge owner Steve Smith expressed excitement about the event, stating it represents the best of American racing and belongs at an iconic track in an iconic city. [The Tennessean]
No Return to Cup Series
Despite his wife Amy suggesting a potential return to the 2027 Daytona 500, Earnhardt has indicated that a return to the NASCAR Cup Series is not in his plans. [On3] He will continue to run a limited schedule on the CARS Tour. [On3]