What Happened to Bobby Dale Earnhardt?
Bobby Dale Earnhardt, grandson of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, has forged his own path in stock car racing, competing in various series including the ARCA Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series, and NASCAR Xfinity Series. After a period of limited national competition, he has made a significant return, committing to a full-time schedule in the ARCA Menards Series for the 2026 season with Rise Racing, achieving a career-best ninth-place finish at Daytona.
Quick Answer
Bobby Dale Earnhardt is currently competing full-time in the ARCA Menards Series for the 2026 season, driving the No. 89 Chevrolet for Rise Racing. He recently achieved a career-best ninth-place finish at Daytona International Speedway in February 2026 and is slated to make his first career start at Talladega Superspeedway in April 2026. Earnhardt, a dedicated husband and father of four, balances his racing career with family life on their farm, continuing the Earnhardt family's racing tradition.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline11 events
Born in Salisbury, NC
Bobby Dale Earnhardt is born, the eldest son of Kerry Earnhardt and grandson of Dale Earnhardt.
ARCA Truck Series Rookie of the Year
Earnhardt makes his mark in the racing world by earning Rookie of the Year honors in the ARCA Truck Series.
Competes in ARCA Truck Series through 2016
Bobby Earnhardt competes in the ARCA Truck Series for several seasons, gaining valuable experience.
ARCA Racing Series Debut
Earnhardt makes his ARCA Racing Series debut at Toledo Speedway, driving the No. 3 Chevrolet for Hixson Motorsports.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Debut
He makes his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Richmond International Raceway in the No. 40 MBM Motorsports Chevrolet.
Part-time Xfinity Series Competition
Earnhardt competes in a total of seven NASCAR Xfinity Series races over three years, primarily with MBM Motorsports.
Hiatus from National Series, Focus on Family/Business
After 2019, Earnhardt takes a break from consistent national series competition to focus on his family and business ventures, including Earnhardt Land Management.
Announces ARCA Menards Series Return
It is announced that Earnhardt will return to the ARCA Menards Series at Bristol Motor Speedway, marking his first national race since 2019.
Announces Full-Time 2026 ARCA Menards Series Season
Bobby Earnhardt announces he will compete full-time in the ARCA Menards Series for the 2026 season with Rise Motorsports (later Rise Racing), driving the No. 89 Chevrolet.
Achieves Career-Best ARCA Finish at Daytona
In the season-opening ARCA Menards Series race at Daytona International Speedway, Earnhardt qualifies seventh and finishes ninth, earning his first career ARCA top-ten.
Slated for Talladega Superspeedway Debut
Bobby Earnhardt is slated to make his first-career start at Talladega Superspeedway in the Alabama Manufactured Housing 200, a significant milestone given his family's history at the track.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Bobby Dale Earnhardt, born September 1, 1987, carries one of the most iconic names in American motorsports as the grandson of NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt and son of former racer Kerry Earnhardt. His racing journey began with go-karts before he made his mark in the ARCA Truck Series, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2013 and competing in that series through 2016.
In 2017, Earnhardt stepped up to major stock car racing, making his ARCA Racing Series debut in May and his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in September at Richmond International Raceway. He continued to make sporadic starts in the Xfinity Series until 2019, primarily with underfunded teams like MBM Motorsports, facing challenges in securing consistent sponsorship. During this period, he focused on his family and business ventures, including Earnhardt Land Management, while still keeping his racing skills sharp through smaller events.
A significant turning point came in September 2025 when Earnhardt made a surprise return to the ARCA Menards Series, competing in two races for Rise Motorsports. These appearances, despite ending in accidents, showcased his renewed passion and determination. This led to the announcement in November 2025 that he would compete full-time in the ARCA Menards Series for the entire 2026 season with Rise Racing, driving the No. 89 Chevrolet.
The 2026 season has started promisingly for Earnhardt. In the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, he qualified seventh and secured his first career ARCA Menards Series top-ten finish, placing ninth. This performance was a significant milestone, especially given the historical success of the Earnhardt name at superspeedways. As of April 2026, he is preparing for his first career start at Talladega Superspeedway, a track where his grandfather achieved legendary status. Earnhardt continues to balance his racing aspirations with his role as a dedicated husband and father of four, often involving his children in their own kart racing careers, ensuring the Earnhardt racing tradition continues.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Bobby Dale Earnhardt made different choices?