It’s no secret that the Earnhardt family has some of the most iconic paint schemes in NASCAR. But for 2024, it isn’t The Intimidator’s iconic Darth-Vader-inspired Monte Carlo that is making waves. Dale Earnhardt Jr is all set to return to the CARS Tour with the iconic Sun Drop paint scheme at Florence Motor Speedway in August. But that’s not all!

On the latest episode of the Dale Junior Download, the JR Motorsports owner revealed that the staple Earnhardt sponsor will also feature in the CARS Tour’s return to North Wilkesboro Speedway. However, this time around, Junior won’t be the one in the racing seat at the track he helped restore. Instead, Sammy Smith and the #88 Chevrolet will expand Sun Drop’s relationship with JRM on May 15, nearly 30 years since his own Sun Drop debut.

Earnhardt Jr passes the Sun Drop baton to Sammy Smith

Reflecting on his past relationship with Sun Drop, Dale Earnhardt Jr took fans on a trip down memory lane on the DJD. He highlighted the brand’s relationship with his father in the 1990s and also shared how Sun Drop eventually approached him for late model racing in 1994. Throug the years, the sponsor and driver’s relationship only got better, with Junior’s brand also releasing a Sun Drop plush over the 2023 winter break. Fast-forward to three decades since his first appearance with Sun Drop, and Earnhardt Jr revealed that history was repeating itself.

Only now, it is Sammy Smith stepping up to the occasion instead of Junior. Going over their grand plans for Smith, Junior was ecstatic on the podcast. He stated, “Due to some unique scheduling circumstances, I’m gonna need your help. Coming up during the all-star weekend, the CARS Tour goes back to Wilkesboro. And unfortunately for me, as bad as I would love to be in that race, I cannot be there, I can’t even be in the state. I’m gonna be gone.”

Owing to his busy schedule in May, Earnhardt Jr wouldn’t be available for the CARS Tour race at Wilkesboro, prompting the team to reveal the good news to Smith. Junior stated, “But I need somebody to make sure that the Sun Drop car is there and out on the racetrack, and that somebody is you, buddy.” 

Looking back on the golden opportunity Junior had lined up for him, Smith seemed delighted and shared, “I appreciate it. I appreciate you, JRM, and Sun Drop for giving me this opportunity to go back to late-model racing. I was able to do a little bit of racing a couple of years ago and stopped to run more Xfinity races, and it’s obviously time-consuming. So to be able to go back and do that on an off weekend is very fortunate.”

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As the 19-year-old aims to impress in his full-time Xfinity Campaign driving the #8, a weekend away to race late models might just be the breather he needs. With that said, Earnhardt Jr also revealed another twist to the tale!

Dale Earnhardt Jr’s plan for Smith’s Sun Drop debut has a major ‘twist’

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Throughout Sun Drop’s involvement with NASCAR and Junior Motorsports, the brand has featured its iconic green on all the paint schemes. With that said, Sammy Smith’s debut is all set to change that.  Whilst Junior was excited for Smith to experience the new pavement at Wilkesboro, the JRM boss had another surprise. He shared, “There’s gonna be a little twist on this project. I think this is really cool. I didn’t come up with this.”

Junior then hinted at an alternative paint scheme as he pointed out fans’ love for the Cherry Lemon Sun Drop flavor. Naturally, Smith could sense where things were headed. Junior stated, “Instead of the Sun Drop Green, a lot of people man, they’re big fans of Cherry Lemon Sun Drop. Right? So for this particular race, this car is going to be sponsored by the Cherry Lemon Sun Drop. A pretty fantastic race car, what do you think?

That’s right! Sammy Smith’s #88 Chevrolet Camaro will feature the Cherry Lemon paint scheme instead of the iconic Green. Whilst this might mean fans will have to wait longer to see the classic back in action, Smith couldn’t be more excited for the twist. He shared his impressions with Junior, stating, “I think it looks cool, kind of going off the regular Sun Drop and doing the Cherry Lemon Sun Drop looks very good and I’m excited to get out there.” 

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After taking a look at the excitement coming from both Dale Earnhardt Jr and Sammy Smith, are you equally anticipating the return of the Sun Drop paint schemes?