The magic of NASCAR often comes from the perfect blend of driver and sponsor, turning race cars into cultural icons that burn into fans’ memories. Jeff Gordon’s 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.’s No. 3 Goodwrench Chevy. Gordon wasn’t just a pretty face.

Kyle Busch and M&M’s? That’s a whole different flavor of iconic. “Rowdy” Busch, with his love-him-or-hate-him vibe, slid into the No. 18 M&M’s Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing in 2008, and the candy brand ran with his brash energy. M&M’s had been in NASCAR since 1999, but Busch made the colorful car a victory lane regular, winning eight races in his first season alone.

No driver-sponsor duo, though, captured hearts like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Budweiser. From 1999 to 2007, Junior’s red No. 8 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Inc. was NASCAR’s soul in the post-boom years. The bold red livery, white script, and Earnhardt name reflected blue-collar pride, matching Junior’s mix of rebellion and humility. Budweiser, already a NASCAR veteran through drivers like Terry Labonte, hit the jackpot with Junior’s star power. His 17 Cup wins during that era, including the emotional 2001 Pepsi 400 at Daytona just months after his father’s death, made the No. 8 a symbol of resilience and hope.

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’s not a full-time return to the track, but it celebrates one of NASCAR’s most iconic pairings, and fans are already excited about the news.

Bud, Baseball, and Bristol

Budweiser is diving back into the spotlight with Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the MLB Speedway Classic on August 2 in Bristol, Tennessee. It’s 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.

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, “Budweiser has been a part of some of the biggest moments in my career. It’s nostalgic to bring back this iconic paint scheme, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it at the game.” Budweiser’s Todd Allen echoed the excitement: “Budweiser has been a core part of baseball traditions and the gameday experience for decades.”

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’s wildest track, this collaboration between Budweiser, Junior, and MLB is a slam dunk for fans of both sports.

The Speedway Classic is more than just a game. It’s a historic moment. Budweiser, MLB’s longest-tenured sponsor, is leaning into its baseball roots while tapping into Junior’s 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.

Kenny Wallace backs Dale Jr. in NASCAR’s Championship Format Debate.

The NASCAR Cup Series championship format has been stirring up debate, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn’t staying silent. When a fan asked on X if he’d support a return to the Chase format, Junior replied, “Sure. 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.” He’s comfortable with a shorter playoff-style showdown but doesn’t believe NASCAR will ever revert to a full-season points system.

Kenny Wallace, speaking on his YouTube channel, mostly agreed. “I’ve always thought one race is not good to determine a championship,” he said. He pointed to Kyle Larson’s 2021 Phoenix win, where the title came down to the final laps, as evidence that the current format still delivers drama, even if it’s not perfect.

The debate is ongoing. Chase Elliott and Mark Martin have also advocated for change. Meanwhile, journalist Danielle Trotta faced backlash for saying NASCAR shouldn’t return to a full-season format, a stance that both fans and Martin criticized. Wallace’s opinion supports Junior’s position: keep the playoff excitement, but refine the format rather than overhaul it.

Their shared perspective underscores how deeply this issue resonates. Even as the sport evolves, legends like Junior and Wallace continue to influence its future. The format debate is a reminder that NASCAR thrives on passion and opinion, and that its core remains driven by the voices of those who know it best.