The name Earnhardt echoes through the grandstands of NASCAR history like the roar of a V8 engine at full throttle. It’s a name known for determination and a blue-collar work ethic that defined a generation of racers. From the legendary Intimidator, Dale Sr., to the ever-popular Dale Jr., the Earnhardt bloodline is purely stock car racing.

Now, another chapter is ready to be written as Bobby Dale Earnhardt, grandson of the seven-time champion, is strapping in for a full-time ARCA Menards Series ride in 2026. The news is out, and it’s a story filled with perseverance and the drive for more.

For a driver carrying the weight of racing’s most iconic surname, the road has been anything but easy. Bobby Dale, son of former racer Kerry Earnhardt and brother to fellow driver Jeffrey Earnhardt, is carving his own path, and he’s doing it the hard way with grease under his fingernails and fire in his belly.

Hitting the Big Time With Rise Motorsports

He’s teaming up with Rise Motorsports, a team that sees the same hunger in his eyes that fans have seen for years. This isn’t a silver-spoon deal, but a partnership built on mutual respect and a shared dream of checkered flags.

For a driver who has pieced together starts here and there, this full-season commitment is everything. It’s a chance to build consistency, to learn the tracks, and to finally show the world what an Earnhardt can do with a steady wheel under him week in and week out.

“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity with Rise Motorsports,” Bobby said, the excitement palpable in his voice. “This team believes in what we can accomplish, and that fires me up. We’re building something strong for 2026, and I can’t wait to hit the track and show what this group is capable of.”

That fire is exactly what Rise Motorsports was looking for. Team owner Tim Goulet knows he’s not just getting a driver; he’s getting a fighter. “We’re thrilled to have Bobby join our program for the 2026 season,” Goulet stated.

“He’s hungry, he’s focused, and he connects with fans in a way that fits perfectly with the vision of our team. This is a big move for Rise Motorsports, and we’re ready to take the next step together.”

A Career Defined by Tenacity

Bobby Dale Earnhardt is no stranger to the garage or the racetrack. His journey has been a testament to never giving up. He made a surprise return to ARCA earlier this year after a long hiatus, jumping back into the fray at some of the most challenging tracks on the circuit.

While the results sheets show a couple of DNFs, they don’t tell the whole story. They don’t show the grit it takes to get back behind the wheel, to qualify mid-pack against teams with bigger budgets, and to fight for every single position.

At 38, some might call him a late bloomer. But in the world of stock car racing, passion doesn’t have an expiration date. This move to a full-time schedule is the culmination of years of hard work, of late nights in the shop, and of refusing to let the dream die.

His best ARCA finish to date was a 19th place at the rough-and-tumble Elko Speedway back in 2017. He’s also tasted the high-speed action of the NASCAR Xfinity Series, grinding out seven starts between 2017 and 2019. These experiences haven’t just been races; they’ve been lessons. Every lap has been a building block for this moment.

Carrying the Weight of a Legendary Name

You can’t talk about Bobby Dale Earnhardt without acknowledging the legacy. Being the grandson of Dale Earnhardt Sr. comes with an impossible level of expectation. Every move is scrutinized, every result compared.

But Bobby has never shied away from it. He embraces the history while being fiercely determined to make his own name. He’s not trying to be his grandfather or his uncle; he’s trying to be the best Bobby Dale Earnhardt he can be. This full-time ARCA season is his chance to do just that.

The ARCA Menards Series is the perfect proving ground, a grueling tour of speedways, short tracks, and road courses that tests every ounce of a driver’s skill and a team’s resolve. It’s where legends are born and where the next generation of NASCAR stars cut their teeth.

Final Thoughts

For the fans, this is a return to what they love most about racing: a story of an underdog, a familiar name with a fresh hunger, and the promise of hard, honest racing. When that No. 3 font, or any car with an Earnhardt at the wheel, rolls onto the track, it just feels right.

It’s a connection to the heart of the sport. As 2026 approaches, the entire racing community will be watching, not just to see how Bobby Dale Earnhardt performs, but to cheer on a legacy that continues to burn as bright as ever.

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