NASCAR fans are familiar with the name Earnhardt, as it belongs to one of the most successful and influential families in the history of stock car racing. But how exactly are the different Earnhardt drivers related to each other? And is J Earnhardt related to Dale Earnhardt, the legendary seven-time champion who died in a tragic crash in 2001?
Who is J Earnhardt?
J Earnhardt is the professional name of Jeffrey Lynn Earnhardt, a 34-year-old American racer who competes full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the Nos. 44/45 Chevrolet Camaros for Alpha Prime Racing. He is also a part-time driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE for Spire Motorsports.
J Earnhardt started his racing career in 2004, competing in local tracks in Virginia. He moved up to the NASCAR Busch East Series (now ARCA Menards Series East) in 2007, driving for Andy Santerre Motorsports. He won the Most Popular Driver Award that year and finished fifth in points.
He made his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (then Nationwide Series) in 2009, driving for Rick Ware Racing. He has since raced for various teams in the series, scoring five top-ten finishes and one pole position. His best points finish was 18th in 2014.
He also made his debut in the NASCAR Cup Series (then Sprint Cup Series) in 2015, driving for Go FAS Racing. He has competed in 76 races in the series, with a best finish of 11th at Daytona in 2019.
J Earnhardt is a fourth-generation NASCAR driver. He is the son of Kerry Earnhardt, grandson of Dale Earnhardt, nephew of Dale Earnhardt Jr., great-grandson of Ralph Earnhardt, and brother of Bobby Dale Earnhardt.
Kerry Earnhardt is the eldest son of Dale Earnhardt and his first wife, Latane Brown. He raced part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series from 1998 to 2007, scoring two top-ten finishes. He also won two races in the ARCA Racing Series.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the son of Dale Earnhardt and his second wife, Brenda Gee. He is one of the most popular and successful drivers in NASCAR history, winning two Xfinity Series championships and 26 Cup Series races, including two Daytona 500s. He retired from full-time racing in 2017 and now works as a broadcaster and team owner.
Dale Earnhardt Sr. is widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers of all time. He won seven Cup Series championships, tying with Richard Petty and Jimmie Johnson for the most in history. He also won 76 Cup Series races, including one Daytona 500 and four Winston 500s. He was known for his aggressive driving style and his black No. 3 Chevrolet. He died on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 after crashing into the wall.
Ralph Earnhardt is the father of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and grandfather of Kerry and Dale Jr. He was a pioneer of NASCAR racing, winning over 350 races and one NASCAR Sportsman Championship. He was also a mentor and mechanic for many young drivers, including his son.
Bobby Dale Earnhardt is the younger brother of J Earnhardt and son of Kerry Earnhardt. He races part-time in various series, including ARCA Menards Series West and Stadium Super Trucks.
Conclusion
J Earnhardt is indeed related to Dale Earnhardt, as he is his grandson and namesake. He is also related to other famous drivers in the Earnhardt family, such as Kerry, Dale Jr., Ralph, and Bobby Dale. He carries on the legacy of his ancestors as he pursues his own racing career in NASCAR.
