“Something I’ll never forget” - When Dale Sr.’s grandson Jeffrey Earnhardt expressed his emotions about carrying forward the #3 legacy

Back in 2022, Jeffrey Earnhardt found himself behind the wheel of the famous #3 car in NASCAR. It was Earnhardt's Xfinity Series race at Talladega Superspeedway that season, and he drove the same numbered car his grandfather made popular during his racing days.

Jeffrey Earnhardt is the grandson of the legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt. His family tree goes back a long way into NASCAR history, as he is also the great-grandson of Ralph Earnhardt. He is the younger son of Earnhardt Sr.'s eldest son, Kerry Earnhardt, and the nephew of Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Earnhardt is currently 35 years old and drives in the Xfinity Series for Sam Hunt Racing under a part-time obligation, driving the #26 Toyota GR Supra. While he made quite a name for himself in NASCAR and carried forward his family's legacy, Earnhardt's biggest moment in the sport came when he was given the opportunity to drive the #3 car at Richard Childress Racing in April 2022. Speaking a few days before the race, Earnhardt said (via Autoweek),

"What a dream come true. The chance to be behind the wheel of the No. 3 car for RCR, that my pawpaw made famous, has long been a dream of mine, and now it’s finally happening."

He added,

"I can’t thank (sponsor) ForeverLawn enough for making my dreams come to reality and for being such a big part of my career. I also want to thank Mr. Childress for making this possible. The No. 3 car is cherished by a lot of people, and I know how much it means to him. To give me this opportunity is something I’ll never forget."

Jeffrey Earnhardt excelled at the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series races at Talladega as he qualified in pole position ahead of his Richard Childress Racing teammate Austin Hill and Joe Gibbs Racing's Ty Gibbs. However, he failed to convert his pole to victory as he finished in second place, behind Noah Gragson of JR Motorsport.

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When Richard Childress Racing CEO opened up on Jeffrey Earnhardt driving the #3 car

Richard Childress Racing owner Richard Childress explained why they decided to bring an Earnhardt to helm the renowned #3 car. Childress also spoke

NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Jeffrey Earnhardt (3) leads the field during the Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images - Source: Imagn Images

Childress said,

“It’s great to have an Earnhardt back in one of our cars. We think Jeffrey is a talented young driver, and I’m confident he will run well at Talladega.”

The late Dale Earnhardt Sr. drove the #3 car in the Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing during his NASCAR days. He won over 50 Cup Series races and multiple Cup Series championships driving the Goodwrench Chevrolet for RCR.