“Thank you boss”: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s NASCAR driver reacts as the JRM boss shares ‘pretty awesome feeling’ 

Former NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently shared his thoughts on assigning the iconic #8 to Sammy Smith, one of his drivers at JR Motorsports. The Xfinity Series team, co-owned by the 50-year-old, fields four full-time entries. Smith, who will pilot the #8 Chevrolet, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to race under a number deeply tied to Earnhardt Jr.'s legacy, reflecting its historical significance in NASCAR.

Founded in 2005 by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller, JR Motorsports has become a dominant force in the Xfinity Series. Over the years, the team has amassed four driver championships, 88 victories, and 35 pole positions, solidifying its reputation as a top contender in the division.

Recently, Dale Jr. revealed his excitement to witness his #8 driver Sammy Smith behind the wheel of their #8 Chevrolet, the same number under which he won the 2004 Daytona 500. (via X)

"Alright everybody, we're here in the Xfinity shop for JR Motorsports unveiling the number #8 here on the Xfinity car for Sammy Smith. It's awesome to have this number in this font back at JR Motorsports and I can't wait to see it on the car in Daytona man. That's going to be a pretty awesome feeling for me personally and Sammy's going to do a great job with it. So excited to have that number out there. I know everybody else is as well." Dale Earnhardt Jr. said

Sharing this post on X, Sammy Smith thanked Earnhardt Jr. for giving him the opportunity to pilot the iconic number in the Xfinity Series, showcasing his enthusiasm for the upcoming season.

"Thank you Boss @DaleJr Ready for Daytona 💪" Smith wrote

The Xfinity Series will return on February 15th for the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway. The race, scheduled for 5:00 PM Eastern time, is where Sammy Smith will pilot the #8 Chevrolet in its newest paint scheme.

Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team also signed racing phenom Connor Zilisch as a full-time driver for the 2025 season. Zilisch took the NASCAR world by storm in the 2024 season by dominating the Xfininty Series race at Watkins Glen International by securing pole position and winning his debut race. He will pilot the #88 Chevrolet Camaro at JRM.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s team JR Motorsports reveals new paint scheme for Sammy Smith's #8 Chevy

Xfinity Series driver Sammy Smith's new paint scheme features a white and red combination with black accents. The #8 on the car is in the same font as it was for Dale Earnhardt Jr. during his stint behind the iconic #8 Chevrolet. The paint scheme features the name of Smith's major sponsor Pilot Flying J on the hood of the car with the number on the sides and the roof.

Here's a look at Sammy Smith's new paint scheme for 2025.

Although some fans have come to appreciate the new paint scheme, several fans have not taken kindly to Sammy Smith's new ride.