The pressure on any young driver trying to make it in the world of NASCAR can be overbearing, but that pressure is compounded 100 times over when you have the most famous last name in American Motorsports. Such is the situation for Jeffrey Earnhardt, grandson of the legendary Dale Earnhardt.
Still, the 17-year-old manages to take it all in stride.
“I grew up in racing, so I’m used to the expectations that come with my last name,” Earnhardt said. “It’s something my dad had to deal with and he’s helped me a lot. I realize that people may expect more of me because of my last name, but I’m okay with that.”
Jeffrey’s father, Kerry, has been instrumental in helping his son balance the expectations with reality as he learns the ropes in his young racing career.
“Jeffrey understands that he has something to prove on the track just like any other young driver,” said Kerry, who has competed in numerous Craftsman Truck, Nationwide and Sprint Cup Series races. “People may be expecting more of him because of dad, but he still has to show that he belongs on the track. If he can’t compete at this level, people won’t care who he‘s related to. He has to take it one race at a time and get as much experience as he can.”
“Dad has told me from day one that fans will feel an instant connection to me because of my grandfather,” Jeffrey said. “I’m starting to notice that already. We just had Dale Earnhardt Day here at the shop and I got to sign autographs with Martin (Truex), Paul (Menard) and Regan (Smith). Almost every fan that came through the line told me how much my grandfather meant to them. I love hearing that.”
Jeffrey Earnhardt will be racing May 18 at Iowa Speedway in the U.S. Cellular 200, the second event of the 13-race NASCAR Camping World East Series. Though he looks forward to every race, Jeffrey will be running with a heavy heart this weekend. His No. 08 Chevrolet will have a special logo honoring Jake Jacobs, a longtime friend of Jeffrey’s and the head of the motor development department for the Camping World East drivers at Dale Earnhardt Inc., who passed away unexpectedly this past weekend.
“It’s a cool way of remembering Jake and everything that he meat to all of us at Dale Earnhardt Inc.,” said Jeffrey. “I’d love to put our Chevrolet in Victory Lane at Iowa. It would mean a great deal to me and everyone at the shop.”
