Dale Earnhardt Jr. Announces Cool Partnership Monday

"Hard Rock's such a historic brand," Earnardt said. "Everybody loves music. Everybody loves their rock stars and their celebrities in the music business, and all of that sort of coming together to create Hard Rock. I'm excited about the partnership. Should be a lot of fun."

The two sides revealed the deal shortly after Earnhardt resolved a legal dispute with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Earnhardt said Friday that he secured the rights to use a newly styled No. 8 rather than the typical version JR Motorsports has used since 2019.

Jackson, who also sued Hall of Famer and NFL broadcaster Troy Aikman over the number, claimed Eanhardt's attempt to trademark the original No. 8 would confuse consumers.

"We are looking forward to the remainder of an already successful season," Earnhardt wrote.

On Saturday, Earnhardt attended the Xfinity Series race at Darlington. He sat in the pit box of Sammy Smith, who was fined $25,000 for causing a wreck on the final lap of the March 29 race at Martinsville.

Smith rebounded from the messy ending to place ninth at Darlington, and Earnhardt witnessed a great all-around race for his team. Justin Allgaier (third), Ross Chastain (fourth), Carson Kvapil (fifth), and Connor Zilisch (sixth) all finished inside the top 10.

NASCAR Insights noted that it marked the first time five teammates ever finished ninth or higher in a single Xfinity Series race.