Great 8: Earnhardt Jr.’s best No. 8 paint schemes

By Staff Report | Published: June 12, 2020 14

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Robert Laberge /Allsport

As we look back at Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s return to to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2020, we also take a look back at his best paint schemes from his time driving the No. 8.

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Photo by ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images

Earnhardt's No. 8 sported a baseball-themed paint scheme for the 2001 Pepsi 400, a nod to baseball's All-Star Game. The race at Daytona is one of the most memorable in Junior's career as he won in his first race at the track following the death of his father earlier that year.

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Perhaps the most iconic photo of the No. 8 is this one at Dover following Earnhardt's victory in 2001, the first race after 9/11.

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The script got an update in 2003.

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Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Earnhardt's No. 8 Chevrolet had a crisp look for the 2004 Daytona 500.

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Here's the base Budweiser look in 2004.

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And again in 2004.

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Photo By Jamie Squire/Getty Images

For the 2005 Daytona 500, the paint scheme shifted from fire-engine red to a metallic darker hue.

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Earnhardt honored his grandfather with this classic look in 2006 at Michigan.

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This was an 'intimidating' look in 2006 at Talladega.

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Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR

Earnhardt unveils a patriotic scheme at Texas Motor Speedway in 2007.

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Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

Camouflage is always the best look for the Coca-Cola 600, including the 2007 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

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Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

The No. 8 scheme got a dose of Elvis at Richmond Raceway on Sept, 8, 2007.

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Jared C. Tilton | Getty Images

Since retiring from full-time racing after the 2017 season, Dale Jr. has run one Xfinity race a season. In 2019, he ran the No. 8 at Darlington in a throwback paint scheme to one of his dad's earliest looks.