Dale Earnhardt Jr.

This article is about the character. For the person, see Dale Earnhardt Jr. (person).

Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Vehicle type	Axxelo Fission (Car Finder) Chevrolet Monte Carlo (Cars Character Encyclopedia)
Occupation	Piston Cup racer for Dale Earnhardt Inc. (formerly) Owner of Dale Earnhardt Inc.
Main portrayer(s)	Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Character information Alias(es) Junior Dale Jr. Gender Male Family Dale Earnhardt (father) Home United States

Dale Earnhardt Jr. also known by his nicknames, Junior or Dale Jr., is a former racecar that competed in the Piston Cup Racing Series with the number 8. He started racing in the Piston Cup in the year 2000 and won the Piston Cup Rookie of the Year award that year. He also was awarded the title of The Piston Cup Most Popular Driver 4 times between 2000 and 2006. In the mid 2000s he competed for Dale Earnhardt Inc., which he owned.

History

Cars

Dale in the Dinoco 400.

In Cars, Dale competes in the 2005 Dinoco 400 at the Motor Speedway of the South. When Chick Hicks causes a huge crash, Dale is involved in the wreck, he slides and hits the wall. Dale finishes the race around the middle positions.

After Lightning McQueen is discovered as missing, Dale is interviewed by the Racing Sports Network, and he expresses his worries and concerns for the rookie race car.

Earnhardt wishes Weathers good luck.

Dale attends the tie-breaker race between Weathers, Hicks, and McQueen at the Los Angeles International Speedway, where he wishes Weathers good luck prior to the start of the race.

Dale also appears during the film's epilogue, where he, Strip, and Lynda Weathers visit the Racing Museum in Radiator Springs. While touring, Dale voices his admiration of Doc's win record during a single season. When the three visitors ask Mater about Doc Hudson's current whereabouts, he informs them that he and McQueen are out practicing at Willy's Butte.

Between Cars and Cars 3

Between the events of Cars and Cars 3, Dale retires from racing in the Piston Cup. It's unknown what happened to him specifically, but his sponsor doesn't return either, meaning that the company pulled out from being a sponsor in the Piston Cup as well.

General Information

Physical description

Promotional image showcasing Dale's model.

Dale is an Axxelo Fission, which is identical to the 2000 NASCAR Chevrolet Monte Carlo. He is painted red with the number 8 painted in white on his doors and roof. He has the Dale Earnhardt Inc. logo on his hood, as well as his fenders, and several Piston Cup sponsor stickers on his doors.

Personality and traits

Despite the large amount of attention that Earnhardt receives, he is actually shy and reserved, and enjoys spending quiet time with his friends and family. Dale speaks with kindness and respect, often expressing care for his fellow racing stars. He is also kind and caring.

Bio

• "Racing sensation Dale Jr. has wasted no time gathering victories and creating a commanding track presence since winning Piston Cup Rookie of the Year honors in 2000. His drive and charisma have scored with fans too -- he's earned The Piston Cup Most Popular Driver award four years running! But when it's all said and done he's just a shy guy, who enjoys quiet time with his friends and family."

Portrayals

• Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Cars

Gallery

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  Dale Earnhardt Jr.

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  Cars

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  Car Finder profile

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  Dale appearing in a comic.

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  Diecast

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  2007 release

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  2008 release

Quotes

• "I just hope Lightning's OK. I sure would hate to see anything bad happen to him." - Cars
• "Hey, King! Good luck in your last race. You've sure been an inspiration to me." - Cars
• "Wow. Unbelievable. That many wins in a single season." - Cars

Trivia

• Junior is based on NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., who voices the racer in Cars. Dale's physical design is based on the Chevrolet Monte Carlo that Earnhardt Jr. drove from his Sprint Cup debut through the end of 2007. The Cars character's appearance is nearly identical to this car, with the exception of the Budweiser logo, which was changed to a "Dale Earnhardt Jr" logo to prevent controversy regarding the presence of an alcohol trademark in a G-rated film.
• Junior's team is one of the few from Cars that didn't reappear in Cars 3. This is probably due to the copyright issues with the Dale Earnhardt licensing. It is also because of the retirement after the events of the first film.
• There was a planned Micro Drifter for Dale however it didn't release.
  • This is most likely due to copyright issues.