Bobby Dale Earnhardt Bio
Bobby Dale Earnhardt (born September 1, 1987) is an American professional stock car racing driver who competes in the ARCA Menards Series. Born in Mooresville, North Carolina, he represents the fourth generation of the Earnhardt racing family. Earnhardt currently drives full-time for Rise Motorsports in the ARCA Menards Series, continuing his family’s legacy in motorsports.
Early Life and Background
Bobby Dale Earnhardt was born on September 1, 1987, in Mooresville, North Carolina. He grew up as the eldest child of Kerry Earnhardt and is the eldest grandchild of NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Dale Earnhardt. His family’s racing heritage extends back to his great-grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt, establishing a deep foundation in stock car racing.
Earnhardt is the older brother of fellow NASCAR driver Jeffrey Earnhardt and the nephew of Dale Earnhardt Jr. He also has a paternal half-sister named Kayla and two maternal half-brothers, James Ray and David. Bobby and his wife Kimberly have four children together, including two sons and two daughters.
Path to NASCAR
Before reaching the national NASCAR ranks, Earnhardt began his career in the ARCA Truck Series. He competed in this series from 2013 to 2016, where he achieved Rookie of the Year honors in 2013. This early success demonstrated his potential and helped prepare him for higher levels of competition.
His progression through the racing ladder included gaining valuable experience in various series. The move to major stock car racing came in 2017 when he made his debut in the ARCA Racing Series at Toledo Speedway, driving the No. 3 Chevrolet for Hixson Motorsports.
Bobby Dale Earnhardt Career
Early Career (2013-2016)
Bobby Dale Earnhardt began his competitive racing career in the ARCA Truck Series from 2013 to 2016. His rookie season in 2013 proved successful as he captured the Rookie of the Year title. This early achievement marked the beginning of his professional racing journey and established him as a promising driver within the ARCA ranks.
The years spent in the ARCA Truck Series provided Earnhardt with essential development and racing experience. During this period, he honed his skills and prepared for the transition to higher-profile racing opportunities in the major stock car series.
ARCA Racing Series Debut (2017)
On May 21, 2017, Earnhardt made his major stock car debut in the ARCA Racing Series at Toledo Speedway. Driving the No. 3 Chevrolet for Hixson Motorsports, he started 24th and finished 21st after a crash on lap 165. This debut marked his entry into the higher levels of stock car racing.
Later in 2017, on September 8, Earnhardt expanded his racing experience by making his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut. He drove the No. 40 Chevrolet for MBM Motorsports at Richmond International Raceway, qualifying 40th and finishing 34th. He had been scheduled to debut earlier at Iowa Speedway in the team’s No. 13 Chevrolet but failed to qualify for that race.
Rise Motorsports Era (2025-Present)
In September 2025, it was announced that Earnhardt would return to competition in the ARCA Menards Series at Bristol Motor Speedway. This marked his comeback to the series after several years away from regular competition. The announcement signaled a new chapter in his racing career.
On November 19, 2025, Earnhardt’s plans were further solidified when it was revealed he would run the full ARCA Menards Series schedule for Rise Motorsports during the 2026 season. This full-time commitment represents a significant opportunity for Earnhardt to compete consistently at the national level in a series where he has previous experience.
Driving Style and Strengths
Earnhardt comes from one of racing’s most famous families, which has undoubtedly influenced his approach to the sport. His background includes experience in both truck-style competition and traditional stock car racing. The combination of family lineage and diverse racing experience contributes to his development as a driver in the ARCA Menards Series.
Notable Races and Milestones
Key milestones in Earnhardt’s career include his Rookie of the Year award in the 2013 ARCA Truck Series and his major stock car debut at Toledo Speedway in 2017. His NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Richmond International Raceway in 2017 represents another significant career achievement. The 2026 season with Rise Motorsports marks his return to full-time competition in the ARCA Menards Series.
Bobby Dale Earnhardt Career Wins
Earnhardt’s early career highlight came with the Rookie of the Year title in the 2013 ARCA Truck Series. While specific win totals across series are not available from verified sources, his progression through the ARCA ranks and NASCAR debut experiences demonstrate his ongoing development as a competitive driver.
Bobby Dale Earnhardt Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Bobby Dale Earnhardt is a fourth-generation stock car racing driver. He is the eldest child of Kerry Earnhardt, making him the eldest grandchild of NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Dale Earnhardt and the eldest great-grandchild of Ralph Earnhardt. This lineage places him at the heart of one of NASCAR’s most influential families.
Earnhardt’s family connections extend throughout the sport. He is the older brother of Jeffrey Earnhardt, who also competes in NASCAR, and the nephew of Dale Earnhardt Jr. His half-siblings include Kayla, James Ray, and David, further extending the family tree.
Personal Life
Bobby Dale Earnhardt is married to his wife Kimberly. Together, they have four children, including two sons and two daughters. The family resides in North Carolina, maintaining close ties to the region where both the Earnhardt legacy and NASCAR’s heartland are centered.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents a pivotal transition period for Bobby Dale Earnhardt. In September 2025, he returned to competition at Bristol Motor Speedway in the ARCA Menards Series. This appearance served as a prelude to his full-time commitment with Rise Motorsports for the following season.
Looking ahead, Earnhardt’s announcement in November 2025 to run the complete 2026 ARCA Menards Series schedule marks a significant career milestone. This full-time opportunity with Rise Motorsports provides the platform for consistent competition and potential career advancement. The 2026 season will be crucial for establishing his performance level in the series and building upon his family’s racing heritage.
