Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed gratitude to IndyCar star Josef Newgarden after receiving exclusive merchandise from the driver‘s collaboration with The Nash Collection. The package, which celebrated the Indy 500, was shared via Earnhardt Jr.’s Instagram shortly following the 2025 Indy 500 event.
Known widely for his success in NASCAR, Earnhardt Jr. is among the sport’s most respected personalities, while Newgarden, a 34-year-old open-wheel racer for Team Penske, boasts an impressive record with two series championships in 2017 and 2019 and back-to-back Indy 500 victories in 2023 and 2024. Despite Newgarden narrowly missing out on winning a third consecutive Indy 500 at the 2025 race, their connection remains strong through this branded collaboration.
Details on Earnhardt Jr.’s Received Merchandise and Recent Race Weekend
The merchandise package included a t-shirt and a cap featuring Indy 500-themed designs, part of Newgarden’s partnership with The Nash Collection. Both racers had demanding schedules during the weekend of May 25. Newgarden faced challenges during the Indy 500, ending with a Did Not Finish (DNF) after a penalty that pushed him to the back of the starting grid, ultimately affecting his standing in the race.
Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was present at Charlotte Motor Speedway, engaged in Amazon Prime’s live broadcasting of the Coca-Cola 600. His role as a commentator allowed him to witness notable moments in NASCAR, including Kyle Larson’s ambitious attempt at The Double—competing in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—and Ross Chastain’s victory in the 600-mile race.
Earnhardt Jr.’s NASCAR Commentary Assignments and Upcoming Races
During the Coca-Cola 600 broadcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. teamed up with former HMS crew chief Steve Letarte and veteran announcer Adam Alexander. Their broadcast covered key moments and strategies, providing analysis on Larson’s grueling schedule and race efforts that weekend. Earnhardt Jr. is scheduled to return as part of Amazon Prime’s NASCAR coverage for four more races, including the inaugural event in Mexico City on June 15. Prime’s NASCAR broadcast package will conclude at Pocono Raceway, after which TNT Sports will take over coverage beginning at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reacts to Kyle Larson’s Ambitious Double Attempt
Dale Earnhardt Jr. openly expressed amazement at Kyle Larson’s commitment to The Double, which required Larson to attend pre-race activities at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before competing in both the Indy 500 and the Coca-Cola 600. In a conversation on the Dale Jr. Download podcast with NASCAR Insider Jordan Bianchi, Earnhardt Jr. highlighted the intensity of Larson’s schedule.
“We would all probably be impressed if we got a physical shot of his calendar of May. If you could put his calendar on a sheet of paper or on a tablet in front of you and look at it, I bet you wouldn’t believe what this kid had to do, and the responsibilities, traveling back and forth, meet and greets, photo shoots, more photo shoots, media requests.” [42:43] —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR personality
When Bianchi noted Larson’s participation in practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the award ceremonies at Indianapolis, Earnhardt Jr. added:
“I can’t believe he went. Yeah, like I would have been like ‘Man, I’m tired, I’m done’.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR personality
Unfortunately, Larson’s ambitious effort ended prematurely in both races. A crash on lap 91 cut short his Indy 500 bid, while contact with Daniel Suarez in the infield grass on lap 245 ended his run in the Coca-Cola 600. Following the Charlotte race, Ross Chastain, driving the #1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, secured his first victory of the year and later joined Earnhardt Jr. and other broadcast team members, including Corey LaJoie, Carl Edwards, and Danielle Trotta, in the post-race show.
Significance of the Newgarden-Earnhardt Jr. Collaboration and Future Broadcast Plans
The special collaboration merchandise highlights the mutual respect between two of America’s most prominent racing figures from different series. Josef Newgarden’s Elite status in IndyCar and Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s iconic NASCAR legacy bring together fans of both disciplines. This partnership extends beyond racing achievements to a shared appreciation for motorsport culture and cross-series camaraderie.
With Earnhardt Jr. continuing his broadcasting role for Amazon Prime through significant upcoming NASCAR events, including the historic Mexico City race, audiences can expect continued expert analysis and behind-the-scenes insights. Meanwhile, Josef Newgarden will look ahead to defending and improving on his impressive IndyCar record in future races with Team Penske.
