Danny Earnhardt Sr., the youngest brother of Dale Earnhardt, the legendary seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, has passed away at the age of 66. JR Motorsports, who Earnhardt has worked for since 2005 confirmed the somber news on Friday evening.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Earnhardt family with today’s passing of our friend and coworker Danny Earnhardt Sr.https://t.co/pxAjMnRDGY pic.twitter.com/yyvifjvfNi
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) December 11, 2021
In addition to being the youngest brother of The Intimidator, Danny Earnhardt Sr. had a racing legacy of his own.
Earnhardt was a tire carrier for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s two NASCAR Xfinity Series — then NASCAR Busch Series — championships in 1998 and 1999. Following Earnhardt Jr.’s NASCAR Xfinity Series run, Danny Earnhardt Sr. followed his nephew to the NASCAR Cup Series and served as a tire carrier for the Dale Earnhardt Incorporated NCS pit crew.
After his pit crew days were over, Earnhardt had a very successful career as a mechanic in the sport of NASCAR.
When Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister Kelley Earnhardt Elledge formed their NASCAR Xfinity Series team JR Motorsports, Danny Earnhardt Sr. was among the first employees added to the team.
Grinding away in the suspension room of JRM, Earnhardt helped build cars that were taken to 58 NASCAR Xfinity Series race wins and three championships, according to JR Motorsports.
The uncle of Dale Earnhardt Jr., Danny Earnhardt Sr. appeared on a September 22, 2021 episode of the Dale Jr. Download, the popular podcast that is hosted by Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Earnhardt’s son, Danny Earnhardt Jr. is a car chief for JR Motorsports and he served the position for their No. 8 team this past season in NASCAR Xfinity Series competition. On Friday night, he took to Twitter to offer a tribute to his father.
No words can express my gratitude to all the messages and text me and my mother have received. Even if we didn’t responded, you were heard with love. Please stay strong for all the family as we pass through the next few weeks. Dad loved you all… more than you even realize. pic.twitter.com/I8rMN8toiL
— Danny ? Earnhardt Jr (@DREjr88) December 11, 2021
NASCAR also released a statement on the passing of Danny Earnhardt Sr. late Friday evening, the statement read:
“The Earnhardt family holds a special place in NASCAR history and Danny Earnhardt was an important part of their success. Danny worked hard behind the scenes, helping three generations of Earnhardts succeed. On behalf of the entire NASCAR industry, our thoughts are with the Earnhardt family during this difficult time.”
Josh Berry, who collected his first two NASCAR Xfinity Series wins while driving for JR Motorsports in 2021, reflected on his relationship with Danny Earnhardt Sr.
Such a great man.. enjoyed my time working with him, learning about racing, and hearing the stories. ???? https://t.co/hUdwkyjoCL
— Josh Berry (@joshberry) December 11, 2021
