Bobby Dale Earnhardt has his sights set on a fresh start in the 2026 ARCA Menards Series full-time ride with Rise Motorsports. After limited ARCA starts last season, the grandson of seven-time NASCAR Cup champion Dale Earnhardt wants to erase rough runs at two tracks where things did not go well last season, Bristol and Kansas.
Bobby’s racing career began in the now-defunct ARCA Truck Series, where he also won the Rookie of the Year in 2013. His ARCA Menards Series debut came in 2017, where the 38-year-old ran several races but did not score top finishes. In 2025, he made a comeback with two starts, first at Bristol, which ended in 30th after a crash. His second race at Kansas also finished in 26th place after starting 17th.
In an interview with Frontstretch during the ARCA preseason test at Daytona International Speedway, Bobby was asked whether he had any racetracks circled on the calendar.
“Bristol and Kansas. I got some bad blood with both of those from last year and want to go back and get some redemption. So, those two are definitely my circle tracks,” Bobby Dale Earnhardt answered (02:26 onwards).
He added two more tracks to his list, saying:
“This race, Daytona, is the one race I’ve always wanted to run. Talladega of course another one I’ve always wanted to run but I think the most exciting one is probably this one.”
Bobby also mentioned that he has not had a one-on-one talk with his uncle, Dale Earnhardt Jr., about his bad blood.
He said that Dale Jr. knows Junior follows the scene because the veteran driver mentioned him on ‘The Dale Jr. Download’ podcast, but that they have not discussed plans in detail.
Bobby Dale Earnhardt Wants to “Come Out With Some Wins” in 2026
Bobby Dale Earnhardt will race with a special paint scheme on his No. 89 Chevy. The design is inspired by Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s Corvette at the 2001 Rolex 24 at Daytona, with sponsors Ranch and Copeland Insurance for the season opener, with a scheme that is 25 years old.
During the ARCA preseason test, he practiced drafting with other drivers and worked on moving through the field from the back to the front. Bobby said he felt comfortable on the track and was ready to score some wins this full season with Rise Motorsports.
“I think it’s just a a building year. We go out there, learn learn the car, learn from each other, and just build on that and hopefully come out of there with some pretty pretty good finishes. I’d like to come out with some wins,” Bobby Dale Earnhardt said suring the same interview (01:50 onwards).
The 2026 ARCA Menards Series will open at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 14. The first race is scheduled to start at noon ET.
Also Read:
Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s grandson Bobby unveils special Daytona livery honoring The Intimidator
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