Dale Earnhardt Jr. Returning to Daytona as a Driver in 2026 Mazda MX-5 Cup Season Opener
Daytona Beach, Fla. — NASCAR Hall of Famer and fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. will strap back into a race car at Daytona International Speedway in 2026 — but this time, it won’t be behind the wheel of a stock car. Instead, Earnhardt Jr. is set to compete in the Mazda MX-5 Cup season opener, marking a surprise return to competitive driving on one of the sport’s most iconic stages.
The two-time Daytona 500 winner, now 51, has shifted much of his focus in recent years to team ownership, broadcasting, and select appearances in grassroots racing. Still, Earnhardt has always hinted at keeping his competitive fire alive, often seeking out opportunities to race outside the NASCAR spotlight.
“I’ve always loved racing at Daytona, and this is such a cool chance to do something different,” Earnhardt Jr. said in a statement. “The MX-5 Cup puts on some of the most exciting racing anywhere, and to be part of that energy — especially at Daytona — is something I’m really looking forward to.”
The Mazda MX-5 Cup, sanctioned by IMSA, is widely regarded as one of the most competitive spec racing series in North America. Known for its door-to-door action and razor-thin margins, the series has built a reputation for thrilling races where drafting plays a key role — a dynamic not unfamiliar to Earnhardt, who made his name mastering the art of superspeedway racing.
Earnhardt’s one-off entry at Daytona is expected to draw massive attention from fans and media alike. Though he has no announced plans to run additional MX-5 Cup events, his involvement adds further spotlight to a series that continues to grow in prestige and popularity.
The 2026 Mazda MX-5 Cup season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway in January, running as part of the Rolex 24 at Daytona weekend. With Earnhardt Jr. in the field, anticipation for the opener just got a lot higher.
