Kelley Earnhardt Miller is more than just Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s sister—she is a prominent figure in the NASCAR world and the driving force behind JR Motorsports. As the company’s CEO, Kelley has played an instrumental role in shaping the success of JR Motorsports, a team that competes in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series. Over the years, Kelley has proved herself to be a dedicated family member and a savvy businesswoman and leader in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Who is Kelley Earnhardt?
Born on August 28, 1972, Kelley is the eldest child of legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt and his first wife, Brenda. Growing up in the Earnhardt household, Kelley was surrounded by motorsports from a very young age. Her father’s influence and success on the track were undeniably impactful, but the bond she shared with her brother Dale Jr. would shape the future of NASCAR in ways many didn’t expect.
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Kelley Earnhardt’s Life in Motorsports: From Dale Earnhardt’s Daughter to Being a Mother of Budding Racer Wyatt Miller
Kelley’s life in racing began long before she took the reins of JR Motorsports. As the daughter of one of NASCAR’s most iconic figures, she was always in the thick of things at the racetrack, whether she was cheering on her father or later, her brother. Her connection to the sport wasn’t just familial—she had the racing spirit running through her veins. Kelley even had a brief stint as a driver, competing in late model races, where she gained first-hand experience of the track life.
But Kelley’s most significant contributions to motorsports came after her father’s tragic death in 2001. At just 29 years old, Kelley stepped into the role of manager for her brother Dale Jr. She quickly became the backbone of his racing career, helping navigate the business side of NASCAR. Over time, she transitioned from a supportive sister to a powerful executive, taking on roles that would define the trajectory of JR Motorsports, a team that was started in 2002.
As she reflects on her own childhood memories, Kelley sees the continuation of that legacy in her son, Wyatt Miller popularly known as ‘The Thriller’, who shares the same drive for racing that runs through both sides of the family. With racing in their blood, it was inevitable that Wyatt, from a very young age, would be drawn to the track, begging his parents to let him race since he was as young as three years old.
Kelley’s parenting approach to Wyatt’s burgeoning racing career is authentic and hands-on. Wyatt Miller, with a legacy in Modified racing from his father L.W., a three-time champion, and his legendary grandfather Dale Earnhardt on his mother Kelley’s side, began his racing career in 2020, competing in winged Outlaw Karts across the Midwest. He secured his first win at Sebastian Speedway in Gladstone, IL, just in his third race.
Wyatt went on to claim the 2021 Beginner Box Stock Championship and the 2022 Restricted Micro Championship at Millbridge Speedway in Salisbury, N.C. In 2023, he dominated the racing scene, winning 20 races across seven states. In 2024, Wyatt and his family are touring the U.S., competing in 600 Micros, Legend cars, and Outlaw Karts. From the early days of racing through local tracks like Mill Bridge Speedway to watching Wyatt become a young driver with great potential, Kelley’s influence as both a mother and mentor is central to his journey.
How Did Kelley Earnhardt Become the Face of JR Motorsports?
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Kelley Earnhardt Miller’s rise to the top of JR Motorsports wasn’t by accident—it was the result of years of hard work, experience, and a deep commitment to her family’s legacy. After Dale Jr. burst onto the NASCAR scene, Kelley’s talents and insight into the business side of racing became invaluable. In 2001, she officially joined JR Motorsports as general manager, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Under Kelley’s leadership, JR Motorsports has become a major force in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, winning multiple championships and developing talented drivers such as Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Tyler Reddick. In 2022, Kelley was named CEO of all the companies owned by her brother Dale Jr., including JR Motorsports, DEJ Management (a brand marketing and business management firm), and Dirty Mo Media (a multi-media and digital content platform). This position allowed Kelley to oversee every aspect of the Earnhardt family’s racing empire
Kelley was already in charge of the JR Motorsports team, which has enjoyed tremendous success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with four championships and over 88 race wins. Her journey to becoming the face of JR Motorsports also required her to navigate some difficult personal and professional challenges. Following her father’s death, Kelley helped her brother navigate the tensions surrounding the family’s business dealings, particularly with their stepmother, Teresa Earnhardt. As Junior became one of the sport’s most marketable stars, Kelley’s strategic business mind helped maximize his success both on and off the track.
She not only handled the day-to-day operations of the race team but also took charge of sponsorships, media relations, and brand-building, all of which helped turn JR Motorsports into a thriving business. In fact, Kelley’s ability to expand Dale Jr.’s business ventures earned her recognition as one of the most influential women in NASCAR.
Her knack for balancing business decisions with the personal touch of a big sister has earned her the respect of not just her family but also colleagues and competitors in the NASCAR world. Kelley is often described as a “boss lady” who works tirelessly to keep things running smoothly, with a sharp focus on both the racing team’s success and her brother’s various endeavors.
Despite the challenges she’s faced, including the heavy pressure of running a NASCAR team in a male-dominated industry, Kelley has proven that she has what it takes to thrive. Now at 52 years old, she remains an indomitable force at JR Motorsports, steering the ship with her signature mix of authority, compassion, and resilience.
What Lies in Store for Kelley Earnhardt and JR Motorsports in the Upcoming Season?
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The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season is shaping up to be an exciting one for JR Motorsports (JRM), with a lineup that promises both experience and fresh talent. Kelley Earnhardt and her team are ready to build on previous successes while preparing for a new chapter. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, JRM aims to maintain its competitive edge and legacy.
JRM’s 2025 roster is impressive. Justin Allgaier returns to build on his consistent performances and will look to defend his championship. Sammy Smith takes over the iconic No. 8 car, a number deeply tied to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s history. Connor Zilisch, a rising talent, will drive the No. 88 car full-time, while Carson Kvapil moves into the No. 1 car, eager to make his mark in the series. This mix of established and emerging drivers brings a lot of promise for the season ahead.
via Imago CHARLOTTE, NC – MAY 29: Sammy Smith 18 Joe Gibbs Racing TMC Toyota looks on prior to the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Xfinity Series Alsco 300 on May 29, 2023, at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAY 29 NASCAR Xfinity Series Alsco Uniforms 300 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230529114
A key highlight of the season is the return of the No. 8 car, which was previously synonymous with Dale Jr.’s success from 1999 to 2007. After Teresa Earnhardt chose not to renew the trademark for the number, JR Motorsports reclaimed it, allowing Smith to carry on the legacy. This historic moment has energized both the team and fans, eager to see what the new driver can achieve in the legendary car.
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Beyond the Xfinity Series, JRM is also making moves in its Late Model program. Connor Hall, the current leader of the zMAX CARS Tour, will drive the No. 88 Late Model car, continuing JRM’s legacy of success in the sport’s lower levels. With partnerships like Bass Pro Shops backing 20 Late Model events, JRM’s commitment to nurturing future talent and pursuing championships across all series is stronger than ever.