- This article is about the character. For the person, see Dale Earnhardt Jr. (person).
Dale Earnhardt Jr., also known as Dale Jr., or commonly referred to by his nickname, Junior, is a former race car that competed in the Piston Cup Racing Series with the number 8. He started racing in the Piston Cup in the year 2000 and won the Piston Cup Rookie of the Year award that year. He also was awarded the title of The Piston Cup Most Popular Driver four times between 2000 and 2005. In the mid-2000s he competed for Dale Earnhardt Inc., which he owned.
History[]
Cars[]
In Cars, Dale competes in the 2005 Dinoco 400 at the Motor Speedway of the South. When Chick Hicks causes a huge crash, Dale is involved in the wreck, he slides and hits the wall. Dale finishes the race around the middle positions.
After Lightning McQueen is discovered as missing, Dale is interviewed by the Racing Sports Network, and he expresses his worries and concerns for the rookie race car.
Dale attends the tie-breaker race between Weathers, Hicks, and McQueen at the Los Angeles International Speedway, where he wishes Weathers good luck prior to the start of the race.
Dale also appears during the film's epilogue, where he, The King, and Lynda Weathers visit the Racing Museum in Radiator Springs. While touring, Dale voices his admiration of Doc's win record during a single season. When the three visitors ask Mater about Doc Hudson's current whereabouts, he informs them that he and McQueen are out practicing at Willy's Butte.
Dale is last seen next to Red watching Toy Car Story at the Radiator Springs Drive-In Theatre.
The World of Cars Online[]
In, The World of Cars Online, Dale appears together with Rusty Cornfuel, Ruby "Easy" Oaks, Al Oft and some Tractors in a poster for the Big Heartland Speedway.
Between Cars and Cars 3[]
Between the events of Cars and Cars 3, Dale retires from racing in the Piston Cup. It's unknown what happened to him specifically, but his sponsor doesn't return either, meaning that the company retired from being a sponsor in the Piston Cup as well.
General Information[]
Physical description[]
Dale is an Axxelo Fission, which is identical to the 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo (NASCAR). He is painted red with the number 8 painted in white on his doors and roof. He has the Dale Earnhardt Inc. logo on his hood, as well as his own tires' "Lightyear" lettering on his front wheel wells (unlike all other Piston Cup racers from the first film), and several Piston Cup sponsor stickers on his doors.
Personality and traits[]
Despite the large amount of attention that Earnhardt receives, he is actually shy and reserved, and enjoys spending quiet time with his friends and family. Dale speaks with kindness and respect, often expressing care for his fellow racing stars. He is also kind and caring.
Official profiles[]
Car Finder Game[]
- "Racing sensation, Dale Jr., has wasted no time gathering victories and creating a commanding track presence since winning Piston Cup Rookie of the Year honors in 2000. His drive and charisma have scored with fans too -- he's earned The Piston Cup Most Popular Driver award four years running! But when it's all said and done he's just a shy guy, who enjoys quiet time with his friends and family."
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Junior is based on NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., who voices the racer in Cars. Dale's physical design is based on the Chevrolet Monte Carlo that Earnhardt Jr. drove from his Sprint Cup debut through the end of 2007. The Cars character's appearance is nearly identical to his car, with the only exception of the Budweiser logo, which was changed to "Dale Earnhardt Inc." itself to prevent controversy regarding the presence of an alcohol trademark in a G-rated film. This trademark change was also utilized in NASCAR video games that featured Dale Earnhardt Jr’s vehicle, along with merchandising of him as well to make it kid friendly.
- Junior's team is one of the few characters from Cars that didn't reappear in Cars 3. This is probably due to the copyright issues with the Dale Earnhardt licensing. It is also because of the retirement after the events of the first film.
- There was a planned Micro Drifter for Dale, but was never officially released. This is most likely due to copyright issues too.
- Not only just all of that, the character never even saw a newer diecast release since the early 2010's, this is also most likely due to copyright issues.
- Despite being one of the most popular Piston Cup racers in the film, he (alongside half of the other racers) very strangely never had a visible pit crew, his absent pit crew nor had a visible pit row slot in the Motor Speedway of the South, making it currently unknown what his pitties and crew chief actually look like.
- In the 15th December 2005 workprint of Cars, when Junior was speaking on CRSN, he was replaced with Kevin Racingtire. This was likely done as a stand in during production in case the filmmakers could not get Junior on the project and secure licensing for him and his company to be in the film.[1] This also means that in the same workprint, Kevin would of had Junior's role in his other scenes.
- In The World of Cars Online, despite not appearing in the actual race, Dale Earnhardt Jr. appears in the poster for the Big Heartland Speedway.
Quotes[]
- "I just hope Lightning's OK. I sure would hate to see anything bad happen to him." - Cars
- "Hey, King! Good luck in your last race. You've sure been an inspiration to me." - Cars
- "Wow. Unbelievable. That many wins in a single season." - Cars
References[]
[Edit] Dale Earnhardt Inc.
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Racers |
Dale Earnhardt Sr. • Dale Earnhardt Jr. |
Crew |
Dale Earnhardt Inc. Hauler |