Published November 14, 2025

In a landmark moment for both motorsports and streaming entertainment, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. has officially signed a $13.5 million production deal with Netflix for a major seven-episode docuseries that promises to peel back the curtain on one of racing’s most influential lives.

The highly anticipated project — titled “Heart of the Track: The Dale Earnhardt Jr. Story” — will explore the emotional, personal, and professional journey of the man who carried the Earnhardt legacy into the modern era while forging his own identity under extraordinary pressure.

A Deeply Personal Project for a Racing Icon

In a statement released today, Earnhardt Jr. described the series as the most personal project he has ever undertaken.

“It’s more than racing. It’s about loss, legacy, and trying to build your own road when the world expects you to follow someone else’s,” Earnhardt Jr. said.
“This series is for the fans who’ve lived every moment with me.”

The documentary will chronicle the story of a young man born into the shadow of one of the sport’s greatest heroes, Dale Earnhardt Sr., and the emotional journey that followed the tragic 2001 Daytona 500 crash that changed NASCAR forever. Netflix insiders say the series will examine how Earnhardt Jr. rebuilt himself — as a driver, a leader, and a cultural ambassador for the sport.

Produced by Netflix’s Elite Sports Storytelling Division

“Heart of the Track” will be produced by Netflix’s acclaimed sports-content group, known for global hits like Formula 1: Drive to Survive and Full Swing.

The series aims to blend:

• Archival footage never released publicly

• Exclusive interviews with NASCAR stars and Earnhardt family members

• Behind-the-scenes stories from the garage, the track, and Earnhardt’s personal life

• Emotional recreations of defining moments in his career

Each of the seven episodes will run approximately 50 minutes and will highlight a distinct chapter of Earnhardt Jr.’s life — from childhood in North Carolina to the dramatic highs and lows of his racing career, and ultimately his transition into broadcasting, ownership, and NASCAR leadership.

A Story Bigger Than Racing

Producers involved in the project describe the tone as raw, intimate, and deeply human.
While the series will spotlight Earnhardt’s major victories — including his two Daytona 500 wins — its emotional core lies in exploring:

• The pressure of carrying the Earnhardt name

• The public grief that followed his father’s death

• His battle with concussion-related struggles

• His choice to retire

• His unexpected rise as one of NASCAR’s most influential voices and historians

“This isn’t about speed and trophies,” said one senior producer.

“This is about resilience, family, love, loss, and the courage to define your own legacy.”

Set for Spring 2026 Release

Netflix confirmed the series will premiere in Spring 2026, strategically timed just ahead of the NASCAR All-Star Race — positioning it to generate maximum buzz in both the motorsport and streaming communities.

Industry analysts expect the series to be one of Netflix’s biggest U.S. sports releases of the year, predicting it may even set a new standard for motorsport storytelling.

Massive Fan Reaction

Within minutes of the announcement, social media lit up with excitement:

• “This is the doc NASCAR fans have been waiting for.”

• “Dale Jr. IS NASCAR — no one deserves this spotlight more.”

• “Finally, the world will see the human behind the helmet.”

Earnhardt Jr., who has millions of followers across social platforms, shared a short teaser video hinting at behind-the-scenes footage of his racing days, his childhood, and his emotional reflections on fatherhood and legacy.

Netflix’s Boldest NASCAR Project Yet

This is not Netflix’s first foray into motorsports, but executives say Earnhardt Jr.’s story stands apart.

“Dale Jr. bridges generations,” one Netflix executive explained.
“He represents NASCAR’s past, present, and future — all at once. His story isn’t just racing history; it’s American cultural history.”

A Human Story Behind a Historic Name

With “Heart of the Track,” fans will see Dale Earnhardt Jr. not only as a champion driver, broadcaster, and ambassador — but as a son, a father, a survivor, and a man who turned unimaginable loss into purpose.

When the documentary drops next spring, millions won’t just be tuning in for the racing legend.
They’ll be tuning in for the human journey behind NASCAR’s most powerful name.