BREAKING BOMBSHELL: After 18 Years of Silence, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reclaims the Iconic No. 8 — Alleged Family Tensions Force NASCAR Into Emergency Talks. After nearly two decades of quiet tension, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has reportedly reclaimed the legendary No. 8, triggering shockwaves throughout the NASCAR world. Sources claim the move has reopened long-buried family disputes involving Teresa Earnhardt, pushing NASCAR officials into urgent behind-the-scenes discussions.