NASCAR and the NBA don’t often share the same headlines, but when they do, it usually turns heads. For younger fans, that moment might be when Michael Jordan, the six-time NBA champion, dove headfirst into motorsports by launching 23XI Racing. Or when LeBron James played basketball at Bristol Motor Speedway? But it has been more profound than that for a long time. However, there is a revelation coming your way if you think Jordan is the first black owner for a NASCAR team.

Before Jordan, 5-time all stars legend Brad Daugherty began with co-ownership of the Liberty Racing team in the Craftsman Truck Series. Later, he joined JTG Daugherty Racing in the Cup Series, winning the Daytona 500 in 2023 and becoming the first Black principal owner to win the race. Reflecting on the win, he said, “And then I just went nuts. So then my phone started ringing — people from NASCAR calling me, the team was calling me … everybody. I was just like, this is unbelievable. This is an unbelievable moment in NASCAR history, for a little race team at Harrisburg, and for a team that just doesn’t quit.” So, the world of NASCAR is a shiny opportunity for NBA legends. And now, it’s NASCAR royalty’s turn to return the favor.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., a name synonymous with stock car greatness, has just shown support to one of the NBA’s most compelling 2025 narratives. But it’s not just the story that pulled him in, it’s the player. And let’s just say this new Lakers fan was onboarded dramatically. And one player might be the reason.

Dale Jr.’s ball game preferences are shifting

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has never been shy about his love for sports beyond the NASCAR oval. From passionately backing the NFL’s Washington Commanders to being a long-time supporter of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, Junior stays plugged in. Remember the time in 2017 when he even gave away his Hornets tickets on X, drawing nearly 8,000 retweets from eager fans?

However, it seems Dale Jr.’s basketball heart may be drifting west. And not just a little! In a surprise twist, he publicly declared admiration for a new NBA team. And it’s all thanks to one player’s unforgettable symbolic return to Dallas. The legendary NASCAR driver has officially hopped aboard the Los Angeles Lakers bandwagon. Why? Enter Luka Dončić and one jaw-dropping night!

Dončić’s on-court fireworks weren’t just for show. He scored 31 of his 45 points in the first half alone, powering the visiting Lakers to a dominant 112–97 win over the Mavericks. The victory secured L.A.’s playoff berth and left the NBA world buzzing. It was the kind of performance that forges legends and converts skeptics into superfans. That’s exactly what happened to Dale Jr. After sharing Bleacher Report’s recap of the night on his Instagram story, he captioned it: “This story has been insane and this dude has made me a big fan in the process.”

Luka Dončić, once the face of the Dallas Mavericks, made his return to the American Airlines Center. Only this time, as a Laker. The emotional homecoming included a tribute video so powerful that it left Luka in tears. He even admitted that he didn’t think he could play afterward. But boy, play he did! Fueled by emotion, he exploded for a season-high, stunning fans and silencing critics in the process.

With that, one of NASCAR’s biggest names became one of the newest members of Lakers Nation. Courtesy of Luka’s unforgettable performance. It feels heartwarming to see Junior supporting a player. Well, he does better on your side than as an opponent. Who knows it better than Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson?

Resolving a trademark dispute over number 8

A recent trademark dispute between quarterback Lamar Jackson and NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. over the number 8 has been swiftly resolved. The conflict began when Jackson filed an opposition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office against Earnhardt’s application to trademark a stylized version of the number. Jackson, who owns the “ERA 8” brand, argued that Earnhardt’s application could cause marketplace confusion with his own apparel line, which includes clothing, bags, and athletic gear.

Earnhardt Jr. had sought to secure trademark rights for a version of the number 8 used by JR Motorsports, but he quickly withdrew his application after Jackson’s challenge. Instead, Earnhardt secured rights to use a different stylized version of the number, which he had previously used during his racing career with Budweiser. This decision allowed both parties to achieve their desired outcomes without further legal action.

The dispute highlighted the complexities of personal branding and trademark law in professional sports. Both Jackson and Earnhardt are closely associated with the number 8, which holds significant value for their respective brands. Jackson’s “ERA 8” apparel line has been successful, while Earnhardt’s use of the number dates back to his early racing days with Dale Earnhardt Inc.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. explained on his podcast that he chose not to pursue the contested version, as it was not essential to his operations. He emphasized the nostalgic significance of the number 8 in NASCAR and its connection to his racing tradition. The resolution demonstrates how athletes can navigate trademark disputes efficiently, prioritizing brand protection while avoiding unnecessary legal battles.

The swift resolution of this dispute reflects the pragmatic approach both parties took to resolve the issue amicably. By focusing on their core brand identities, Jackson and Earnhardt Jr. have maintained their respective associations with the number 8 without compromising their business interests.