Image via Wyatt Miller/Facebook
The Earnhardt legacy lives on in the world of stock car racing after Dale Earnhardt’s grandson, Wyatt Miller, took the checkered flag at Hickory Motor Speedway on March 22. It was the 13-year-old’s first asphalt stock car race win as he bested his opponents on the 0.363-mile oval so many NASCAR greats from the past competed on.
Watch Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflect on the time he got a speeding ticket.
As you can probably tell from Wyatt’s last name, he’s not Junior’s son but instead is his nephew. His mother, Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, is the late Dale Earnhardt’s daughter and Junior’s sister. One could accurately say racing runs in the family.
What’s even more amazing about Wyatt’s victory is the fact it was only his second start in the Limited Late Model group at Hickory, so he’s catching on quickly. The kid had a pole starting position and led the race early, giving the field a run for its money during the 40-lap race.
The race wasn’t without some drama. Partway through, Wyatt’s lead was taken away by Zach Buenger, who was in the lead until lap 32 when his engine blew up. While Wyatt took the lead again, on the final lap he fought off a fierce challenge from Aiden King, who traded paint with Miller as the two exited Turn 4.
Despite what some would assume, the Limited Late Model class at Hickory Motor Speedway isn’t a NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series points-paying division. Still, it’s a good way for Wyatt to cut his teeth in stock car racing as he keeps climbing the ranks and proving he’s not a legacy brat but instead can and will earn his own reputation.
Both Dale Earnhardt and Junior have competed at Hickory Motor Speedway, as have a number of NASCAR greats, earning the track the nickname “Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars.”
Image via Wyatt Miller/Facebook
