Kelley Earnhardt
NASCAR racing // Kannapolis, North Carolina, United States
I don’t feel like I sacrificed. I feel like I put myself where I should be
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Kelley Earnhardt Miller is a pioneering figure in motorsports as the CEO of JR Motorsports, where she has transformed her family’s racing legacy into a powerful business enterprise in NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
EARLY YEARS
Born on August 28, 1972, Kelley is the eldest child of legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt and his first wife, Brenda. Her childhood was marked by challenges including her parents’ divorce and a house fire, which forced her and brother Dale Earnhardt Jr. to move frequently. Despite her father’s traditional views on women’s roles, he encouraged her education, leading her to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where she transitioned from criminal justice to business studies.
EARLY SUCCESS
After transferring to UNC Charlotte, Kelley began competing in late-model stock car races from 1994 to 1996. Known for her aggressive, hardcharged driving style, she often outperformed her siblings and cousin Tony Eury Jr. in competitions. Though her driving career was brief, her natural talent was evident, with Tony noting, “She was very good at what she did. We thought she probably had as much or more talent than any of [the Earnhardt kids].”
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2001: Became general manager of JR Motorsports following her father’s tragic death.
- 2007: Led JR Motorsports to begin competing full-time in the Xfinity Series with Brad Keselowski driving the No. 88 Navy car.
- 2014: Guided JR Motorsports to win the inaugural Xfinity Series championship with Chase Elliott, who also earned Rookie of the Year honors.
- 2017: Led JR Motorsports to another Xfinity Series championship with William Byron.
- 2018: Secured JR Motorsports’ third title in five years with Tyler Reddick winning the Xfinity Series championship.
- 2022: Named CEO of all companies owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., including JR Motorsports, DEJ Management, and Dirty Mo Media.
REPUTATION
Earnhardt Miller has established herself as one of the most respected executives in NASCAR, recognized for her leadership and management skills. Her partnership with Rick Hendrick in 2008 transformed JR Motorsports, leading to four championships and 88 wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Her “people-first mentality” has earned her recognition as one of the most powerful women in NASCAR by ESPN, and she received the Game Changers/Women in Sports Business award from Sports Business Journal.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
Looking ahead, Kelley is focused on potential expansion into NASCAR’s Cup Series, taking a measured “wait and see” approach to charter developments. She has already begun laying groundwork by signing new talent like Connor Zilisch for the 2025 season and aims to continue building on JR Motorsports’ competitive edge while preserving and growing her family’s motorsports legacy.
References:
Meet Kelley Earnhardt: Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Sister and the Boss Lady of JR Motorsports
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and sister Kelley open up about their relationship
Kelley Earnhardt Miller blazed her own path to racing success
Kelley Earnhardt Miller: Her Journey to Becoming One of the Top Businesswomen in NASCAR
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