NASCAR Racing: Dale Earnhardt Jr., dale earnhardt jr, ralph earnhardt

Question
Can you tell me the reason Dale Earnhardt Jr. chose the number 8. My 11 year old son wants to know.

Answer
Hi Candy,
The number 8 and 3 are in the Earnhardt Family.  As you know Dale Jr runs the 8, Dale Sr ran the 3, and Dale Sr's daddy was Ralph Earnhardt and he ran the number 8.  So feeling a sense of family he chose the 8.  Back in 2000, Dale Jr's team, Dale Earnhardt incorporated owned the 8,1, and 15 team.  So he could really only choose between 8 and 15, but Dale Sr probably made him take it.
I hope i answered your question.
Coy Jordan