NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Sr. left behind a massive footprint on the racetrack, but his life away from the speedway centered on his children. How many kids did Dale Earnhardt have? The legendary seven-time Winston Cup Series champion fathered four children across three marriages: Kerry, Kelley, Dale Jr., and Taylor.
Long before his tragic passing at the 2001 Daytona 500, Earnhardt built a complex family tree that has continued to influence motorsports and American sports culture. Each child carved out distinct paths, ranging from professional stock car racing and executive leadership to professional rodeo competition.
Kerry Earnhardt: The Eldest Son
Born on December 8, 1969, Kerry Earnhardt is Dale Sr.'s first-born child, shared with his first wife, Latane Brown. Because Dale Sr. was only 17 years old when they married, Kerry's early childhood saw his parents separate, leading to an adoption by Latane's second husband before he reconnected closely with his biological father later in life.
Kerry followed the family trade into professional racing. He started competing in street stocks in 1997 before moving up to the NASCAR Xfinity and ARCA series. Though his career in top-tier national series didn't match his father's legendary tier, he competed until his retirement from competitive driving in 2007. As extensively documented in latest reports by Reuters, the results are notable.
Outside of driving, Kerry co-founded The Earnhardt Collection, a home lifestyle brand, and engages in motivational speaking. His children—Bobby, Jeffrey, and Kayla—continue the family's diverse athletic footprint. Jeffrey Earnhardt has built a durable career competing across NASCAR national series, while Kayla pursued competitive rodeo.
Kelley Earnhardt: The Business Powerhouse
Dale Sr.'s second child, Kelley Earnhardt, was born on August 28, 1972, to his second wife, Brenda Gee (daughter of renowned car builder Robert Gee). Kelley displayed immense driving talent early on, competing locally at tracks like Hickory Motor Speedway. However, she recognized early that her highest potential lay on the business side of the sport.
Kelley serves as the chief executive officer and co-owner of JR Motorsports, the powerhouse Xfinity Series team she runs alongside her brother, Dale Jr. Under her leadership, the organization has grown into one of the most successful operations in modern stock car racing.
Kelley's children have also embraced racing. Her son, Wyatt Miller, has accumulated numerous wins in youth karting and dirt track racing, proving that the family's competitive instincts run deep.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: The Sport's Global Ambassador
Born on October 10, 1974, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is arguably the most famous of the siblings. Sharing his father's name and immense talent, Dale Jr. became the spiritual successor to the Earnhardt legacy in NASCAR.
During his stellar Cup Series career, Dale Jr. secured 26 wins—including an emotional victory at Daytona in 2004—and captured the sport's coveted Most Popular Driver Award 15 consecutive times. Beyond driving, he expanded his footprint as an analyst for NBC Sports, owner of the CARS Tour, and host of the popular Dale Jr. Download podcast.
Dale Jr. married Amy Reimann in 2016, and the couple has two daughters, Isla Rose and Nicole Lorraine. While neither daughter has entered racing yet, they frequently make appearances with their father at historic track events.
Taylor Earnhardt: The Youngest and Rodeo Star
The youngest of the four children, Taylor Nicole Earnhardt, was born on December 20, 1988, to Dale Sr. and his third wife, Teresa. Unlike her older siblings, Taylor chose to step away from stock car racing to pursue an entirely different arena.
Taylor built a remarkable career in professional rodeo and equestrian sports. She has collected numerous titles, including the Junior Southern Rodeo Association Championship and the All-Around Cowgirl crown at the SRA Southern Finals. Alongside her husband Brandon Putnam, she manages cattle operations and actively preserves her father's memory through the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, which supports children's charities and wildlife conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did all four of Dale Earnhardt's children become professional race car drivers?
No. While Kerry, Kelley, and Dale Jr. all spent time behind the wheel in competitive racing—with Dale Jr. and Kerry achieving national series recognition—Kelley transitioned into executive management, and Taylor chose a career as a professional rodeo competitor.
Who are the mothers of Dale Earnhardt's children?
Dale Sr. had children with three different wives:
- Latane Brown is the mother of Kerry.
- Brenda Gee is the mother of Kelley and Dale Jr.
- Teresa Houston is the mother of Taylor.
Do Dale Earnhardt's grandchildren race?
Yes. Several of his grandchildren have taken up the sport. Jeffrey and Bobby Earnhardt (Kerry's sons) race professionally, while Wyatt Miller (Kelley's son) and Karsyn Elledge have built strong records in karting and junior divisions.
What is JR Motorsports?
JR Motorsports is a professional racing team competing primarily in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. It is co-owned by Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, operating out of Mooresville, North Carolina.
