Kelley Earnhardt Miller recently weighed in on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s latest business endeavor involving an American steakhouse chain. Dale Jr., a NASCAR Hall of Famer, and his wife, Amy Earnhardt, co-own High Rock Vodka, a premium vodka brand created in partnership with Sugarlands Distilling Company.
In a social media post, Kelley, co-owner of JR Motorsports, encouraged fans to visit Texas Roadhouse and try the “Dale Yeah” cocktail—an orange juice blend featuring Dale Jr.’s High Rock Vodka. She used Instagram to promote the drink, highlighting its availability at the restaurant chain.
After retiring from full-time NASCAR competition, Dale Jr. launched High Rock Vodka in 2022. The vodka is crafted using the Lincoln County Process, involving seven distillations, three filtrations, and purification through sugar maple charcoal—a method synonymous with Tennessee whiskeys.
Dale Jr. and his family celebrated this partnership with Texas Roadhouse by sharing a video on Instagram. The post expressed their excitement, saying, “We are so excited to announce that @highrockvodka is officially at @texasroadhouse!! Swing by, grab some dinner, and try the Dale Yeah! It’s absolutely delicious! Cheers!”
This vodka venture is one of several business interests for the 50-year-old former driver. Alongside Kelley, he also co-owns JR Motorsports, a successful Xfinity Series team.
Since Dale Jr.’s retirement in 2017, his role in JR Motorsports has evolved significantly. Kelley, who has managed the team since its inception in 2005, discussed their changing dynamic during a conversation with former driver Kenny Wallace.
“We’ve had more disagreements in the last 10 or 15 years than ever before,” Kelley admitted. “It’s not just me and him anymore—he’s much more involved in our business since he stopped driving.”
She also reflected on a moment that caused tension between them. “I upset him when I said, ‘I’ve run this business for 25 years; I don’t really need you.’ I didn’t mean it the way he took it. What I meant was, ‘I’ve been making decisions, and if you want to be involved, let’s work together. If not, I’ll handle it.’”
Despite occasional disagreements, Kelley emphasized their ability to communicate and move forward together. Under their leadership, JR Motorsports currently fields four full-time cars in the Xfinity Series and recently celebrated its fourth championship title.
Kelley Earnhardt drops three-bold statement on Dale Jr.’s business move
