The Earnhardt legacy is alive and well, and 13-year-old Wyatt Miller just made sure everyone knows it. Racing at the historic Hickory Motor Speedway, the son of Kelley Earnhardt Miller and nephew of Dale Earnhardt Jr. made his asphalt Late Model debut one to remember, securing an incredible second-place finish.
For a first-timer in the division, finishing runner-up at a track deeply intertwined with his family’s history is no small feat. Hickory has been a proving ground for generations of Earnhardts, from Ralph Earnhardt’s track championships to Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s victories that helped shape his legendary career. Now, Wyatt is adding his own chapter to that storied history.
While many expected the young racer to need time to adjust, Wyatt wasted no time proving he belonged. His strong performance wasn’t just about carrying a famous last name—it was about skill, determination, and a deep understanding of racecraft. He showed patience when needed, aggression when necessary, and an ability to handle pressure that would make any veteran driver proud.
Wyatt’s journey to this moment started long before he strapped into the Late Model at Hickory. He’s been racing since 2020, primarily in dirt Micro Sprints at Millbridge Speedway, where he claimed multiple victories and championships. Transitioning from dirt to asphalt is no easy task, but his adaptability is already turning heads in the racing world.
His next steps will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike. Many young drivers with talent never quite make it to the top levels of NASCAR, but Wyatt has a unique advantage—an entire family of racers who know exactly what it takes to succeed. With guidance from his mother, uncle, and the vast knowledge within JR Motorsports, his path to the big leagues is being paved with experience and wisdom.
It’s far too early to predict where Wyatt’s career will go, but one thing is clear—he’s got what it takes. His second-place finish in his first Limited Late Model race is just the beginning. If this performance is any indication of what’s to come, the Earnhardt name will continue to be a force in racing for years to come.
