The Earnhardt family was present today as it was officially announced that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive the #3 this July at Daytona International Speedway!

photo credit: Mary Ann Chastain/Getty Images for NASCAR

The announcement may not come as much of a surprise. The only question was when would it happen? It’ll happen in the July 2nd Nationwide Series race at Daytona International Speedway as a tribute to Dale Earnhardt’s upcoming induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

“This was an idea that came up as a way to pay tribute to my Dad, and it’s pretty cool that it’s a collaborative effort between JR Motorsports, RCR and DEI,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “The Wrangler car is definitely in the top-10 of coolest cars that have ever been on the race track. A lot of people identify with it, and I can’t think of a better way to honor my dad and celebrate his induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame than to bring the Wrangler colors back with the No. 3 on the side, similar to the ‘Wrangler Jean Machine’ scheme of the 80s. I think it will be worth seeing, and I’m looking forward to driving it at Daytona.”

It’s a full collaboration between Childress Racing, Dale Earnhardt Inc., JR Motorsports and Wrangler. The #3 Wrangler Chevrolet Impala will be built by JR Motorsports and entered by Childress in the Nationwide Series event at Daytona.

“Bringing this group of people and these organizations together is the best way I can think of to honor Dale Earnhardt’s induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame,” Richard Childress said. “Dale means so much to all of us, as well as his fans across the country and throughout the world. We created a special piece of history together in 2002 and, with Wrangler back on board the No. 3 Chevrolet at Daytona, we look to make some more history in July. I know the fans will love it and much as we all will.”

Rumors had been circulating around the internet over the last couple of weeks.

Kerry Earnhardt, Taylor Earnhardt, Kelley Earnhardt, Teresa Earnhardt, Richard Childress and Craig Errington, Wrangler VP of Marketing, joined Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the unveiling Thursday afternoon at JR Motorsports in Mooresville, North Carolina.

All photo credits: Mary Ann Chastain/Getty Images for NASCAR