Aaron Plessinger’s love for NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. transcends dirt bikes and asphalt. The motocross star’s spontaneous tribute to the Intimidator at Daytona International Speedway, hallowed ground in racing lore, has ignited a cross-sport bond, earning heartfelt praise from Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Years after first shouting “Do it for Dale” on a Supercross podium, Plessinger doubled down with a No. 3 shirt tribute this season. The gesture, blending nostalgia with raw passion, struck a chord far beyond the motocross world.
Aaron Plessinger’s Daytona Tribute Bridges Motorsport Eras
Plessinger’s homage began in 2021 after his first Supercross podium. Sporting a fresh mullet and mustache, he closed his interview with four iconic words: “Do it for Dale.” The crowd’s roar stunned him.
“It was like there was more people in the stadium than there were before. They got so loud when I said that. It was crazy,” Plessinger recalled. “It just showed me the respect that those words had and it was really cool.”
Shouting out the Intimidator at Daytona? That's one way to get the crowd fired up. 3️⃣🙌
Aaron Plessinger's interview is out now on the @DaleJr Download! 🎙️
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This year, he returned prepared. After securing another Daytona podium, Plessinger insisted on wearing a black No. 3 shirt honoring Earnhardt Sr.
“I don’t care if I get in trouble. I don’t care what anybody says. I’m wearing this up there if I get on the podium,” he said.
The shirt, echoing Earnhardt’s iconic Chevrolet, symbolized more than fandom — it connected eras.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., long protective of his father’s legacy, was moved. “You shared your moment, something that was really important to you and acknowledged him in that moment. I’m so thankful you did that,” Earnhardt Jr. told Plessinger.
“When somebody like you does that, it’s just a neat thing because it’s just a real genuine gesture.” For Junior, whose fears of his father fading from memory linger, the tribute offered reassurance.
“That kind of thing is the staying power. That is the reminder to me that he resonated with people,” he said, reacting to Plessinger’s tribute in March.
Earnhardt Sr.’s Legacy Fuels Plessinger’s Rise and Fan Unity
Plessinger’s admiration stems from vintage races and his father’s NASCAR fandom. “I was so attracted to how your dad got to the front and how bad he wanted to win,” he said of Earnhardt Sr. “That mentality, it gives me chills because I am the opposite. It’s like opposites attract.”
Though too young to watch the Intimidator race live, Plessinger embodies his tenacity with a twist. “I’ll do everything to be nice and get around them.”
The tribute’s ripple effect extends beyond podiums. Fans now approach Plessinger at every race, chanting, “Do it for Dale.” Social media erupted with calls for him to appear on Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast, blending motocross and NASCAR communities. “Aaron would be a phenomenal guest on your podcast,” one fan wrote, and Junior read.
Plessinger’s career trajectory mirrors his reverence. Fresh off re-signing with Red Bull KTM through 2026, he sits sixth in the 450SX standings with five podiums this season.
For Earnhardt Jr., the tribute underscores his father’s timeless influence. “My fear is he’ll disappear into the distance,” he admitted. But as Plessinger proves, the Intimidator’s legacy thrives one mullet, mustache, and “Do it for Dale” chant at a time.