Alright, some bait tweet yesterday had NASCAR Twitter in full meltdown mode, and for a second, everyone had to do a double-take. So here’s the truth, plain and simple, about that whole rumor claiming Talladega banned public displays of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 8.
It All Started With a Lawsuit Over a Number
NFL star Lamar Jackson, quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, recently filed legal paperwork to stop Earnhardt from trademarking a stylized version of the number 8. Yep—a full-blown trademark battle over a single digit.
Jackson already owns trademarks like “ERA 8” and “ERA 8 by LAMAR JACKSON” for his brand and merchandise. So when he found out Earnhardt was trying to do something similar with just “8,” he wasn’t cool with it. Earlier this month, he filed a notice of opposition to protect his claim.
But that doesn’t mean Earnhardt can’t use the number. He’s still free to slap the 8 on all the gear fans love—for now. Nothing has been officially blocked or banned. Earnhardt merely settled for a different stylized “8” that is distinct from the quarterback’s. Still, that didn’t stop the internet from running wild with it.
The Daily Downfords Stir Up Trouble for NASCAR Twitter—Again
Enter The Daily Downfords—a NASCAR parody account known for stirring up the fanbase with fake news that looks a little too real. If that name rings a bell, it’s probably because they were behind the fake social media love story between William Byron and pop star Sabrina Carpenter after Daytona.
This time, they raised the bar. The account posted what looked like an official email from Talladega Superspeedway, claiming fans wouldn’t be allowed to wear or display anything with Earnhardt’s No. 8 during race weekend. It blew up.
I checked my email to see if this was bait since i have tickets to the race💔
Most unserious thing i’ve ever seen.
Being asked to change or cover your favorite driver is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen this sport do. pic.twitter.com/VvyedMA5FI— ihave40wins (@ihave40winsonYT) April 20, 2025
One fan even posted the fake email on X (formerly Twitter), and people ran with it as it came straight from NASCAR HQ. Even driver Landon Cassill jumped in on the chaos, probably just enjoying the show. He wrote, “lol bravo to the @TALLADEGA marketing department.”
Then came the confession. The Daily Downfords admitted it was a prank. Just another way to mess with fans ahead of race weekend. The account’s admin came clean in a comment: “lmao i made that fake email.”
No lmao i made that fake email
— The Daily Downfords (@DailyDownfords) April 21, 2025
Is Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 8 Really Banned?
Nope. There’s no official ban on Earnhardt’s No. 8 gear at Talladega. Fans can still roll up in their No. 8 hats, shirts, flags—whatever. If something like that were real, Earnhardt himself would’ve jumped on social media, and NASCAR fans everywhere would’ve lost it.
Crisis averted. But what a ride this fake news story took us on. Moral of the story? Always check your sources—and maybe don’t take The Daily Downfords too seriously.