Dale Earnhardt Jr. Files Explosive 100-Page Lawsuit Against Teresa Earnhardt – Releases Key Evidence That Could Strip Her of the Right to Use the “Earnhardt” Name and Ignites Full-Scale Legacy War

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has officially launched a full-scale legal assault on his stepmother Teresa Earnhardt, filing a 100-page lawsuit in North Carolina Superior Court on January 17, 2026, that directly challenges her authority over the Earnhardt name, the Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) empire, and the legacy of NASCAR’s most iconic figure – Dale Earnhardt Sr.

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the sport, Junior has simultaneously released a key piece of evidence – a previously sealed 2008 addendum to the post-2001 transition agreement – that he claims proves Teresa knowingly violated fiduciary duties, manipulated revenue streams, and unlawfully restricted his lifelong rights to the “Earnhardt” brand.

The lawsuit, titled Dale Earnhardt Jr. v. Teresa Earnhardt et al., accuses Teresa of breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, and unjust enrichment, seeking immediate injunctive relief to bar her from using, licensing, or profiting from the “Earnhardt” name without Junior’s consent. It also demands an accounting of all DEI-related revenues since 2001, full transparency on legacy decisions, and compensatory damages exceeding $50 million.

At the heart of the filing is the explosive claim that Teresa has operated DEI as a personal fiefdom, diverting millions in merchandise and licensing income away from Junior while excluding him from decisions about his father’s memory, museum exhibits, and public representation.

The key piece of evidence Junior released alongside the lawsuit is a 2008 addendum signed by both parties during his departure from DEI to Hendrick Motorsports. The document – redacted versions of which were posted on Junior’s social media and website – contains language that Teresa allegedly used to “permanently waive” Junior’s future control rights in exchange for his release from DEI obligations. Junior now contends the waiver was signed under duress, with unequal bargaining power, and that Teresa misrepresented the long-term financial impact. “She told me it was to protect the family,” Junior said in a follow-up statement.

“Instead, she used it to lock me out of my own father’s legacy.”

The filing details years of alleged misconduct: restricted access to branding decisions, capped revenue shares far below market value for a name as powerful as Earnhardt, and deliberate exclusion from legacy projects. Junior claims Teresa’s actions turned DEI from a championship-winning powerhouse into a diminished brand, while she personally profited through redirected licensing and media deals. “My father built this through sacrifice and dominance,” Junior said. “She took that empire and let it fade while telling everyone it was for the ‘greater good.’ The truth is, she manipulated it for control.”

Teresa Earnhardt responded through counsel: “These claims are baseless, selective, and ignore the difficult decisions required to keep DEI viable after Dale Sr.’s passing. Dale Jr. was fully involved in every major decision during his time at DEI, and he signed agreements he now wishes to disavow. We will vigorously defend against this action and protect Dale Sr.’s legacy for the family and the fans.”

The NASCAR community is in turmoil. Fans have erupted online, with #EarnhardtLawsuit, #JusticeForJunior, and #DEITruth trending worldwide. Supporters rallied behind Junior: “He’s fighting for his dad’s honor – Teresa can’t keep hiding the truth!” Critics accused him of greed: “She kept DEI alive when he walked away – this is ungrateful.” The divide has turned social media into a battlefield, with millions engaging in heated debates.

The lawsuit has far-reaching implications. DEI, though no longer a Cup Series powerhouse, still generates significant revenue through merchandise, licensing, and historical rights. Control over the Earnhardt name – one of the most valuable brands in motorsports – carries both monetary and cultural weight. Junior’s action could force a restructuring of legacy rights, trademark ownership, or even the creation of a separate entity under his direction.

Legal experts say Junior’s case hinges on proving duress, misrepresentation, or breach of fiduciary duty in the 2008 agreement. If successful, it could invalidate key clauses and open the door to massive damages and control changes. Teresa’s team is expected to file a motion to dismiss, arguing the contract is binding and Junior waived rights voluntarily.

The emotional toll is evident. Junior has built his own empire through JR Motorsports, Dirty Mo Media, and broadcasting, but the Earnhardt name remains tied to his father’s legacy – a source of pride and pain. His willingness to go public has shifted momentum, with some sponsors and partners reportedly uneasy about associating with DEI amid the controversy.

NASCAR officials have remained neutral, stating only that “we respect the legal process and the Earnhardt family’s contributions to the sport.” Behind the scenes, however, the dispute is being watched closely: the Earnhardt name is a cultural cornerstone, and any prolonged battle could impact the sport’s image.

As the lawsuit moves forward, NASCAR waits anxiously for Teresa’s response, for more evidence, and for the truth to fully emerge. Junior’s vow to “strike back without mercy” has turned grief, betrayal, and legacy into open warfare. The fight for the DEI empire – its money, its honor, and its soul – is now fully public, and the sport may never look the same again.