In the most seismic legal strike in NASCAR history, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has officially filed a 100-page federal lawsuit against Teresa Earnhardt that seeks to permanently bar her from using the “Earnhardt” surname in any commercial, promotional or branding context — a move that could dismantle decades of control over the sport’s most sacred legacy.

The explosive complaint, lodged in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina this morning, includes what Junior’s legal team describes as “top-secret, previously undisclosed evidence” — internal DEI documents, financial ledgers, private correspondence, sworn affidavits, and alleged secret agreements between Teresa Earnhardt, NASCAR executives, and major sponsors that Junior claims prove systematic misappropriation of the Earnhardt name and legacy for personal gain.

At the heart of the suit is Junior’s assertion that Teresa Earnhardt has no legal or moral right to exploit the Earnhardt name following years of alleged oppression, asset diversion, contract manipulation, and deliberate attempts to erase Dale Jr.’s role in the family legacy after Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s death in 2001.

Key allegations in the filing include:

Misappropriation of the Earnhardt name and trademarks — Teresa allegedly used the Earnhardt brand to generate hundreds of millions in revenue while restricting Dale Jr.’s ability to benefit from or control his father’s legacy. Secret NASCAR agreements — Documents purportedly showing backroom deals between Teresa, NASCAR leadership, and sponsors that guaranteed her exclusive control over Earnhardt-related licensing, archival footage, and image rights in exchange for continued participation in DEI programs. Fraudulent contract alterations — Renewed claims of swapped or forged transition agreements in 2007 that stripped Junior of lifelong governance rights in DEI and legacy decisions.

Threats against family members — 2024 emails from Teresa’s attorney allegedly warning of “review and potential revision of minor beneficiary designations” for Junior’s daughters if he continued public criticism. Destruction of historical records — Allegations that Teresa ordered sensitive estate documents and personal items (including the infamous “mysterious suitcase”) hidden or destroyed to consolidate control.

Junior’s legal team is seeking:

Permanent injunction barring Teresa from using “Earnhardt” in any commercial context. Revocation of her control over Earnhardt-related trademarks, image rights, and licensing revenue. Full accounting and disgorgement of profits allegedly misappropriated from the Earnhardt estate and legacy. Compensatory and punitive damages for emotional distress, reputational harm, and lost opportunities.

In a simultaneous live statement on Dirty Mo Media, Junior spoke with raw emotion:

“My father dedicated his life to this sport. NASCAR chose to protect the one who insulted him instead of honoring that legacy. Teresa doesn’t deserve the Earnhardt name anymore. This lawsuit isn’t about revenge — it’s about justice. The truth has been buried for 14 years. Today it comes out.”

The filing has sent NASCAR, DEI, and the entire motorsports industry into chaos. Sponsors tied to Earnhardt branding are reportedly in emergency meetings seeking exit clauses. Daytona 500 organizers face the nightmare of potentially losing all rights to use Dale Sr.’s image, No. 3 car design, and archival footage in the sport’s biggest event.

Teresa Earnhardt’s legal team issued a furious denial: “These allegations are baseless, defamatory, and part of a long-standing vendetta. The documents are selectively presented or fabricated. We will vigorously defend against this meritless lawsuit and pursue all available remedies, including counterclaims for defamation and tortious interference.”

But the damage is already catastrophic. Social media is ablaze with #EarnhardtLawsuit and #TeresaExposed trending No. 1 globally. Fans are heartbroken and furious:

“Junior just dropped the nuke. Teresa’s been hijacking the Earnhardt legacy for years.” “If those secret NASCAR deals are real, the whole sport is rotten.” “Daytona 500 without the No. 3? NASCAR just lost its soul.”

NASCAR President Steve Phelps issued a brief, cautious statement: “NASCAR respects the Earnhardt family and legacy. We are monitoring the legal proceedings and remain committed to honoring Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s contributions to our sport. We will address any impact on our events and licensing appropriately.”

With the Daytona 500 now just nine days away, the sport faces an unprecedented dilemma: proceed without the Earnhardt image rights, or watch its most sacred event become a legal and cultural battleground.

A family dynasty is at war. A legend’s name is on trial. Secret deals are being exposed.

And NASCAR’s biggest race hangs by a thread.