NASCAR fans can still likely see and hear Dale Earnhardt Jr. driving his trademark No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro in front of a packed crowd.

The NASCAR legend who one day wants to donate his brain to science hasn’t raced in the Cup Series since November 2017, and he’s put off any realistic hopes of a full-time comeback. But even during his racing career, he had begun assembling an extensive car collection, including one of his father’s former vehicles.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. bought his father’s old Chevy Nomad

As the son of NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt, Dale Jr. always had to live in his father’s shadow while embracing him as both a father and another driver. Although he died after crashing at the 2001 Daytona 500, Dale Sr. left a profound impact on his son’s interests.

Dale Jr. provided Men’s Journal with a tour of his car collection in 2014. Among the cars, he said, is a Chevy Nomad with a white roof. 

Although it may not be flashy, he felt drawn to buying the car for nostalgic purposes.

“It’s just a huge old bird. My father had one in his collection, and that was probably my favorite car, the one I always gravitated to when I went and looked at his cars.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Earnhardt did not specify how much he paid for the car, but he hinted that he didn’t have to spend much.

“It’s a cheap car, you know, because I’m a tight ass,” Earnhardt said. “I don’t like to spend a lot of money.”

Earnhardt Jr. has developed an extensive car collection

Earnhardt has spent years collecting all types of cars from different eras, and anyone who likes cars might feel envious when they see what’s in his garage.

Besides the Chevy Nomad, he owns a yellow Corvette from a 2001 race at Daytona. That event marked one of the final times he and his father competed against one another before the latter’s untimely death.

Older cars in Earnhardt’s collection include a 1967 Chevy Camaro and a 1976 Chevrolet Laguna. He also owns a 1948 TK pickup truck, one that often deceives the eye. The exterior is teal with signs of rust and what he referred to as “imperfections.” However, a quick glance at the interior shows a vehicle with a rebuilt drivetrain and a new chassis.

Earnhardt Jr. earned over $400 million in his racing career

After dealing with concussions during the 2016 season, Earnhardt announced in April 2017 that it would be his final season as a full-time driver.

When Earnhardt announced his impending retirement, Forbes valued his career earnings at $410 million. It combined his salary, endorsements, and “his share of licensing and race winnings during his nearly two decades on the track.”

Earnhardt has invested money over the years on everything from classic cars to a Wild West ranch. At least he can sleep at night knowing he didn’t have to spend too much on the Chevy Nomad.