Interview with Wyatt Miller: A New Earnhardt Chapter Begins at Hickory Motor Speedway
A new chapter in the Earnhardt family’s rich racing history was written Saturday evening at North Carolina’s Hickory Motor Speedway, where 13-year-old Wyatt Miller captured his first-ever Limited Late Model victory. This achievement marks a significant milestone in his career as the grandson of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt. Although Dale Earnhardt passed away before Wyatt was born, his legacy continues to influence the young driver as he steps into the spotlight.
We spoke with Wyatt after his thrilling victory, where he led the race for much of the 40-lap feature before inheriting the lead following a dramatic incident with another car. Wyatt’s calm demeanor and competitive spirit were on full display, and he shared his thoughts on his racing journey, his connection to the Earnhardt family legacy, and his future in the sport.
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Q: Wyatt, first off, congratulations on your first win at Hickory! Can you tell us a little about what this moment means to you?
Wyatt Miller: Thank you! This win means a lot to me. It’s a huge moment in my career, and to do it at a track with such a rich history—especially in my family—is incredibly special. Hickory is known as the “Birthplace of NASCAR Stars,” and my grandfather, Dale Earnhardt, and my great-grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt, both raced here. It’s a dream to have my name added to that legacy. It feels surreal, but I’m just happy that all the hard work is paying off.
Q: It’s amazing to hear you speak about that legacy. Your grandfather, Dale Earnhardt, is a huge figure in NASCAR, but you never had the chance to meet him. How does his legacy inspire you today?
Wyatt Miller: It’s hard to imagine NASCAR without thinking about my grandfather, but I try to honor him in everything I do. I wasn’t born when he was still racing, but I’ve heard so many stories from my family. I’ve watched all his races and tried to learn from his style—how he handled pressure, his determination, and how he always gave his all, no matter what. It motivates me every day to push harder and to make him proud, even though I never got to meet him. My family—especially my dad and my mom—have made sure I understand just how important his legacy is in our sport.
Q: You’ve been racing for a while now, but this was just your second start in a Limited Late Model at Hickory. How did you feel going into the race, and what was your mindset after starting from the pole?
Wyatt Miller: Going into the race, I felt confident but also a little nervous. I had the pole, which was a great start, but there’s always pressure when you’re leading a race, especially at a place like Hickory. I knew I had a fast car, and that gave me confidence. When Zach [Bruenger] passed me, I just focused on staying patient and trying to get back to the front. When he had that issue, I knew I had to be ready for Aiden [King] to challenge me at the end. It was a crazy finish, but I just kept telling myself to stay calm and hold onto the lead.
Q: That finish must have been intense! You were able to hold off Aiden King on the final lap, despite some contact. Can you walk us through that moment?
Wyatt Miller: Yeah, it was definitely a wild ending! I saw Zach’s car blow up and I inherited the lead, but I knew Aiden was right behind me. Coming out of Turn 4, Aiden got really close, and I felt him make contact with my car. It got a little sideways, but I just focused on keeping the car straight and making sure I didn’t lose momentum. I was able to hold him off and cross the finish line first. It was close, but I was determined to get that first win, and it feels amazing to finally get it.
Q: It’s clear that you’ve got a lot of natural talent behind the wheel. What’s your daily routine like as you work toward becoming a successful NASCAR driver?
Wyatt Miller: Every day, I’m working on both my physical and mental game. I train regularly to stay in shape because racing takes a lot of endurance. I also spend time in the simulator, trying to improve my skills, especially on tracks I haven’t raced at yet. But a lot of it is just learning—watching footage, studying the greats, and seeing how they handled different situations. And of course, spending time with my family helps a lot. My mom and dad are always there to offer advice and guidance, especially my mom, Kelley [Earnhardt-Miller]. She’s been in the sport for so long and knows what it takes to succeed.
Q: Hickory has such a rich history with your family, especially with your great-grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt, and your grandfather, Dale. How does it feel to continue that tradition?
Wyatt Miller: It’s honestly incredible. I’ve heard so many stories about both of them racing here, and it’s such an honor to be a part of that tradition. Ralph Earnhardt won five championships here, and my grandfather had some memorable moments at Hickory, too. It’s a place that’s been special for our family, and to get my first win here makes it feel like everything has come full circle. It gives me even more motivation to keep pushing forward and build my own legacy in the sport.
Q: What are your goals moving forward in your racing career?
Wyatt Miller: Right now, my goal is to keep getting better every time I’m on the track. I want to be competitive in everything I race, and I’m working hard to get more wins under my belt. Eventually, I’d love to make it to NASCAR and be a part of the big leagues like my grandfather and uncle [Dale Earnhardt Jr.]. But for now, I’m focused on developing as a driver, learning from each race, and building the foundation for a successful career.
Q: Lastly, for any young racers looking up to you, what advice do you have for them?
Wyatt Miller: My advice would be to never stop working hard. Racing is tough, and there will be times when it feels like you’re not getting anywhere, but it’s important to stay focused and keep learning. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re part of the process. And always remember that it’s not just about winning races; it’s about learning, growing, and staying humble. And of course, never forget why you love racing in the first place.
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Wyatt Miller’s victory at Hickory Motor Speedway is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey in the world of racing. With his natural talent, strong family support, and a legacy to live up to, it’s clear that Wyatt has the drive and determination to carve out his own place in NASCAR history. As he continues to grow, both as a driver and as an individual, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely, eager to see the next chapter in the Earnhardt family’s storied racing tradition.