Kyle Petty Explains Why Dale Earnhardt’s Name on Merchandise Sales List Is a “Sad Statement” for NASCAR

The list of drivers leading the NASCAR merchandise sales in 2025 speaks volumes about the sport and how the fans celebrate it. Sports Business Journal brought out its list recently, and Kyle Larson was at the top, followed by Chase Elliott, Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, and others. The list, however, made former driver Kyle Petty concerned about the state of the sport.

Petty’s apprehension came from the position Dale Earnhardt Jr. occupied on the list. Yes, as always, the Earnhardts were among the top sellers with Junior in seventh spot and Dale Earnhardt Sr. ninth.

“Earnhardt always sold, right? But Bill Elliott was always the most popular driver. So, the guy that didn’t sell the most was the most popular driver. That’s what we are going to see here. It’s the same thing,” said Petty onFast Talk.

Petty’s point was that since there are no big heroes in the active field, fans still go back to the Earnhardts.

“That’s why I say I look at the merch list with sadness. Because you’re telling me these guys aren’t relevant. Because their souvenir sales aren’t making them relevant. That’s a sad statement to where the sport is,” added Petty.

The opinion that there aren’t many stars worth following in the active field has been floating around for a long time. NASCAR’s unspoken code of conduct prevents individuals from expressing their thoughts on this topic openly without fear of consequence.

The truth is that, of late, seldom do drivers break through to earn the undivided admiration of fans.

Will Larson defeat his teammate Elliott?

Elliott has been named NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver for the last seven seasons consecutively. Even when his performance on the track dipped to an all-time low in 2023 and 2024, he did not lose traction with fans.

But without him picking up on the results front, this could soon change. Particularly now that Larson is breathing down his neck in the popularity race, closer than ever.

Larson’s popularity has been steadily increasing across the world in recent years. He has become the biggest performer of the Cup Series and made headlines by competing in the Indianapolis 500. After years of playing second fiddle to Elliott in this battle of fame, 2025 could be when he finally pulls ahead of his teammate.

But, of course, the released list only reflects sales status at the halfway mark of the regular season. There is still a long road ahead, and the numbers at the end of the year will largely be dictated by how these drivers perform on the track.