NASCAR

Wyatt Miller, Dale Earnhardt’s Teenage Grandson, Wins 1st Limited Late Model Race At Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway

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By
Jeff Hawkins
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Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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Published23 Mar 2025

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wyatt miller earnhardt hickory motor speedway

Driving into Turn 3 during the final lap at Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Limited Late Model rookie Wyatt Miller absorbed a bump from behind by Aiden King, attempting to take him out. 

The 13-year-old grandson of NASCAR Cup Series Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Sr. maintained control, however, and handled the final turn to claim his first Saturday night feature. In his only other appearance at the historic 0.363-mile track, Miller earned a P2 on March 8. 

Racing at Hickory continues to be a family affair. According to Uncle Dale Earnhart Jr., Miller’s great-grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt, won five track titles during the 1950s. Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. both raced at the “Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars” during their early racing years. His mother, Kelley Earnhardt, also competed at the track during the ‘90s. 

Miller started the 40-lap event from the pole and eventually surrendered the lead to Zach Bruenger, who started second. With eight rotations remaining, Bruenger’s machine suffered engine problems. Miller recaptured the advantage and withstood King’s challenge to capture the checkered flag. 

“We had a really good car,” Miller said, according to NASCAR.com. “I was catching Zach, and then he blew up.  

“I think Aiden tried to rattle my cage, but it didn‘t work.”