The National Business Aviation Association has named famed stock car racer Dale Earnhardt Jr as a keynote speaker, opening the first day of the 2022 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition in October in Florida.

With back-to-back NASCAR Infinity Series titles in 1998 and 1999, Earnhardt became the only third-generation NASCAR champion, following his legendary father Dale Earnhardt Sr and his grandfather Ralph Earnhardt. In total, Dale Earnhardt amassed 26 career victories throughout his racing career, including the 2004 and 2014 Daytona 500s.

Since 2006, Earnhardt has also served as owner of JR Motorsports, which fields four full-time entries that have scored 40 wins in the Xfinity Series, in addition to two late model stock cars competing regionally in the US southeast.

Earnhardt, who has long utilised business aviation, was on a flight that overran a runway on landing in Tennessee, nearly ending in tragedy. He will speak to his experience and the lessons he has learned from the event.

“We are pleased to welcome Dale Earnhardt to be with us at this year's convention,” says NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “He is a well-known advocate for business aviation and a leader and role model outside the raceway. His keynote presentation will be a unique and special moment at NBAA-BACE.”

In 2007, Earnhardt launched The Dale Jr Foundation dedicated to providing opportunities for underprivileged youth to build their confidence and achieve their goals. He has also been recognised by Make-A-Wish as one of only a handful of athletes who has facilitated more than 200 'wishes' for kids battling terminal or life-threatening illnesses.

Fans and media selected Earnhardt as one of the top three Xfinity Series drivers of all-time in a 2006 NASCAR poll, and he has been recognised among the country's most influential athletes by publications such as Forbes and BusinessWeek. Following his retirement from racing full-time in 2017, Earnhardt joined NBC Sports Group to provide NASCAR coverage and commentary.

Taking place between 18-20 October at the Orange County Convention Center and nearby Orlando Executive airport, NBAA-BACE will explore future-forward technologies and innovative perspectives while also showcasing the very latest business aviation aircraft, products and services.