Dale J. Shearer Bio
Dale J. Shearer is an American professional stock car racing driver known for his participation in the ARCA Menards Series. Born on August 26, 1959, Shearer has competed part-time in recent years, driving the No. 98 Toyota Camry for his own team, Shearer Speed Racing.
Early Life and Background
Dale J. Shearer was born in Chillicothe, Missouri, United States. His interest in racing was sparked by his father, who worked as a pit steward at Kline’s Speedway. Shearer began racing at the age of twenty-one, initially competing at various dirt tracks in street cars converted for racing. He currently resides in Alhambra, Illinois, where he works as a computer programmer for the Madison County government.
Path to NASCAR
Shearer’s racing career began in local dirt-track events before making his debut in the ARCA Re/Max Series in 2008. Driving his self-owned No. 73 Ford, he started at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Over the next several years, Shearer competed part-time in ARCA events, gradually gaining experience and developing his own team. His persistence in the series has allowed him to continue racing at a professional level while managing his own racing operations.
Dale J. Shearer Career
Early Career (2008–2012)
Shearer made his ARCA debut in 2008, competing at the Illinois State Fairgrounds and other tracks such as DuQuoin State Fairgrounds and Salem Speedway. Although early finishes were modest due to handling and mechanical issues, he steadily gained experience. In 2011 and 2012, Shearer increased his participation, achieving a best finish of seventeenth at Winchester Speedway in 2012.
ARCA Menards Series Participation (2013–2019)
From 2013 through 2018, Shearer ran the majority of his races with his own team, Shearer Speed Racing. In 2014, he was involved in a multi-car crash at Kansas Speedway but continued to compete regularly. In 2019, he collaborated with Kimmel Racing for select events, including Madison International Speedway, though mechanical issues limited his results.
Shearer Speed Racing Era (2023–Present)
After a hiatus from 2020 to 2022, Shearer returned to ARCA competition in 2023 with his own team, now running the No. 98 Toyota. He committed to a full schedule in the ARCA Menards Series East, carrying longtime sponsor Josh’s Eggs. During the 2023 season, Shearer earned his first career top-ten finish at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway and finished sixth in the final points standings. He announced plans to run the full 2024 East Series schedule, including attempts at Daytona and Talladega superspeedways.
Driving Style and Strengths
Dale Shearer is known for his perseverance and ability to manage his own racing team while competing at a professional level. His experience on dirt tracks and short ovals contributes to his steady racecraft, and he has demonstrated resilience in overcoming mechanical challenges throughout his career.
Notable Races and Milestones
Shearer’s first top-ten ARCA finish at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway in 2023 stands out as a career milestone. Despite limited resources compared to larger teams, he has maintained a consistent presence in the ARCA Menards Series and its East division, marking him as a dedicated competitor in stock car racing.
Dale J. Shearer Career Wins
While Dale Shearer has not recorded wins in the ARCA Menards Series, his career highlights include steady participation and achieving competitive finishes in a part-time capacity. His commitment to racing through his own team underscores his passion for the sport.
ARCA Menards Series Highlights
Shearer debuted in the ARCA Menards Series in 2008 and has competed intermittently since then. His best finishes have been within the top twenty, with a notable top-ten finish in the ARCA Menards Series East in 2023. He continues to compete actively in the series with his own team.
Other Wins & Performances
Shearer’s early racing career involved dirt-track competitions with street cars converted for racing, which laid the foundation for his later professional endeavors. While no regional or series championships are recorded, his longevity in the sport is a testament to his dedication.
Dale J. Shearer Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Shearer’s initial exposure to racing came through his father’s role as a pit steward, which influenced his interest in motorsports. Details about his extended family or racing lineage beyond this are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Dale Shearer is married to Dianna, and the couple has two children and four grandchildren. He balances his racing career with his work as a computer programmer for Madison County, Illinois, demonstrating a commitment to both his profession and family life.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Dale Shearer plans to continue competing in the ARCA Menards Series East with Shearer Speed Racing. Building on his 2023 and 2024 campaigns, he aims to improve his performance and maintain his presence in the series. His ongoing partnership with sponsor Josh’s Eggs and his experience managing his own team position him for continued participation in stock car racing events.