They formed Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. in late 2009, and began recording in Zott's basement in Royal Oak, Michigan with few intentions of reaching the public.

Their original name, derived from NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., was suggested to the pair as a joke.

"[2] About 2011, the band emailed Dale Earnhardt Jr. to assure him they were not making fun of him; he responded that Jimmie Johnson had already told him about them, he was flattered, and they would "not hear from any lawyers".

[7] Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. was noted as 'one of the best new bands' of 2010 and became very well-liked from various sources including Stereogum, SPIN, Under the Radar, Real Detroit, and The Metro Times.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. released two singles, "Morning Thought" and "Simple Girl" on April 8, 2011 and September 9, 2011 respectively.

The band released their second studio album titled, The Speed of Things, on October 8, 2013, with some guidance from Paul Simon.