The Dale Jr. Download

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined by country music star and fellow North Carolina native Luke Combs this week on the Dale Jr. Download. On the heels of releasing his latest album “Gettin’ Old” in 2023, Luke connects with Dale via video chat in the midst of a long-running stadium tour. The two chat about Luke growing up in Huntersville, N.C., and realize that they lived about 20 minutes apart for some time. Luke also talks about his family’s decision to move to Asheville, N.C., and attending Appalachian State University, where he changed majors a couple of times and found work as a bouncer at a local bar. It was during these years that Luke found inspiration to pick up a guitar his parents had given him in the seventh grade and learn to play, a decision that would put him on a trajectory to country music stardom. Luke explains that his entry into live music and the recording industry was humble. After learning a handful of songs, he asked the owner of a local bar he frequented if he could perform, to which he easily obliged. He also found a local studio to record at and self-released his first couple of EPs, helping to build a grassroots following. When his single “Hurricane” found its way to the top of the country charts on iTunes, Luke brought in enough money to stay in pursuit of his music goals a little longer, and soon after, he made the move to Nashville. While there, participating in songwriting sessions with like-minded musicians, Luke began to take meetings with record labels, eventually finding a home with Sony. Through the strength of a string of successful records and No. 1 hit singles, Luke quickly rose from being an opening act to headlining one of the best-selling tours in country music history.   To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. checks in remotely from the beach house after a rainy Memorial Day weekend for a new episode of Dirty Air. Mother Nature had other plans for the “Greatest Day in Motorsports.” As a result, there was a lot to debate and unpack: Tip-toeing into sports betting Getting to know the neighbors The 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame Class Should Kyle Larson get a waiver?  Coca-Cola 600 winner Christopher Bell calls in  During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners inquired about: Dale’s recent exploration of the Gee race shop attic Dale’s experience of getting interviewed by Josh Berry during the Charlotte Xfinity race Dale’s sim rig setup at his beach home To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carla Gebhart takes the Lionel Racing stage live at JRM Fan Day to discuss Dirty Mo Media's origin, evolution, and future. Mike Davis, Dirty Mo Media's founder and executive producer, comes out of retirement, and Dale Jr.'s long-time friend and spotter, TJ Majors, shares his perspective on the early days of the Dale Jr. Download. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When news breaks, we react. Dale Earnhardt Jr. recorded an emergency bonus episode of The Download to react to Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s record-breaking $75k fine for fighting Kyle Busch after the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro. Dale discusses whether or not the penalties levied on Stenhouse are fair, if Ricky should appeal the fine, and what this means going forward. Plus, Dale compares this fight to other historic fights over the years and reacts to NASCAR's reasoning behind the biggest fine for a fight in the sport's history.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with Will Compton and Taylor Lewan of Barstool’s Bussin’ With The Boys. Dale and the boys kick things off with Will and Taylor’s early days cutting their teeth on the college football level. Since Dale never went to college, Compton and Lewan walk Dale through what the college experience looks like as a student-athlete. Taylor explains the chaos of the NFL combine and shares the roller coaster ride of NFL draft night. Will shares the origin story of the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast and the story behind finding the iconic bus.  The group moves on to discuss the injuries Will and Taylor have encountered over their careers, including the injury that left Lewan heartbroken. Will shares the reason why he turned down the New York Jets late in his career and how he ended up playing alongside Taylor at the Tennessee Titans. The two share the hilarious story of the time they played each other on the football field, which is now known as “The Bussin’ Bowl.” Dale, Will, and Taylor finish the conversation by shootin’ the breeze and sharing the story of how they initially became friends. It’s the longest DJD episode so far this year and for damn good reason. You won’t want to miss this one.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the Bojangles Studio to chat about all things North Wilkesboro on this edition of Dirty Air. There were multiple grooves of racing and punches flying as the All-Stars of NASCAR graced the famed short track in Wilkes County, so obviously there was a lot to unpack: Dale talks about his trip to New York City The North Wilkesboro repave was a big success Should NASCAR introduce multiple tire compounds for race weekends? Ricky Stenhouse Jr. vs. Kyle Busch Kyle Larson’s eventful Sunday During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: The 2025 NASCAR In-Season Tournament  Worst weather delays Last time Dale has thrown a punch 2025 NASCAR Championship being back in Phoenix To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tonight, the lights shine brightest on the hopeful candidates vying for your vote to secure their spot in the 2024 All-Star race at North Wilkesboro. Carson Hocevar, Zane Smith, Kaz Grala, and Noah Gragson each make their pitch to voters and weigh in on hot-button issues like short-track package reform, foreign interference in NASCAR by Shane Van Gisbergen, and their economic plans for how to distribute the $1 Million winnings from the race. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kelley Earnhardt Miller in this episode of "Business of Motorsports" as she sits down with Jeff Dickerson, co-owner of Spire Motorsports.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns from vacationing in London and Scotland for another edition of Dirty Air. Although he was overseas spending time with Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth and Casey Mears, it didn’t keep him from tuning into all the action at Darlington: Dale details his United Kingdom adventure Ryan Blaney and William Byron have a three-wide dust-up Chris Buescher vs. Tyler Reddick Brad Keselowski finally returns to Victory Lane, as an owner/driver The future of Front Row, Stewart-Haas and Spire During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding:  What meals Dale enjoyed on his trip Best games for an overseas flight Dale’s plans for grilling and smoking this summer  Favorite Darlington throwback schemes this year 21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So close, yet so far from victory. With Kansas providing the closest finish in the NASCAR Cup series history at 0.001 seconds, the DJD Reloaded crew decided to revisit iconic photo finishes throughout all eras of the sport. NASCAR historian Buz McKim calls in to look back at memorable finishes – plus tell us of a TIE on the record books – before he gets put to the test with photo-finish trivia. Plus, the driver of the No. 1 for JR Motorsports, Sam Mayer, stops by to share the emotions of the close win at Texas from earlier this season and how he deals with the heartbreak of being runner-up. Plus, we hear from the fans in our weekly Dale Call segment about their favorite photo finishes of all time. And lastly, we get a "surprise" visit from the only person who can give us insight into the crooked start-finish line. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with NASCAR Senior Vice President of Competition Elton Sawyer to discuss the current state of NASCAR officiating, the NextGen car, tires, and more - while also taking a deep dive into Sawyer’s own career as a driver. The conversation begins with Sawyer’s early days behind the wheel and the story behind meeting Elton’s now wife and former race car driver, Patty Moise. The two discuss his time racing in the Busch Series, along with his short-run racing in Cup. Sawyer breaks down the end of his racing career, and his transition to working on the competition side of the sport.  Sawyer then provides a “peek behind the curtain” and shares what his day-to-day looks like as the SVP of Competition. Sawyer explains the role of a race director, how NASCAR evaluates penalties, and how the appeals process works. He also breaks down what caused the tires at Bristol to react the way he did, shares what they hope to achieve with multiple tire compounds at the All-Star Race, and reveals the potential of Hybrids breaking into the sport. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the Bojangles Studio to break down the closest finish in NASCAR Cup history. While the finish at Kansas between Kyle Larson and Chris Buescher had viewers on the edge of their seats, it sparked a debate on how photo finishes are governed and more: Which start/finish line is the real one? Transponders vs. the line vs. the camera Mile-and-a-half tracks have been great; do we need more on the schedule? Short tracks continue to be on the chopping block moving forward Dale's broadcasting plans for 2025 Kansas second-place finisher Chris Buescher calls in During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: Dale seeing Kasey Kahne at dinner Dale’s silver Goodyear car from winning the NASCAR Busch Series Championship Multiple tire compounds for North Wilkesboro The secret to finding the best bathroom before a race NASCAR implementing a push-to-pass system like IndyCar To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who is the best trash talker in NASCAR today? That’s a question Dale Jr. asked on The Dale Jr. Download this week. Well, we’re taking it one step further. We wonder if today’s NASCAR drivers can even hold a candle to the previous generations of smack-talkers – guys like Tony Stewart, Darrell Waltrip, Donnie Allison, Cale Yarborough – the list goes on and on. We’ve got the perfect people to debate this topic in studio – the driver of the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series, Carson Hocevar, and spotter for Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 team, Freddie Kraft. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with Chocolate Myers and Kirk Shelmerdine, both of whom were members of Dale Earnhardt’s legendary pit crew ‘The Flying Aces,’ to swap stories and discuss the current state of NASCAR. The group reflects on the early years working on Dale Earnhardt’s team. They share stories of Chocolate’s persona on the team, the time the pit crew saved a stranded #3 car stuck on the race track, and why you had to let Dale Earnhardt win in a game of cards.  The group then discusses the current state of the sport and provides insight into what is in store for Richard Childress Racing's future. Chocolate also opens up about his recent health struggles and shares his perspective on staying positive through difficult days. Plus, Chocolate gives Dale Jr. a legendary gift that once belonged to his father.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. checks in to the Bojangles Studio for this week’s episode of Dirty Air. In a weekend that saw a near-rookie upset in the Xfinity race, aero blocking and Denny Hamlin’s return to Victory Lane in the Cup race, there was a lot to unpack: Carson Kvapil continues to impress The next generation of young talent is exciting  Best trash-talking drivers Should NASCAR take the digital rear-view mirrors out of the NextGen car? What is next in the NASCAR charter negotiations? Race winner Denny Hamlin calls in During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: The changes to the bus stop at Watkins Glen The Washington Commanders’ NFL Draft picks The newest class of NASCAR Hall of Fame nominees To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's DJD Reloaded, Carla Gebhart is joined by T.J. Majors, Brad Keselowski's spotter and co-host of DBC, to talk all about the art of blocking. We call up Michael McDowell to get his thoughts on how the final lap at Talladega played out and what, if anything, he could have done differently to hang on and secure the win. Plus, Jamie McMurray calls in and shares his perspective on McDowell's move and which drivers are the best drafting-track blockers in NASCAR today. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with a driver from NASCAR’s past, Tennessee’s own Casey Atwood. After rapidly making a name for himself in the late model stock division at Nashville Fairgrounds, Atwood made a big splash in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, becoming one of the youngest winners in history. Casey explains that while his family grew up watching racing, he would become the first driver in his lineage after convincing his father to buy him a go-kart. The father-son team would start out at the Nashville Fairgrounds before entering the World Karting Association ranks and finding championship success. Upon graduating from the karting world, Casey entered into the four-cylinder ranks at Highland Rim Speedway in Greenbrier, TN. It was there he forged a friendship with Bobby Hamilton, a relationship that would help pave his entryway into NASCAR. A successful season in late model stock competition propelled his name into the NASCAR garage, and after turning heads in 1999 by becoming the youngest winner in Xfinity Series history at the time, Casey was sure he would have a spot in the sport for many years to come. Unfortunately though, a career gamble on a new team and a year of rookie struggles in the Cup Series would leave Casey Atwood in the “what could have been” category of NASCAR’s past drivers. 21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns to the Bojangles Studio after a thrilling Talladega Cup race for a new edition of Dirty Air. From scoring pylons to saving fuel, there was a lot to unpack in this episode: A new “grumpy old man” moment What does Dale think about the scoring pylons? How can NASCAR solve the fuel-saving dilemma on drafting tracks? Shorter races vs. more stages: “don’t take chips out of my bag!” Michael McDowell makes one block too many  Race winner Tyler Reddick calls into the show The impact of Michael Jordan being in Victory Lane During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: Frontstretch interviews vs. Victory Lane interviews Most heartbreaking race loss New parenting lessons Meeting and interacting with Michael Jordan 21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carla Gebhart and Andrew Kurland are joined by NASCAR's SVP of Competition, Elton Sawyer, to pull back the curtain on practice time at NASCAR’s highest levels. The hot topic started several weeks ago with comments from Brad Keselowski. It caught new momentum this week after Jimmie Johnson wrecked at Texas. Is less practice a good thing or a bad thing for today’s racing product? What do drivers like? Owners? Fans? Dale Jr. went on a self-admitted tangent this week on the Download saying we eliminated practice during the pandemic but never properly put it back despite everyone wanting it. But no sooner did he say it, Chase Elliott made a compelling argument as to why it’s fine the way it is. Who’s right? What’s the real story about practice? Is it a cost burden and, if so, for who? We’re searching for answers and going straight to the source – NASCAR. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with Hendrick Motorsports mechanic Marlin Yoder to discuss his departure from the Amish community and his one-in-a-million journey to becoming a NASCAR Cup Series championship-winning crew member. The conversation begins with Yoder’s perspective of living in a strict Amish community and his first time discovering NASCAR via the radio he smuggled into his bedroom. He relives the dramatic moments of leaving his family and community behind to chase a dream in an unknown new world.  Yoder didn’t know what a racetrack or the race cars looked like until he first laid eyes on a NASCAR television broadcast after leaving home. He instantly caught the bug to pursue a career in racing, and details his early days racing at a local short track. Dale Jr. and Yoder also discuss his efforts handing out resumes at race shops, breaking through in the lower levels and achieving the impossible at NASCAR’s highest level. Yoder’s story is one you won’t believe until you hear it for yourself. 21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns to the Bojangles Studio after a chaotic NASCAR Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway for another edition of Dirty Air. Not only did NASCAR put on a weekend of excitement in the Longhorn State, but Dale Jr. was behind the wheel himself: Dale Jr. recaps his CARS Tour race at New River Texas is back! Just give it some time… Who was wrong, Chastain or Byron?  We’re talking ‘bout practice! NASCAR Cup drivers are elite, so do they need it? Race winner Chase Elliott calls in During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: Sharing SMT data - is it good or bad? Beer: bottles or cans? What did Dale Sr. do to prepare for races? You won’t want to miss the two Intimidator stories involving a bulldozer and a chainsaw. 21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When talking about the big business of Cup charters this week on the Download, Dale Jr. said something that struck us. He wondered how realistic it is in today’s NASCAR to be an open, unchartered team and financially be able to break even. Today on Reloaded we will ask the question - how do independent, non-chartered Cup teams make it (both financially and competitively) in today’s NASCAR? Host Carla Gebhart is joined by Jordan Bianchi from Dirty Mo Media’s The Teardown podcast to ask that very question to MBM Motorsports owner Carl Long and Cup Series owner/driver BJ McLeod, who now races as an open team after selling his charter. Plus, we listen to your short track concerns and your solutions for saving our beloved short tracks.   To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with NASCAR royalty as Richard and Kyle Petty join this week’s episode of the Download. As part of the Petty Family’s 75 Years in Racing anniversary celebration, the guys wanted to stop by the studio and share some chapters of their legacy in the sport. The conversation starts with family patriarch Lee, who was entered in the very first NASCAR Cup race held on June 19th, 1949. The family operation steadily grew through the 1950s, with Lee amassing scores of victories along with three championships and Richard joining the driving ranks in 1958. All of this came to a screeching halt though as a result of Lee’s harrowing crash at Daytona in 1961, which left Petty Enterprises with virtually nothing. The chat also covers what era of stock cars Richard and Kyle liked driving the most, and what it was like having Earnhardt family patriarch Ralph race for the team in 1957. The guys bring up one of Richard’s early run-ins with Dale Earnhardt Sr. at Martinsville in 1980, where the King had to give a young Intimidator a stern talking to. Listeners get some insight into what they can find at the Petty Museum and how the family held on to decades worth of “junk” because of the historic and sentimental value tied to it. They also discuss Kyle’s upbringing as a child, him working at the shop and his entry into racing. He explains that his relationship with Richard has come full-circle from the time he was young, and now they are closer than ever.   21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the Bojangles Studio for another edition of Dirty Air. After another frustrating short track race for the NASCAR NextGen car, there was a lot to get into: Denny Hamlin/Marcus Smith Twitter beef Martinsville Cup winner William Byron calls in The sense of urgency to fix the short track package is FINALLY here Sammy Smith tries out Cherry Lemon SunDrop Dale’s advice for JRM driver Sam Mayer During the Ask Jr. portion of the show, listeners wanted to know about: Watching the solar eclipse What the typical lazy day is like Getting a shout-out from J Cole 21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A driver's first NASCAR start: how important is it? Mark Martin, Michael Waltrip, Austin Cindric & Kelley Earnhardt Miller weigh in. You always remember your first. Most of the time when you hear that phrase in NASCAR, it's referring to a driver's first win. But what about the first start? On this week's Dale Jr. Download, Dale sat down with Bubba Pollard to rehash Bubba's first NASCAR national series start last weekend at Richmond. This got us thinking - how important is the first start? And what do drivers remember most about theirs? Want more Dirty Mo content? Check out and subscribe to the Dirty Mo Media YouTube page. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with short track racing legend Bubba Pollard to discuss his impressive NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Richmond. A longtime competitor in the super late model ranks, Pollard first worked with Dale and JR Motorsports in 2019 when he drove a late model stock entry in the ValleyStar 300 event at Martinsville. Pollard’s Xfinity debut on Saturday in the No. 88 JRM entry completed a lifelong dream of the Georgia driver. He explains that despite his great success on the short track level, this was the first real opportunity he’s received to drive in the NASCAR national series ranks. Pollard was born into a racing family dating back to his grandfather Hence, who built the long-running Senoia Raceway in his backyard. After his passing, the family sold the speedway and Bubba’s father, Sonny, entered the racing world himself, competing in the sportsman class locally. Bubba and his sister grew up at the track, and when he was 12 he started driving Legends cars. At the young age of 14, Bubba made the switch to late models and has gone on to win almost every marquee event the division has to offer. 21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back from Easter vacation to recap the weekend happenings on another edition of Dirty Air and his wife, Amy, drops in. There was a lot to react to, from rain-tire strategy to jumped starts to Easter festivities: Starting the Richmond Cup race on rain tires was a long time coming Race strategies spoiled by untimely caution Richmond’s second race may be on the chopping block  Race winner Denny Hamlin calls in Dale reacts to the Richmond restart Amy stops by to talk about spending Easter with her family in TX in the new camper An audit of the NASCAR Cup season so far During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: Memories of Dale Jr.’s first Cup win Least favorite household chores New records for Dale’s record collection To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On DJD Reloaded, we're debating the role of pit crew members during an altercation between drivers. Leave it to the drivers only? Get in there and scrap? Diffuse the situation? Carla Gebhart is joined by Andrew Kurland and Jim Pohlman, crew chief of the No. 7 JR Motorsports Chevy of Justin Allgaier. Also, NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Parker Kligerman calls in to talk about his recent run-in with Sage Karam at COTA, and bury the hatchet with Pohlman over past incidents. Plus, we go all in on March Madness with a bracket for our Xfinity drivers on who emerges the winner from a pit-road smackdown. Want to hear yourself on the show? Hit up our Dale Call line: 704-584-9703. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with longtime NASCAR competitor Bobby Hillin Jr. to chat about his journey to becoming one of the youngest winners in Cup history. After growing up in the oil industry of Texas through his family, Bobby was exposed to auto racing when his father purchased a sprint car and began competing with legendary drivers Jan Opperman and Bubby Jones behind the wheel. Bobby would find his way into racing through the mini stock division at his local Odessa Speedway. He would attend Buck Baker’s Driving School at Rockingham Speedway, and it was there he’d meet the legendary Harry Hyde. Bobby explains that it was Hyde who convinced his family that he was destined for NASCAR Cup competition, and he would make his debut as a junior in high school. Not long after, he’d make the move to Charlotte by himself in the middle of his senior year, and upon graduating he pursued stock cars full-time. Bobby would make NASCAR history when he won the 1986 Talladega 500, becoming the youngest winner in NASCAR at the time. Unfortunately, due to hardships at the Stavola Brothers team, Bobby would never be able to return to victory lane and spent the rest of his career searching for a consistent, competitive ride. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the Bojangles Studio for another edition of Dirty Air. All three of NASCAR’s top series were in Austin, Texas this past weekend to compete at the Circuit of the Americas, and there was a lot to unpack: Roaming scooter gangs Connor Zilisch’s eventful NASCAR debut What caused Marco Andretti’s rear end failure?  Austin Hill vs. SVG What NASCAR milestones are tweet-worthy?  Cup race winner William Byron calls in It’s time to bring the curbing back at COTA We need to revisit the NextGen road course package During the Ask Jr. segment of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: Dreaming about racing Weirdest items every autographed Tattoos The best neighbor To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What makes a short track great? Former DJD producer, Matthew Dillner, and DBC's Freddie Kraft square off in a spirited debate on all things short track. Our anonymous driver poll gives insights on what drivers want in a short track race and we listen to the best Dale Calls of the week. Ryan Preece calls in to share his thoughts and dishes on the most overrated short track in America. Check out and subscribe to the Dirty Mo YouTube channel. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined by Chase Elliott to unveil Elliott’s upcoming No. 9 throwback paint scheme and chat about the NextGen car and his return from injury last year. After surprising Dale with a tribute to his 2014 Daytona 500 winning car, the guys discussed Sunday’s chaotic Cup race at Bristol and Chase's impressions on the NextGen car in general. Chase reveals that after getting off to a good start in 2022, he feels like his performance has fallen off due to his traditional driving style not being as compatible in the new car. He explains that he spent the end of the 2023 season making adjustments and has enjoyed the challenge of getting up to speed. Dale asks Chase about his involvement in the “NASCAR: Full Speed” Netflix Series, to which he replied that he wasn’t sure he’d like to be involved if it was a hindrance to his racing preparation. They discuss Chase’s life in Dawsonville, Georgia and what it’s like working with the Hendrick Motorsports team based in the Charlotte area. The conversation also unpacks Chase’s 2023 snowboard-related leg injury and what that day was like for him, from the actual accident itself to making calls to Alan Gustafson and Rick Hendrick. Chase is candid about the rehabilitation process and what he did to return to racing. 21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacts to Sunday’s wild NASCAR Cup race at Bristol on this edition of Dirty Air. The racing world is abuzz after the stunning 500-lap event, which saw teams and drivers scrambling to get ahead of the tire wear situation: A step in the right direction for short tracks? Race winner Denny Hamlin calls in How will Goodyear react to the race? A little more practice could help avoid a crisis  Asphalt vs. concrete  During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners wanted to know all about: Dale shaving his beard Having music played through his helmet during races NCAA bracket picks Favorite weekend morning cartoons Dale’s steering wheel technique 21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carla & Andrew are joined by guest Regan Smith to break down the best revenge moments in NASCAR. We dig up new dirt on Dale's old run-in with Jason Keller, who joins the show to speak on the incident for the first time. Plus, we hear this week's best Dale Calls and try to guess which driver Dale says wrecked him during the playoffs. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. reconnects with a figure from his past when he sits down with Team Penske NASCAR team manager Jefferson Hodges. After growing up admiring his Uncle Dale Lemonds’ racing career, Jefferson found his way into the racing world through Rick Townsend’s late model stock outfit in the Richmond, Virginia area. From there, he’d make his way onto the NASCAR Cup scene thanks to Tommy Baldwin, who was working for Junie Donlavey Racing at the time. When the Donlavey team began to slow, Jefferson returned to Townsend and found his footing as a team leader and crew chief.  Jefferson would play an integral role in the progression of JR Motorsports from a late model stock team to one of the leading organizations in the NASCAR Xfinity roster. Jefferson had found success in the late model ranks with driver Mark McFarland, and after taking home a NASCAR Whelen All-American Championship, the two were destined for Charlotte. Through a driver-switch up, the two found themselves at JR Motorsports, and when success in late models led to the possibility of expanding into NASCAR’s secondary division, the number-88 Xfinity ride was born.  Fan Duel Disclaimer: Availability subject to regulatory approval. 21+ and present in NC. Bonuses are issued in non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 30 days after FanDuel accepts its first real money sports wager in NC. Unique user identity verification required. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back from vacation and ready to get back into things on a new edition of Dirty Air. This episode features Kyle Larson, C. Bell, Connor Zilisch and Dale’s reactions to the NASCAR weekend in Phoenix, plus: Changing a flat tire on vacation Watching the Xfinity race with Isla Phoenix is Phoenix Larson’s make-up call Christopher Bell chats about his win Connor Zilisch talks about piloting the JRM No. 88 car During the Ask Jr. segment of the episode, listeners wrote in questions regarding: Bringing back the frosted tips Story behind the Sun Drop late model Favorite road trip snacks and drinks Favorite spots in Key West 21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carla and Andrew are back in the Bojangles studio, and are joined this week by Karsyn Elledge of CARS Tour. With Dale on spring break, everyone gives their best Dale Jr. impressions, and JR Motorsports' own, Steven Steffen, stops by to join in on the fun. Plus, we open up the Dale Calls to hear the best impressions from fans. And we look back at the best moments from Tuesday's Dirty Air show, hosted by Ryan McGee. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelley Earnhardt Miller welcomes World Racing Group CEO Brian Carter for the first edition of the Business of Motorsports for the 2024 season. After growing up a racing fan in Texas, Carter ventured into the business finance world working for Deloitte and specializing in public to private transactions. In the early 2000s, while working with a software company, he was approached by the owners of Boundless Motorsports, who were in the process of purchasing the World of Outlaws and United Midwest Promoters operations. Carter jumped at the opportunity to get involved with the dirt racing enterprise, and a short time later he became CEO of what is now known as World Racing Group.   Brian and Kelley discuss the state of the motorsports business world in the early 2000s, when a lot of major racing entities such as NASCAR, Speedway Motorsports Inc and WRG were publicly traded companies. He also explains the vertical structure of WRG, which encompasses 15 dirt touring series across the country, sanctioning racing in many different divisions of short track cars. The interview covers WRG’s streaming platform DirtVision and its impact on increasing awareness and exposure on both a weekly and national racing scale. Carter explains that having more of WRG’s events available for countrywide viewership has not only helped create an influx of sponsorship funding for short track racers, but it's helped bring new spectators through the track gates.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is on spring break, so his longtime friend and co-author of “Racing to the Finish” Ryan McGee is filling in. You might recognize Ryan from his longtime coverage of motorsports for ESPN and his popular show with recent Download guest Marty Smith, “Marty & McGee.” There was a lot to discuss after a full weekend of NASCAR action in Las Vegas: Writing “Racing to the Finish” with Dale Jr. Working with Dale Sr. as a young reporter Rajah Caruth’s big first Truck win John Hunter Nemechek continues to excel What Kyle Larson’s 24th NASCAR Cup win really means During as special “Ask McGee” segment, listeners tuned into YouTube live and sent in questions about: Ryan’s favorite Dale Jr. stories What he learned about Dale Jr. while writing the book What it’s like working on “Marty & McGee” To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew and Carla recap all the cheating news across NASCAR this week, welcome Kip Childress, Executive Director of CARS Tour, to the Bojangles studio, and driver Bubba Pollard joins to announce his Xfinity Series opportunity at JR Motorsports. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. invites NASCAR Hall of Fame engine builder and crew chief Waddell Wilson to the Bojangles Studio for a conversation about his storied career. Waddell details his journey from his home of Bakersville, North Carolina to the Nashville Auto Diesel College, which he learned about from a recruiter at his high school. Upon graduation, his journey took him to Florida, where he actually took a chance on racing himself at Miami-area strongholds like Hialeah, Palmetto and Hollywood. Eventually, a demolished racecar would extinguish his hopes of making a living behind the wheel and he headed back home in search of work. Waddell explains that at the suggestion of a friend he went to inquire about a job at the famed Holman-Moody race team, which at the time was Ford’s manufacturing arm in NASCAR. After a chance meeting with owner John Holman, Waddell was thrown into the most challenging area of the shop: the engine room. He passed an initiation of sorts and over time developed into one of NASCAR’s greatest engine building minds. Waddell went on to build engines for and work with some of NASCAR’s greatest drivers, and he fills listeners in on the characters inside the helmet like Fireball Roberts, Bobby Allison and Buddy Baker. Finally, Dale gets to pick Waddell’s brain about the legendary “Gray Ghost” Oldsmobile that helped Ranier Racing and Buddy Baker be a dominant force at superspeedways in 1979 and ‘80. FanDuel Disclaimer: Must be 21+ and present in select states. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been singing the praises of the Atlanta Motor Speedway reconfiguration since last season, and the track delivered one of the best finishes in NASCAR history this past Sunday. There was much to cover from weekend two of the NASCAR schedule on this edition of Dirty Air: The critics have been quieted Reconfiguring tracks through iRacing technology Joey Logano’s gloves and new creativity Atlanta race winner Daniel Suárez calls in Rethinking how we film Atlanta’s races Fuel saving in the Xfinity race When the Download gang took to Youtube live for the Ask Jr. segment, listeners wrote in questions regarding: Being a youth sports coach Strangest place Dale has been recognized New house projects Story behind the Oreo/Ritz mash-up car Running a half marathon To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex Bowman joins to talk about his runner-up finish in the 500, Dale Jr. stops by to break some news. Plus, Andrew goes Man On The Street down in Daytona and asks drivers/fans what they'd be willing to sacrifice for a championship. And hear some of Ray Evernham's untold stories. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. reunites with legendary NASCAR crew chief Ray Evernham to talk about his new book and catch up on his life since his last appearance in 2020. The book, titled “Trophies and Scars” is an autobiography that Ray explains is designed to help show his family and friends who have helped him along the way how he’s evolved over the years. Ray says that a couple of the bigger moments outlined in the book are how the success of fellow modified racer Tony Siscone inspired him to take things to the next level in 1983 and his departure from Hendrick Motorsports in 1999. Dale also inquired more about Ray leaving Jeff Gordon and what in retrospect could have been done to prevent the split from happening. They dive into Ray’s growth from being a journeyman chassis engineer to one of the most prominent crew chiefs in the ‘90s, to which Ray credits taking lessons from other leaders like Jeff Hammond and reading books written by successful coaches. Ray discusses having great admiration for Dale Earnhardt Sr. but having to learn to turn it off when it came to competing on track. The interview also goes on to discuss Ray’s time with IROC in the ‘80s and how he came to acquire the name and trademark this year, his future plans for the once legendary series, his departure from SRX and how he helped revolutionize the NASCAR Cup pit crew.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back from a rainy weekend in Daytona to deliver another edition of Dirty Air. Despite Mother Nature proving to be unpredictable scrambling the weekend schedule, there was still a lot of NASCAR action to unpack: Amy is in the house to set the record straight Dale experiences a parking fiasco What can be done to cut down on wrecks in the Truck races? The latest on the NASCAR charter negotiations Daytona 500 Champion William Byron calls in How was the finish actually determined?  During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: Dale’s favorite Girl Scout cookie Favorite Earnhardt family tradition? Is Dale a good gift giver? Isla and Nicole playing sports To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on DJD Reloaded, Casey, Travis, and Andrew get you ready for the 66th running of The Great American Race and Carla joins from Daytona to give an update from the track. Plus, we hear from the 'Dale Calls' fan line, and Jeff Gordon shares his favorite rap song. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In an effort to learn more about the current charter negotiations between Cup team owners and the NASCAR organization, Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with Vice Chairman of Hendrick Motorsports Jeff Gordon. If a guest makes a repeat appearance on the Dale Jr. Download, it’s likely because they are such a monumental subject that it's impossible to cover with just one interview. That can certainly be said about Jeff, who first appeared on the show in December 2018 as he was working at Fox Sports as a commentator following his storied racing career. Since then, he has moved into an integral role at the Hendrick Motorsports organization, and provides listeners with great insight into the current talks between the Race Team Alliance and the NASCAR brass. Dale also inquires about Jeff’s thoughts on the NextGen car in Cup competition, to which Jeff details the challenges teams face in the race shop and how consistency is crucial to on-track success. The story of transitioning from the broadcast booth to an executive role at HMS is covered, which began all the way back in 2000 when Jeff signed a lifetime contract with Rick Hendrick. Dale fields a few questions from fans for Jeff, and they chat about how post-racing life has affected their at home environments with their families.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s time to gear up for Daytona, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. has a new edition of Dirty Air to get you ready for the high banks. After making his season debut in late model competition for the Icebreaker event at Florence Motor Speedway, there was a lot to chat about: Geoff Bodine’s new book Returning to roller skates Icebreaker recap Reliving the 2004 & 2014 Daytona 500 wins 10 years of Dale on Twitter Daytona 500 predictions During the Ask Jr. segment of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: Sneezing during a race The Menards Super Bowl commercial Advice for first Valentine’s Day dates Favorite pre-race activity for the Daytona 500 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us for the first-ever DJD Reloaded, the place on the Dale Jr. Download for fans to interact and recap the fully loaded week of podcasting. This week we will talk about: - Where the Clash should end up in the future? - Marty Smith and the "Full Speed" on Netflix - Early Championship Predictions (and Sleeper Picks!) 13:35:631 & m To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. kicks off the 2024 Download season with a bang by inviting his longtime friend and legendary ESPN Sports broadcaster Marty Smith to the Bojangles Studio. While the two have known each other since 1998, Dale had much to learn about Marty’s background and his rise to becoming one of the prominent figures in sports media today. Marty recounts his journey from interning for sports papers in college to becoming a full-time writer for NASCAR, a path that opened up after his pursuit of playing college baseball came to a halt.  As Dale continues into his post-racing life in the commentator’s booth, he wants to pick Marty’s brain about the art of juggling a hectic work-traveling schedule and his family life. Marty was very candid about the struggles his family faced as his work in racing kept him away from home for weeks on end, leaving his wife to raise their three children alone. Thanks to his renowned work ethic and personality, Marty has found his way into the homes of millions on ESPN College GameDay and the Marty & McGee Show.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns to the Bojangles Studio after the off season to usher in a new era of the Dale Jr. Download. To kick things off, Dale introduces listeners to the new layout of the Download, which will feature him as a stand-alone host interacting with various producers in the studio. On the heels of the Clash at the Coliseum, there was plenty of racing action to discuss: What's the future of the Clash? A lot of driver beef for an exhibition race Missing Daytona Speedweeks? Way too early 2024 Cup predictions Clash winner Denny Hamlin calls in During the first Ask Jr. segment of the season, listeners joined the Download crew via Youtube Live and sent in questions regarding: Funko Pops Super Bowl predictions Favorite Toby Keith songs Where Dale wants to race this year To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this improvised comedy podcast, Ike Barinholtz stars as controversial shock jock host Chris Chatman. Chatman’s hit podcast was canceled but he's listened, learned, and is back on the mic to finally win over a few female listeners. Or maybe even just one. In each episode, Chatman and his co-hosts Frankie (Lisa Gilroy) and the Professor (Neil Casey) unpack hot-button issues with expert guests but offend pretty much everyone in the process. Guest stars include Amy Poehler, Fred Armisen, Ashley Nicole Black, Carla Cackowski, Craig Cackowski, Liz Cackowski, Jessica St. Clair, E.R. Fightmaster, Ego Nwodim, Busy Philipps, Emily Spivey, and Alice Stanley Jr. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode of The Dale Jr. Download, we're counting down the best GUEST moments from this past season. We had a lot of great guests stop by the Bojangles studio in 2023. NASCAR legends like Donnie Allison, Tony Stewart, and Chip Ganassi. Longtime DEI employees Slugger Labbe, Richie Gilmore, and Steve Hmiel. Even WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes. Moments from this episode include; Hut Stricklin was Tom Cruise's driving coach? Chip Ganassi's surprising sale to Trackhouse, DEI memories, sponsorship-marriage hiccups, and heartfelt goodbyes. Enjoy! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Season 10 of The Dale Jr. Download has officially come to a close. Our Dirty Air segment brought us a lot of laughs, debates, and storylines. From Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson's beef to Chase Elliott being suspended, to Mike's Alabama playlist and Dale Jr.'s Cryotherapy experiment, there are many great moments to look back on! Here are the best Dirty Air moments from this past year on The Dale Jr. Download. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the first year of podcasting in the books for Denny Hamlin, it’s time to hash it out with the bossman, Dale Jr., in an end-of-the-year performance review. The two cover Denny’s new platform to speak his mind, the moments where he may have pushed the line, and whether or not Denny regrets receiving the infamous penalty early in the year.   The two also look ahead towards next year, discussing the possibility of NASCAR implementing an in-season bracket challenge, sports betting in the racing world, adding more horsepower to the Cup cars, and which guest is on the top of Denny’s list to join Actions Detrimental in Season 2. Plus, Hamlin provides an update on his recent shoulder surgery and shares how it impacted him late in the 2023 race season... and even into the offseason, leaving him with plenty of challenges on his hands before 2024.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is a Ronda Rousey rematch around the corner? In Chapter 2 of Next Level, host Andrew Kurland and MMA fighter Miesha Tate discuss her famous rivalry with Ronda Rousey, along with the legacy it left behind. Miesha opens up about the emotions she felt during that period of time, and shares where she stands with Ronda today. Miesha also dives into her return from retirement and how she approaches fighting differently in this new chapter of her career. What type of reactions do her kids have to her fighting? How does she cope with the concept of wins and losses? And what is the biggest struggle that professional athletes go through that isn't talked about? It's a conversation full of perspective, wisdom and insight that goes beyond the sports world. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the final episode of the Dale Jr. Download for this season and Dale Earnhardt Jr. bids longtime co-host Mike Davis farewell as he will not be joining the show next year. Mike explains that he’ll be stepping back from the show to better serve his position as President of Dirty Mo Media. The guys debriefed from their Wednesday interview with recent NASCAR Cup retiree Kevin Harvick. They also take the opportunity to fill out report cards for the 2023 NASCAR Playoffs roster and make some way too early predictions for next year.  During the Ask Jr. segment of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: The acceptable time of year to start listening to Christmas music Tipping for breaking up with someone Way too early New Year’s resolutions To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Harvick steps out of the driver’s seat and into the Bojangles Studio to join Dale Earnhardt Jr. on this episode of the Download. Fresh off his last start as a full-time Cup competitor, Kevin returns to the show to discuss his retirement weekend with Dale and co-host Mike Davis. Although he’s developed a reputation for being a stern personality, Kevin explains the overwhelming emotion he felt throughout the race weekend in Phoenix. They also chat about the things that Kevin thought he would miss about being behind the wheel and some of the advice he received from fellow retirees.  While he may be absent from the starting grid next year, Kevin will still be a prominent member of the sport both as a broadcaster, a racing dad, and a series owner. Dale and Kevin examine the transition from racer to commentator and what to look forward to in the Fox Sports booth next year. Kevin also highlights ways he hopes to impart knowledge to up-and-coming drivers through Kevin Harvick Inc. Management and being a car and series owner for the CARS Tour.  Finally, Kevin touches on prepping his son Keelan for a long racing career to help continue the Harvick racing legacy, which has spanned the last 30 years. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns from NASCAR’s Championship weekend at Phoenix to join co-host Mike Davis for this year’s final edition of Dirty Air. After crowing three new NASCAR champions in races that ranged from chaotic to nerve-racking, the guys had a lot to discuss: What to do when the Airbnb doesn’t have everything you need Why was the Truck race so chaotic? JR Motorsports has a lot to be proud of this season Was the Phoenix Cup Championship race a good race?  Dale’s early season Ryan Blaney prediction pays off To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On September 3, 2018, a rancher in Laredo, Texas, discovered a woman’s body shot execution-style on the side of the road. When investigators identified her as a local sex worker, their search for the killer took them into the darkest corners of the city. Then, after days of false starts and dead-ends, another body turned up, terrifying residents and leading law enforcement to conclude a serial killer is at large. More would die before a survivor finally came forward and identified the killer… but his motives proved as confounding as his crimes. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. reconvenes with co-host Mike Davis to close out another week of the Dale Jr. Download. The guys reflect on their episode 506 interview with Jamie McMurray, which covered his transition from NASCAR Cup racer to Fox Sports commentator. They also size up the Championship Fours of both the Xfinity and Cup Series as the NASCAR contingent heads to Phoenix to close out the season.  During the Ask Jr. segment of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: Driver recovery after a grueling race Dale’s most memorable Halloween costume growing up Best first-date ideas Traveling tips To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined by longtime NASCAR Cup racer and fellow broadcaster Jamie McMurray on this episode of the Dale Jr. Download. After finding his way into the racing world through the go-kart ranks in his hometown of Joplin, Missouri, Jamie began garnering attention as he found success racing late models at local tracks like Lebanon I-44, Bolivar Speedway, and I-70 Motorsports Park. Jamie explains that one of the interested parties was longtime NASCAR Truck team owner Mike Mittler, and after pairing up with him in 1999 he began a meteoric rise up the NASCAR ladder.  Jamie speaks about the pressure he felt when he was called up to the Cup Series by Ganassi Racing to fill in for an injured Sterling Marlin in 2002. It was during this stint that Jamie made history by winning his first Cup event in just his second attempt, at the UAM-GM Quality 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, an upset victory that shocked the sport. Dale and Jamie compare notes on transitioning from race driver to commentator and what fulfillment they find in the broadcast booth. They also reflect on their time as full-time drivers and how stepping away from the grind can give a new perspective on the sport. DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. Licensee partner Golden Nugget Lake Charles (LA). 21+, age varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. See DKNG.co/autoracing for eligibility, terms and responsible gaming resources. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back from the chaotic NASCAR weekend at Martinsville for another edition of Dirty Air. He joins co-host Mike Davis to break down all the action from the final races in the Round of 8: Bad teammates in must-win situations The fallout from the Sheldon Creed and Austin Hill incident Celebrating a win when the rest of the field crashed  Goodyear brought a great tire to Martinsville  Dale’s Championship pick is in the Final Four DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. Licensee partner Golden Nugget Lake Charles (LA). 21+, age varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. See DKNG.co/autoracing for eligibility, terms and responsible gaming resources. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the Bojangles Studio for a Wednesday edition of The Dale Jr. Download. Mike Davis joins Dale to discuss yesterday's conversation with Xfinity Series driver Austin Hill. Plus Dale and Mike share their opinions on NASCAR team branding and who's responsibility it is to build driver star power, the team or corporate America? When the Download crew took to YouTube Live for the Ask Jr. segment of the show, listeners sent in questions about: What Dale learned from running the Xfinity race at Homestead for the Cup broadcast What other celebrity or athlete Dale would like to interview before a race The wild events during the CARS Tour race at Tri-County NASCAR’s equivalent to Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce Silliest rumor Dale has heard about himself To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined by the driver of the Richard Childress number-21 Xfinity Series entry Austin Hill. Although Hill is locked in a fierce NASCAR Playoffs battle with JR Motorsports drivers Sam Mayer and Justin Allgaier, he and Dale set their competition aside for the day to better get to know one another. Austin explains that when he was a young boy he became enamored with NASCAR after his father began watching the sport. Taking inspiration from his childhood favorite driver Jeff Gordon, Austin proclaimed that he wanted to pursue racing, and at age six he entered the quarter midget driving ranks.  After spending his formative years working on his own cars and competing in family-prepared entries, Austin won his way through the K&N East Series and began seeking out opportunities in the NASCAR Trucks division. He recalls his first full-season ride came thanks to Young’s Motorsports, which brought about his first Series top-5 finish at Texas Motor Speedway in 2018. His impressive and consistent performances in the underfunded equipment impressed executives at Hattori Racing, and Austin locked up a multi-year deal driving not only the number-16 Truck entry but selective attempts in the Xfinity Series. After the deal fell apart due to funding issues, Austin disclosed how his current deal with Richard Childress Racing came together, where he continues to forge his path and establish himself as one of the premiere rising talents in NASCAR. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back after his top-5 finish in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Homestead for another episode of Dirty Air. After an up-and-down day at the race track, he and co-host Mike Davis had a lot to unpack: The short turnaround from practice to qualifying  What happened to cause the on-track incident with Josh Berry Behind the scenes of the pit road interview with PitBull Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. head to Martinsville below the cut-off line To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s time once again to close out the Download week as Dale Earnhardt Jr. is rejoined by special guest co-host Kelley Earnhardt Miller. They react to their Wednesday interview with Johnny Morris where they learned all about the origins of Bass Pro Shops and the many facets of the sporting goods empire. Dale also previews his return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series this weekend at Homestead, where he is looking forward to riding the high line in search of victory. Finally, no Thursday episode would be complete without the Flying Lap, where Dale reacts to clips from Actions Detrimental and Door Bumper Clear, and a report from the Short Track Insider. During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners wrote in questions regarding; Dale Earnhardt’s closest friend What kind of fish are in Dale Jr.’s aquarium? Go-to card games to play What’s the costume plan for this Halloween? Ideal sleeping temperature  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and special co-host Kelley Earnhardt Miller are joined by Johnny Morris, the founder and CEO of longtime racing sponsor and sporting goods empire Bass Pro Shops. The interview illustrates how Johnny rose from humble beginnings in the Ozarks of Missouri to creating a brand that not only revolutionized the outdoors industry but the consumer experience as a whole. Johnny recalls the family legend of first selling fishing lures out of his father’s Brown Derby liquor store in Springfield. Soon after, he developed his first catalog which helped the business rapidly grow. He then realized he needed a destination store to help attract his customers to Missouri, and the first Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World was born. The interview also covers how Johnny became involved with NASCAR after first being exposed to auto racing at the Springfield Fairgrounds. A chance meeting with Richard Childress and Dale Earnhardt at Charlotte Motor Speedway led to a collaboration between Bass Pro Shops and Richard Childress Racing. The merchandise produced to support the deal generated millions of dollars in revenue, which was donated to conservation efforts. Johnny explains that conservation is a major pillar of the Bass Pro Shops brand, and how passing along the outdoors tradition to future generations is essential for the prosperity of nature. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. makes his return to the Bojangles studio after a couple of weeks out of the office. He is joined by his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller to chat about life and recap the exciting NASCAR weekend in Las Vegas: Gas or bad breath?  Touch Tunes hijacking  Dale’s recent trip to urgent care Kyle Larson is locked into the Final Four To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelley Earnhardt Miller sets out to learn the fundamentals of operating a race track as she sits down with Millbridge Speedway owner Ashly Burnett. She and co-host Mike Davis interview Ashly about her long family history in racing and how it led her to take over a speedway herself. Ashly explains that after growing up in the St. Louis area, her father Darrell forged a path in dirt modified racing that took her to many Midwest short tracks every weekend in her formative years. His pursuit to become an engine builder eventually led the family to North Carolina, and her brother Nick has since become an accomplished dirt racer in his own right.  Ashly and her husband Jeremy Burnett came to own Millbridge when its former owner decided to get out of the sport. She recalls the process of learning how to manage a speedway as they went along, from acquiring the necessary equipment like tractors and track graders to keeping events organized and on schedule. She also touches on how the track remained open during COVID and actually experienced a boom in popularity that it continues to thrive from. Finally, the interview discusses how Millbridge has played home to not only NASCAR Cup stars, but their children, and how the speedway could very well be a training ground for the next generation of racing superstars. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is out of town this week celebrating his birthday, but no worries, Mike Davis is in the Bojangles Studio steering the ship. He is joined by the Dirty Mo Live crew and the boys recap the past weekend's race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL, Jeff Gordon's recent comments about drivers being outspoken, and Mike gives out some gifts to lucky fans in the JRM gift shop! Plus we've got Andrew Kurland's Man on the Street to close out the show! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Class is back in session as Kelley Earnhardt Miller returns for another episode of the Business of Motorsports. On this edition, she and co-host Mike Davis sit down with Josh Jones, the Vice President of Sports Marketing and Entertainment at Kevin Harvick Inc. Management. The main topics of discussion on the docket are driver representation, how to attain sponsors and what goes into contract negotiation. Josh explains how KHI transitioned from being a race team to a sports management firm, all stemming from a conversation had with UFC fighter Cowboy Cerrone. Since then, KHI has gone on to manage several race drivers, professional fighters, and PGA golfers. The interview also highlights Kevin’s ability to keep sponsors for long periods of his career, and what kind of work happens behind the scenes to keep all parties happy. Josh emphasizes the importance of media training in young drivers and how it’s not enough to just be a winner in today’s racing industry. Social media and branding for athletes are also covered, and how active content creation goes far for building a person’s brand. Finally, they dive deep into the make-up of today’s standard driver contracts and how much of negotiations rely upon sponsorship and bonus programs To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Dale Jr. Download, we're live from high in the sky as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Mike Davis are joined by LW Miller and Wyatt Miller to recap their experience from Lernerville Speedway at the High Limit Sprint Car Series race. From losing money on the tarmac to a surprise gift for Amy to riding in the push truck, Dale Jr., Mike, LW, and Wyatt had quite the night on dirt. Plus we hear from Hannah Newhouse with Short Track Insider, and the Dirty Mo Dough crew has your 5 bets to watch this weekend at Talladega. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mike Davis, and the Dirty Mo Media crew went to Lernerville Speedway Tuesday Night to see Kyle Larson and Brad Sweet's High Limit Sprint Car Series LIVE in action. Prior to the night festivities, Dale Jr. and Mike are joined by Kyle and Brad on stage in front of the front stretch grandstands for a live taping of The Dale Jr. Download. In this episode the guys talk to Kyle and Brad about how the series came together, the challenges of running a high-profile series, plus the future of the series. DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. Licensee partner Golden Nugget Lake Charles (LA). 21+, age varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. See DKNG.co/autoracing for eligibility, terms and responsible gaming resources. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. survived the hot Texas heat and returned to the Bojangles Studio for another episode of Dirty Air. He joins co-host Mike Davis to join in on this week’s discourse surrounding the Lonestar speedway and more: Isla was upset that Dale didn’t win Bristol What Cup driver milestones are really worth mentioning? Dale’s trip to the Big Apple Texas Motor Speedway is heading in the right direction There are storylines galore in the Cup Series this year During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions about: Cheating at Battleship The skeleton racing gloves Who was more competitive in racing, Kelley or Dale? Does Dale play golf? Free beer or free tacos? Favorite pizza toppings To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. reconvenes with his co-host Mike Davis to bring a close to an action-packed Dale Jr. Download week. The guys rehash their favorite moments from Wednesday’s interview with NASCAR Cup driver Justin Haley. Mike surprises Dale Jr. by bringing in the CEO of Lionel Howard Hitchcock to give a much-anticipated update on the new late-model stock diecast tool. Also the return of the Man On The Street. During the Ask Jr. segment of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: Commercial break chatter amongst the NBC Broadcasting team Dale’s recent profile picture change Attending a high school reunion Dale’s favorite board games DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. Licensee partner Golden Nugget Lake Charles (LA). 21+, age varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. See DKNG.co/autoracing for eligibility, terms and responsible gaming resources. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined on the Download this week by Kaulig Racing Cup driver Justin Haley. Back in July, Justin helped kick off the NASCAR silly season by announcing he was leaving his longtime home at Kaulig for Rick Ware Racing in 2024. Dale, co-host Mike Davis, and Justin discuss the move and the reasoning behind it. Justin explains that ultimately he wanted to bet on himself and believed in Ware’s determined approach to auto racing. Also, they analyze the back half of the Cup field and the huge gains teams like RWR and Front Row Motorsports have made with the NextGen Cup car. Justin fills listeners in on his journey through the world of motorsports, which began at the age of nine in the quarter midget class in Central Indiana. His Uncles Todd and Drew, who were both motorsports fanatics with ties to the industry, helped Justin embark on an ambitious path up the racing ladder. His climb up through the ranks saw him spend time in street stocks, late models, and Trans Am road racing. His 2016 K&N East Championship helped open the door to the upper echelon of NASCAR, becoming just the 32nd driver in history to have won races in the Trucks, Xfinity, and Cup Series. DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. Licensee partner Golden Nugget Lake Charles (LA). 21+, age varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. See DKNG.co/autoracing for eligibility, terms and responsible gaming resources. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the studio after a captivating performance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Bristol. He and co-host Mike Davis take a deep dive into his highly anticipated return to Thunder Valley: The pre-qualifying jitters  Changing your mindset to deal with anxiety Dealing with the prospect of not qualifying for the race Outperforming expectations and leading some laps Realizing his car was on fire and what caused it DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. Licensee partner Golden Nugget Lake Charles (LA). 21+, age varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. See DKNG.co/autoracing for eligibility, terms and responsible gaming resources. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. reconvenes with co-host Mike Davis to close out another week of the Dale Jr. Download. The guys discuss the results of Dale’s “management by strength” report and what it says about his personality. They also react to their incredible Wednesday interview with bass fishing legend and longtime friend of the Earnhardt family, Hank Parker Sr. Dale had several key takeaways from the chat with Hank that was enlightening and made him reflect differently on his relationship with his father. After that, Dale and Mike chat about the return of stage breaks at the ROVAL, Ty Majeski’s penalty, and Zane Smith’s future. During the Ask Jr. segment of the episode, listeners asked questions regarding: Dale’s recent trip to the antique store Choosing a different career path The emotions behind winning the first NASCAR race back after the 9/11 tragedy DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. Licensee partner Golden Nugget Lake Charles (LA). 21+, age varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. See DKNG.co/autoracing for eligibility, terms and responsible gaming resources. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a conversation that gave us some intensely emotional moments along with plenty of laughs, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined by a great friend of his dad’s - bass fishing legend Hank Parker Sr. Hank Parker and Dale Earnhardt were close friends who met even before they rose to the top of their respective fields. As they both experienced early career triumphs, with Hank winning the BassMaster Classic in 1979 and Dale winning the NASCAR Cup Championship in 1980, they began fishing and hunting together, forging a close bond that would carry through Dale’s passing in 2001. This interview covers everything from why Hank Sr. traded his fishing pole in for a stock car, his journey from working at a marina to becoming one of the most recognized outdoorsmen in history, and the time he spent in the wild with the Earnhardts, with the hilarious and poignant stories to prove it.  You may remember the racing endeavors of Hank’s son Hank Jr., who spent time in the All-Pro Series before moving up to the NASCAR Busch Series and eventually winning two races. But the racing bug and need for speed first resonated in Hank, and the story of how he bought a Busch Series car from Dale and attempted to qualify at Rockingham is one you won’t want to miss. Hank also fills Dale Jr. in on why Hank may be responsible for convincing Dale Earnhardt to buy Dale Jr.’s first late model, and then relays some deeply intimate conversations he had with Dale during their hunting trips over the years, showing a side of the Intimidator you’ve never seen before. DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. Licensee partner Golden Nugget Lake Charles (LA). 21+, age varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. See DKNG.co/autoracing for eligibility, terms and responsible gaming resources. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back from the NASCAR on NBC broadcasting booth in Kansas for a new episode of Dirty Air. While the NASCAR Cup Playoffs are fully underway, Dale and co-host Mike Davis had more than racing to discuss this week: A surprise gift from WWE The evolution of consuming music Mike won’t share his Spotify playlists, so don’t ask A small blunder during the Xfinity race broadcast Chase Elliott’s reaction to making contact with Kyle Larson DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. Licensee partner Golden Nugget Lake Charles (LA). 21+, age varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. See DKNG.co/autoracing for eligibility, terms and responsible gaming resources. Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance. Eligibility and deposit restrictions apply. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host Mike Davis reconvened in the Bojangles Studio to close out the Download week. In light of the comments on a video clip from Tuesday’s debate over the Bowman/Suarez Darlington incident, Dale once again tries to make his point clear to listeners. This leads to a debate between Dale and Mike over the concept of “reading the comments” and Dirty Mo Media’s mission statement in making content. After Wednesday’s incredible interview with WWE superstar Cody Rhodes, Dale is excited at the prospect of getting back into professional wrestling. There are also some NASCAR silly season developments, big opportunities for JRM late model ace Carson Kvapil, and another round of Immaculate Grid. During the Ask Jr. segment of the episode, listeners wanted to know about: Having a different pit crew for the Playoffs What a loose wheel feels like during a race What Dale thought of his first magazine cover shoot Race day superstitions DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Denny Hamlin gets the Lawn Chair Award for Darlington. Kansas doesn't look like a tough racetrack but crazy things always happen. Predictor model is big Truex Jr, Hamlin, Byron and Larson. What to expect from Chastain. Is Carson Hocevar a sleeper for a top-10 pick? Kansas isn't a great track for Ty Gibbs. Should you look at making top-5 bets? The Professor's updated matchup tool was a success, so the guys are big on those bets. What's The Bet. And, a quick look at college and NFL bets DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Cody Rhodes may seem worlds apart on the surface, but their paths through life hold many similarities. On this episode of the Dale Jr. Download, the American Nightmare himself joins Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis to discuss their likeness: growing up in the shadow of a generational figure. Dale Jr. shares that while growing up, he used to watch Cody’s father, the iconic Dusty Rhodes, on Saturday morning matinee presentations of NWA Wrestling on television. Meanwhile, Cody recalled the experience of discovering his father’s legacy at an early age, and how over time he developed the inclination to follow in his footsteps. They chat about the internal conflict of being immensely proud of their fathers while wanting to forge a path of their own.  The conversation unpacks Cody’s stellar amateur wrestling career in high school, a sport he originally pursued to prove the legitimacy of his father’s career as a professional. They also discuss him taking on a position at WWE at an early age, and the idea that perhaps he was moved up from the developmental ranks too quickly simply because he was Dusty’s son. Cody speaks on playing the role of Stardust and how the rigidness of the WWE writers at the time led to him burning his bridges and returning to the independent circuit to reinvent himself. He also dives into his catastrophic pectoral injury and how he wrestled through it, only to return to glory on the Wrestlemania stage. DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back from the opening round of the NASCAR Playoffs to join co-host Mike Davis for some Dirty Air. As usual, the Lady in Black pushed drivers to the limits, and the NASCAR post-season started off on a dramatic note: Dale’s surprise race at Florence Speedway Sam Mayer’s run-in with Parker Kligerman Writing script vs. talking naturally Kevin Harvick’s costly pit penalty Alex Bowman and Daniel Suarez’s big crash DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The dust has settled on the greatest NASCAR Cup season in history, and it’s time to recap all that we’ve learned about 1979. Dale Earnhardt Jr. invites some of the guests from BECOMING EARNHARDT for a roundtable discussion to recount all that we’ve learned and conclude some of our favorite character’s stories. Dale’s aunts Cathy Watkins and Kaye Snipes as well as Osterlund Racing crew member Doug Richert return as first-hand character witnesses who helped bring the story of 1979 to life. The chat once again sets the dial back to the beginning of 1979 and views Dale Earnhardt through the eyes of his family, as he’s getting ready to embark on the biggest opportunity in his young racing career. It also dissects complicated characters like Jake Elder and the team dynamic at Osterlund Racing. They dive into the significance of the NASCAR Cup Rookie of the Year in 1979 and just how close things got in the race between Dale and Joe Millikan. Finally, some new details are revealed about the severity of Dale’s injury at Pocono and his lengthy hospital stay and time out of the driver’s seat DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After 27 grueling weeks, it comes down to the final four races. Somehow, after all the roster changes, crashes, fights and calamity, there are two tight points races to be decided. As the NASCAR Cup contingent prepares for the last stretch, the season points championship and the Rookie of the Year battles have never been closer.  Dale Earnhardt surely had the rookie crown locked up after his stunning victory at Bristol in April, but the trusty DeWitt team and their unproven chauffeur Joe Millikan have kept him in sight. After Dale’s disastrous crash and time on the sideline, Millikan took full advantage and strung together a series of top-10 finishes to take over the top spot in the standings. In the Grand National points race, Darrell Waltrip jumped out to an early lead and never looked back for most of the season. But after a catastrophic sequence of engine failures and crashes, the DiGard team seems to have begun to crumble under the pressure of winning their first season championship. Even worse, the King Richard Petty has been steadily getting closer in the rearview mirror, and he has his sights set on an unprecedented seventh Cup crown.  Join us as we go down to the wire in the greatest NASCAR Cup season in history. We’ll unpack the final four events: North Wilkesboro, Rockingham, Atlanta and Ontario. By the end of it, we will have decided two incredible points contests, with winners who represent NASCAR’s past and future. DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back from the NASCAR Regular Season finale at Daytona for another episode of Dirty Air. He joins co-host Mike Davis to break down the superspeedway action and debate a few other topics: The etiquette of liking or not liking bad news on social media Atlanta is NOT a superspeedway Justin Allgaier’s big Daytona win High speeds, big crashes and improved safety The debut of some new Dale Jr. Download segments During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners wrote in questions regarding: Have Dale’s favorite things held up since 2001? The story behind the relic Budweiser case Karsyn Elledge’s appearance on Claim to Fame Dale’s iPhone wallpaper and lock screen photos DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ROAD TRIP! Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Mike Davis take the Dirty Mo Crew on the road for today's episode. Fresh off the track at Martinsville testing for NASCAR's MX5 support series, Dale Jr. describes how the cars drive, how similar they are to a stock car, and what the future may look like for the series at Martinsville Speedway. Plus Dale Jr. and Mike react to the release of Becoming Earnhardt Volume 7, Denny Hamlin's spicy comments about Sam Mayer from Watkins Glen, and so much more! Plus another short track update from Hannah Newhouse on Short Track Insider. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we roll into the CRC Chemicals 500 at Dover Downs International Speedway, our hero Dale Earnhardt has settled back into his role as driver of the Osterlund Racing number 2. However, six weeks out of the action has compromised his stamina, and his first race back the prior week in Richmond saw him seeking out assistance from fellow racer Lennie Pond. 500 miles at the challenging, high-banked one-mile oval in Delaware is demanding enough for a healthy driver, but for someone who is still mending two broken collarbones it’s unthinkable. Then again, that’s the Dale Earnhardt we’ve all come to know so well: never backing down from any challenge. In episode seven of Becoming Earnhardt, we deep dive into races 25 through 27 of the 1979 NASCAR Cup season. Three 500-mile contests at three of the most demanding speedways on the circuit: Dover Downs, Martinsville and Charlotte. With the Rookie of the Year battle at stake thanks to the continuous, consistent performance of Joe Milllikan, Dale Earnhardt is prepared to risk further injury to his already weakened body to claim the title sure to be the ticket to a bright future in the top ranks of stock car racing. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back to start another week of the Dale Jr. Download with his co-host Mike Davis. This episode is a little out of the ordinary, as it involves a field trip. All the while, the guys had plenty to discuss: Denny Hamlin’s ongoing contract negotiations NASCAR NextGen’s road course problems Sam Mayer’s last lap bump to Ty Gibbs Dale Jr. getting behind the wheel at an IMSA test at Martinsville To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host Mike Davis return once again to the Bojangles Studio to close out the Download week. The guys discuss the latest episode of Becoming Earnhardt which finds Dale Earnhardt watching the 1979 NASCAR Cup season from the sidelines after a major crash at Pocono. They discuss the psychology of the racer and what Dale may have been thinking at the moment, as well as the progression of driver injury rehabilitation protocol. Dale reacts to Noah Gragson’s recent release from Legacy Motor Club and offers up suggestions as to what he should do next in his career. Also, there is a preview of the new NASCAR Classics platform, a round of Immaculate Grid, and a bit from the Short Track Insider. DraftKings State-Specific Problem Gambling Information: In Massachusetts, call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, In New York, call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Tennessee and Kansas, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). In West Virginia, Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.1800gambler.net. All games regulated by the West Virginia Lottery. Please play responsibly. In partnership with Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a rookie season of the ages, until it wasn’t. A cut tire and Pocono’s unforgiving steel boiler-plate walls left Dale Earnhardt with two broken collarbones and an open-ended timeframe for recovery. The NASCAR Cup circuit would then roll on as he began to mend in an East Stroudsburg, PA hospital. The progress he made in the stock car ranks and his grip on the 1979 Rookie of the Year award would be tested as his closest competitors in the freshman race would continue onward. Even worse, his own ride and future could be in jeopardy, as the Osterlund Racing team makes a call to one of the greatest drivers in history to fill-in during the interim.  On this episode of Becoming Earnhardt, our exploration of the 1979 NASCAR Cup season unpacks races 20 through 24. Our main character will wrestle with watching from the sidelines as his blue and yellow number-2 gets driven by a NASCAR legend at some of his favorite tracks. The Cup contingent returns to Talladega, Michigan, Bristol and Darlington. When the Osterlund crew finds victory lane without him, Dale makes a miraculous return to the driver’s seat, defying his doctors, the press and the rest of the NASCAR garage. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back from the Racing Capital of the World to join co-host Mike Davis for another episode of Dirty Air. After a compelling NASCAR race weekend in Indianapolis and some new developments in the life of fatherhood, the guys had plenty to unpack: Isla’s first day of kindergarten Michael McDowell’s emotional win How did the road course ringers fare?  Is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval coming back? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shane Van Gisbergen stops by the Bojangles Studio to chat with Dale Earnhardt Jr. in preparation for his highly anticipated return to NASCAR action this weekend in Indianapolis. After a stunning upset victory in his first NASCAR Cup attempt at the Chicago Street Course, SVG announced his plans to follow up his impressive debut by invading the Racing Capital of the World. He has also made it clear that he’d like to pursue NASCAR racing full-time in 2024, and he unpacks what that may look like with Dale Jr. and Download co-host Mike Davis.  But before that can become a reality, SVG is set to see how he’ll fare in pavement oval competition as he embarks on his first NASCAR Truck start for Niece Motorsports at Indianapolis Raceway Park. SVG explains that most of his experience in oval racing came early in his career in the quarter midget ranks, as well as some winged sprint car races he ran more recently. Dale Jr. provides some pointers on how to get around the 0.686-mile speedway and what to expect from Trucks competition. They also discuss SVG’s use of heel-and-toe shifting, the world of Australian V8 Supercars, and the rest of the ringers for this coming weekend in Indy. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s June of 1979 and 28-year-old Dale Earnhardt is feeling as confident as ever. With a notch in the win column and top five finishes in the last three races, the rookie seems to have found his place amongst the stock car racing elite. As episode five of Becoming Earnhardt opens, the NASCAR Cup circuit travels to the Lone Star State to take on the daunting Texas World Speedway. Dale would once again race his way into the spotlight, nipping at the heels of eventual race winner Darrell Waltrip before a mechanical failure sent him into the wall and made him settle for a 12th place finish. But the impressive showing had Ol’ DW once again admitting in victory lane, “when all the seasoned veterans retire, it’ll be Dale Earnhardt I’ll have to contend with.” It’s during this episode that the NASCAR garage gets its first glimpse at the on-track aggression that would eventually become “The Intimidator”. In a late race hustle at Michigan International, Dale makes a daring move that sends many top contenders scrambling, bringing about the ire of the very drivers who had been singing his praises. And while this constructive feedback from his mentors may have had him reconsidering his standing in the Cup ranks, it didn’t seem to slow him down any. As the Cup schedule hits the Poconos and Dale takes on the Tricky Triangle for the first time in his career, he is dealt a turn of events that will leave his dreams of being a NASCAR Champion in doubt.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns from a rainy weekend in Michigan to join co-host Mike Davis for another episode of Dirty Air. With a star-studded NASCAR Cup race set for this coming weekend at the Indianapolis Road Course, the guys handicap the top ringers in the field, being Kamui Kobayashi, Shane Van Gisbergen, and Brodie Kostecki. They also recap Chris Buescher’s big win at Michigan and what it means for Roush-Fenway-Keselowski Racing and the rest of the Ford manufacturing roster.  During the Ask Jr. segment, listeners sent in questions regarding: What traits Dale looks for in young drivers Should all tracks have lights? Ideal songs for personal entrance music Favorite Washington Commanders moments witnessed in person What movie do you wish you could rewatch for the first time? To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns to wrap up the Download week with his co-host Mike Davis. The guys recap Sam Mayer’s first career Xfinity win. They check in on the ever-changing “bubble battle” as the NASCAR Cup Regular Season draws to a close. They also chat about the Xfinity Series’ big announcement that their future race broadcasts will be televised on the CW. Shane Van Gisbergen has announced his plans to race in NASCAR full-time next year, but where will he land? The guys hear from the Short Track Insider and tackle a new game, NASCAR’s Immaculate Grid.  During the Ask Jr. segment of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding:  Dale’s choice in sneakers What it was like to shoot the new Bojangles commercial Regular Season Championship significance  Playoff points carrying over between rounds What volume Dale prefers his music at in his car To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Basking in the glory of his first NASCAR Cup victory, rookie Dale Earnhardt finds himself in the conversation of the top talents in the garage area. Not only has he put the heat on the rest of the rookie class with his triumph, but he’s put stock car racing’s veterans on notice: the kid from Kannapolis is the real deal. But following up his win would be no easy task, as the next event on the Cup schedule would take him to the track deemed Too Tough To Tame, and the Lady in Black had many hard lessons to teach an overconfident freshman.  After Darlington and his first trip to the Paperclip, Dale and the rest of the NASCAR contingent take on a grueling month of May, which includes the fastest race weekend to date at Talladega, a brutal 500-lapper at Dover and the longest contest in stock car racing, the World 600. Join us on this episode of Becoming Earnhardt as we unpack races 8 through 13 of the greatest NASCAR season ever, 1979. Our main character has found the spotlight, but it will be tested by not only some of the toughest events on the calendar but a toe-to-toe battle with none other than the King of NASCAR himself. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices