The Dale Jr. Download

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