The Dale Jr. Download

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355 - Jordan Taylor: Awkward Badass Aug 31, 2021

Show notes

Never judge a book by its cover... IMSA Sportscar racer Jordan Taylor is a perfect example of the saying. A clean-cut, put-together, shy young racer who has a heavy foot, and much to the delight of Dale Earnhardt Jr, a strange sense of humor that makes him one of the most interesting racers on the planet.

The second-generation driver comes in nervous to one of the biggest interviews of his career at the table with Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis. Although admittedly sweaty and nervous, the layers break down quickly and we learn what makes this unique personality so relatable to so many. From his alter-ego on social media to the wild videos he posts, most of what Jordan does comes from real-life stories. He shares the hilarity of several of these tales from his first girlfriend not turning out to be what he expected and the nightmare that ensued, to his Instagram getting hacked and the threat of nude photos on the black market. Yeah, if that wasn't enough for ya, how about a tale of a surprise colonoscopy. We told you he was interesting.

Besides his dynamic internet presence, Taylor is a very accomplished young racer. He explains how he went from a kid watching his dad race to becoming a Championship sportscar driver. He and Dale share stories of their experiences at the 24-hours of Daytona. Dale opens up about his blunders behind the wheel while racing with his father and the Corvette team. This leads to an unreal Dale Jr. story of how his dad found out that he smoked cigarettes!

Why did Taylor, a champion in the IMSA Prototype division, make the bold decision to leave those cars to move away from his family team and race for Chevrolet and Team Corvette in the GT LeMans ranks? We uncover the mindset behind the decision. How close has Jordan come to racing stock cars in NASCAR? Dale Jr. opens up about his attempts to get the road course ace behind the wheel of a car at JR Motorsports.

Jordan Taylor recently finished second in the prestigious 24 Hours of LeMans and raced with a black Dale Earnhardt tribute helmet. Well, Taylor didn't just bring the helmet with him, he shocked the room by giving the helmet to Dale Earnhardt Jr as a gift of appreciation.

Before Taylor came into the studio, Dale and the DJD gang discuss the recent Daytona weekend, which included Amy and Isla making the special trip. What makes Dale Jr. so tickled about having his three-year-old daughter at the race track? They also discuss the Daytona Beach and Road Course exploring that Lost Speedways spawned on social media. With Darlington on the horizon, which is not far from Myrtle Beach Speedway, Dale shares some of the best stories that didn't make the popular episode of the Peacock TV show.

In AskJr presented by Xfinity, Leah selects some fan questions about iRacing and the possibility of mapping the famed Beach and Road Course. Could it really happen? Dale Jr. also shares his feelings about Whoop data and what the technology that monitors driver heart rates could mean moving forward and beyond the scope of the NASCAR on NBC broadcasts.

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354 - Buckshot Jones: Ole Country Boy Aug 24, 2021

Show notes

He came in like a flash of lightning and then was gone, but along the way a NASCAR racer named Buckshot Jones made quite the name for himself. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host Mike Davis sit down with the mysterious and controversial racer. Buckshot wasn't always known by his colorful name, and his real name had a sense of toughness as well. From the farms of Georgia sprouted a teenager with the desire to race. His self-made father helped pave the way with a plan as unique as his son's brand. His first car may have been a dusty barn find, but soon Jones was at the pinnacle of the NASCAR ranks in the Cup Series. As you could guess with a name like Buckshot, he got a lot of attention along the way. The Georgia boy moved to South Carolina to take lessons from a successful crew chief and his legendary father. From Darlington tips to shooting quarters, David Pearson taught the young driver some valuable lessons. Souvenir sales and on-track success were often rivaled by controversy. Keeping up with the NASCAR rap-sheet of the aggressive Jones became a challenge for some. We find out the real story of what started his rivalry with Randy LaJoie. Let's just say it all started in a hotel parking lot. The headlines of their tangles in some ways defined the career of Jones, who wouldn't back down from even a seasoned Champion such as LaJoie. Dale Jr. and Buckshot even hash out the wreck at Daytona, that pissed off Dick Trickle and sent the young Earnhardt on his roof during his first race at Daytona. Speaking of Earnhardts, even Dale Sr. wasn't pleased with Jones. But this time, Buckshot was quick to point out that the Intimidation was real.

After a few years, poof, it was over. No double-zero car. No six-shooter logo. Where did Buckshot go? The Download finds out...

Before Buckshot's arrival to the studio, Dale comes clean about who America's Crew Chief really is and what caused the chatter between the NBC booth boys and some broadcasters at Fox. Once that is solved, we learn that Mike Davis has a problem that needed solving. It involved a wet carpet, an angry wife, and unwanted videotaping. Dale and the DJD gang offer their advice to getting back on the good side of Sarah Davis.

The day before the podcast, Dale Jr.'s curiosity led him to ask fans about his Peacock TV show Lost Speedways. Hear what they have to say and his challenge for this week at Daytona.

Speaking of fans... they bring the heat this week with questions for the two-time Daytona 500 Champion. Dale Jr. admits to a few cheat fails during his time racing Late Models in this week's AskJr presented by Xfinity. Dale addresses rumors of NASCAR at the Los Angeles Coliseum and talks about the resurgence of AJ Almendinger in the Xfinity Series.

That and much more on the Dale Jr. Download.

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353 - Dale Inman: Family Matters Aug 17, 2021

Show notes

One of the all-time greats, NASCAR Legend Dale Inman, walks into the studio to sit down with Dale Earnhardt Jr and talk about the shaping of the Petty racing dynasty. From humble beginnings in rural North Carolina grew local legends and a driver that would turn into an American icon. "The King" Richard Petty was the driver and the crew chief that led the way was Inman. The 8-time NASCAR Cup Series champion talks about growing up as a part of the Petty family and gives a unique insight into Lee Petty and the early days of Petty Enterprises. Inman tells the wild story of how he and Maurice Petty drove the racecar across the country to race in California. He was there for Richard Petty's first race at Columbia Speedway in 1958 and is still with Petty Motorsports to this day. From near tragedies to the greatest triumphs of all, winning seven titles and seven Daytona 500's, Inman has lived it all.

The Petty family was a tight-knit group on the race track and off. They had each other's backs, including standing up to anyone who challenged their driver. Inman shares stories of incidents and fights, including he and Maurice standing up for The King. During one incident, a knife was pulled. Inman was there. The family matters also produced a split that surprised the racing world, with Dale Inman parting ways with the family team in 1981 shortly after winning the Great American Race. Why? It's a topic that Inman still struggles to talk about today.

The split wasn't what Inman wanted, but the time away from Petty resulted in a few years of results and racing stories. From working with a young Dale Earnhardt and racing for a controversial coal miner, to winning the 1984 title with Texas Terry, it's a time where Inman was out on his own and showed the world he was one of the greatest of all time.

Before Inman sat at the table, Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis broke down Indianapolis and the curb-chaos that dominated the headlines and Monday morning water-cooler conversation. In addition, Dale brings up some often used lingo, a Dale-ism, that piqued wife Amy Earnhardt's interest. Let's just say "Imawl" let y'all listen and laugh!

In AskJr presented by Xfinity, Leah dishes out fan questions ranging from Dale's search for a square-body truck to if red-hot racer Kyle Larson should consider racing in the Indianapolis 500. Dale Jr. also reveals details about his father's "Deer Head Shop" on the grounds of Dale Earnhardt Inc.

That and much more on this packed podcast!

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352 - Jerry Nadeau: Racing Was My Life Aug 10, 2021

Show notes

Two racers, two head injuries. One that ended a promising career. This week on The Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr sits down with former NASCAR driver Jerry Nadeau.

Nadeau answers Dale's curiosity about how he even came on the NASCAR scene in the first place. From racing go-karts in Connecticut to racing overseas, it is an unlikely path and a very sudden arrival into NASCAR. From living all over Europe with a suitcase full of foreign money to becoming an unlikely American speedster at Brands Hatch, Nadeau eventually made it to NASCAR and quickly to one of the top teams of the sport, Hendrick Motorsports.

His time with Hendrick was short but had flashes of brilliance. He reminisces about the time he beat Earnhardt and got the ultimate post-race gesture. From wood chips in the springs to fast cars, there was no doubt he was at a place that wanted to win. Unfortunately, the success was few and far between. Conflict arose and Nadeau was let go from his ride.

The very next year, while growing with a brand new team, it was over. A horrific crash at Richmond International Raceway ended his career and nearly his life. The brain trauma he suffered caused immense life change. Where would he go? What would he do? Nadeau opens up about his rehab, recovery, and struggles to find purpose outside of racing.

He doesn't remember much from that fateful day. What he does know, he details with Dale and co-host Mike Davis. Jerry reveals a seat adjustment that he made that may have impacted his head injury in the 128-g accident.

Dale Jr shares his own personal battle with concussions and connects with his former competitor on head injuries and how to move on from them.

Before Nadeau arrived at the studio, Dale Jr had the entire room in stitches. He details life at his vacation home and how he had an epic battle with rats that included traps and, of all things, soap. What happened at the beach, doesn't stay at the beach. In what Amy Earnhardt called "life-saving" Dale Jr. talks about how an almost unthinkable act, took away all of the pain from a jellyfish sting. Oh, and if that wasn't enough when Dale got home he had a battle with a pack of angry wasps that took residence in his daughter's playhouse.

During AskJr presented by Xfinity, Leah drops a wide variety of questions from getting Dale's take on the potential of street courses in NASCAR to his only motorcycle. Then, in a surprising turn, we find out the incredible resolution of the great boat debate.

That and much more on this episode of The Download.

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351 - Will Cronkrite: The Storyteller Aug 03, 2021

Show notes

He's not just a humble man with gray hair, an old Goodyear hat, and red suspenders, Will Cronkrite is a former NASCAR crew chief and car owner full of amazing stories that Dale Earnhardt Jr. wants the world to hear. His #96 car gave Dale Earnhardt what many consider to be his big break in NASCAR and Dale Jr. gets the low-down on how it all happened. As a "scrawny kid" he stood in his father's truck at Cronkrites shop as they readied the car for the World 600, a part of Dale Jr.'s life that Will brings to life in this fascinating conversation. The story was so much more! How did Willy T. Ribbs and Humpy Wheeler help create a chance that would springboard The Intimidator's career? Cronkrite details the early days of a father and NASCAR Hall of Famer.

Cronkrite's life changed with the tragic death of his wife and children. It was at this moment that everything pivoted to Auto Racing. He took his intense work ethic and desire from the cornfields of Ohio, to Indianapolis, and eventually the top-ranks of NASCAR. Along the way, he worked with legendary drivers like Benny Parsons, David Pearson, Donnie Allison, Mark Martin, Ricky Rudd, and more. He also worked around some characters, like tough Minnesotan Joe Frasson. Cronkrite shares a crash story for the ages with Frasson, bloodied, insisting on Cronkrite taping his hand to the steering wheel.

Before he arrived in the southern stock car world, Cronkrite experienced a different side of racing in the Chicagoland area. He reveals how things were different in racing up there and how he was rewarded with diamonds for good performance. He also tells the tale of a gruesome fight that led to jail time and the fear of what was to happen when he was sprung by a "connected" individual involved in the racing operation. It's a story you have to hear to believe.

Cronkrite talks about many racing topics from DiGard Racing, to working with a gutsy racing pioneer named Janet Guthrie. He also shares stories from his months working on the hit Burt Reynolds movie Stroker Ace, including when Dale Sr. shook down the Chicken Pit Special. The colorful Cronkrite tells a story about actress Loni Anderson and a lucky penny that he still has to this day.

Before bringing in Cronkrite, Dale and co-host Mike Davis have an open discussion about how "me" turns to "we" after marriage. In AskJr presented by Xfinity, we find out what Dale Jr. predicts for 2022 with Roush Racing and new co-owner driver Brad Keselowski. He also talks about going radio-style at the Glen and the origins of his popular skeleton driving gloves.

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350 - Josef Newgarden: Inflection Point Jul 27, 2021

Show notes

Dale Earnhardt Jr brings two-time Indycar Champion Josef Newgarden to the studio for a conversation that turned out to be one of our favorites of the season. Why? Because the American open-wheeled racer is a dynamic personality in the sport on and off the track. Dale Jr. gets Josef to tell us about his forbidden desire to become a racer and how his first shot at racing came in sanctioned international scooter racing. From starting with scooters, how did a Nashville, Tenn.,-area native take a path through Europe to end up an IndyCar driver? It's a story that doesn't make much sense to some but is certainly intriguing.

Newgarden credits his father's influence, belief, and sometimes "hands-off" approach to making him into the racer he is. Oh, plus he played a role in introducing Josef to a Disney princess, who then became his wife. Oh yeah, it's that interesting of a story!

He talks about a Team USA racing scholarship that paved the way to success overseas. However, that success was met with challenges and at one point depression admits Newgarden before coming back to the states at the low point of his career. Then the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself and the determined young racer seized it. Fast forward a few years and he's a two-time IndyCar Champion racing for one of the biggest teams in the sport, Penske Racing. Newgarden opens up about the turning points that happened in this incredible journey.

Newgarden and Dale Jr. go over the new street circuit in the downtown streets of Nashville and the excitement building up to the Nashville Grand Prix. How will the surface, layout, and the big bridge over the river affect the event? Will a diving team be on hand?

The 30-year old driver talks about how one of his favorite drivers, 7-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson, has transitioned to the IndyCar ranks and what challenges he has faced in the process. That and so much more in this dynamic interview between a stock car racer and IndyCar driver.

Aside from Josef's visit, Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis get into a good discussion following the viral impact of the discussion about beer and if you count it when keeping track of your calories. Dale also admits to a recent slip-up in using terms he uses with his children. From tee-tee to tinkle, it might make you giggle. Plus we find out if Dale Jr. "really" loves the Dale Jr. Download team.

Ask Jr. presented by Xfinity gets the five-ring treatment as fans inquire about Dale Jr.'s opinions on the Olympic games. He also lets us in on his mindset as his only race of 2021 approaches, the Xfinity Series race at Richmond International Speedway in Virginia. What's Dale's rib preference? Does our host like 'em dry or sauced? Get your napkin ready for the answer.

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Bonus: Brand New Podcast by Dirty Mo Media Jul 22, 2021

Show notes

From the creators of The Dale Jr. Download, Door Bumper Clear, and Lost Speedways, comes the brand new racing history podcast, "Glorious, White-Knuckled, God-Fearing, Spun-Out-And-Half Turned-Over Racing Stories." Veteran racing journalist Rick Houston brings his archival interviews and stories back to life with a fresh new design. Here's a preview of what to expect from Dirty Mo Media's newest endeavor.

Check out Dirty Mo Media on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DirtyMoMedia

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`349 - Leonard Wood: Loyalty and Innovation Jul 20, 2021

Show notes

NASCAR was only two years old the first time the Wood Brothers took to the track in 1950. 71 years later, Dale Earnhardt Jr. gets the chance to sit down with a true pioneer of the sport, the great Leonard Wood of the famed Wood Brothers Racing Team. Wood talks about his beginnings in the sport in 1950 and how they grew from some street racing, lumber hauling kids to one of the most respected teams in auto racing. Leonard tells Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis about early tales from their first racecar catching on fire, racing with Curtis Turner, and one-on-one match races on the beaches of Daytona.

Leonard and his brothers are widely known for their innovation in the sport. He shares the story of the washing machine engine go-kart that started it all. Whether it was pulling an engine off a Ford assembly line and modifying it for stock car racing, or trick spindles, the Wood Brothers' minds always led to advancement. They even got the invite by Henry Ford to pit a car in the Indianapolis 500. So how did a bunch of Virginia stock car boys do? Well, they won the race and revolutionized the pit stop along the way.

Leonard opens up about some of the best drivers they ever had in their racecars, including greats like AJ Foyt, Cale Yarborough, and David Pearson. He also reveals why the split with Pearson really happened and what regrets he has over it. The rivalry between Pearson and Richard Petty pretty much defined an era of American Stock Car racing.

Dale Jr also gets the answer he was seeking from Leonard about the origins of their famed number-21 and how it came to be. He also finds out why the little race team from Stuart, Virginia has always remained loyal to the Ford Motor Company.

Before Leonard entered the studio, Dale, Mike, and producer Matthew Dillner talk about losing weight and the app that helps do it. But, when counting calories... does beer count?

In the Ask. Jr. segment, Dale Jr. answers fan questions about running "The Boot" at Watkins Glen and if Lewis Hamilton would entertain running Stock Cars. We also learn that Dale is a fan of terrestrial radio.

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348 - Chipper Jones: Just Win Jul 13, 2021

Show notes

Two Hall of Famers sit-down, one who held a steering wheel, the other, held a bat. Dale Earnhardt Jr welcomes baseball legend, Chipper Jones, to the Download. . The two athletes waste no time getting to know each other. and share their interest in the other's sport. Before flashing the leather, Chipper was a huge race fan, growing up attending big races like the Daytona 500. He was even there when the King captured win number-200. The two compare coming up in the minor leagues on the diamond with striving to the top-level of NASCAR through the Xfinity Series. The Earnhardt family is known for being big Atlanta Braves fans. Chipper talks about the day Dale Sr. invited him into the hauler at the races.

The big and bold Jones gets real about some of the biggest topics surrounding the sport of baseball today, including the use of foreign substances on baseballs by pitchers. He details the use of pine tar on bats and shares his true thoughts on the advantages. The former third-baseman talks about how he was able to tip pitches and shares details of his battles against pitchers like Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens. Chipper talks about his intensity on the field and off and how it translated into occasional issues such as fighting with teammates. Speaking of teammates, Jones reveals who the biggest prankster in baseball was and tells the tale of one truly disgusting prank pulled in the Braves locker room.

Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis talk about the controversy surrounding the upcoming reconfiguration of Atlanta Motor Speedway and their take on the NASCAR drivers' very public reaction to the matter. Dale talks about what he sees in the new-and-improved Kurt Busch. Has he finally got rid of the grump?

Since we had a baseball guest it was only fitting that a fan on Ask Jr presented by Xfinity brought up Dale Jr.'s big game-ending play in a charity baseball game. Dale goes down memory lane about a game he didn't even know he was going to play in.

Oh... and we talk about Dale Jr.'s bright pink outfit on the NASCAR on NBC broadcast and how it sparked an unexpected "Woo!" from an old friend.

Check out Dirty Mo Media on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DirtyMoMedia

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347 - Jimmy Means: Racing to Survive Jul 06, 2021

Show notes

Dale Earnhardt Jr gets an opportunity to sit down with his favorite driver of all-time, a scrappy independent NASCAR driver named Jimmy Means. Growing up as a child Dale Jr was friends with Jimmy's son Brad. While running around the track, Dale became a huge fan of Jimmy Means and still is to this day. Dale finds out so much about his hero from his humble beginnings through the dirty-fingernail journey of a weekend warrior low-budget driver and car owner in the upper ranks of racing. How humble? His racing story started as a paperboy.

The Alabama driver discusses his start on the local short tracks and how he took a junkyard car to the high banks of the Daytona International Speedway. He discusses what it was like going wheel to wheel with some of the sports' biggest stars while on a sliver of the budget as the big teams. That created challenges on and off the track that included buying what he still

thinks was a "hot" car, rooming 14-guys in a hotel room, sharing pit crews, and putting a racecar engine into the hauler to make it home from the track. Jimmy tells us how he got the nickname Smut in the first place and how it stuck.

Jimmy opens up about his big opportunity to fill in for an ill Tim Richmond at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the disappointment that followed his one-and-done chance in top-notch equipment. Dale Jr. also reveals how emotional of a moment it was for both he and Jimmy's son. Means discusses how he filled in for Richmond but couldn't fill a certain area of his driver's suit. From that chance came real tears then relationships that helped Means along the way. He explains how Rick Hendrick, years later, was as generous of a person in the sport as any.

Means towed on the road with a volunteer crew much of his racing career. That led to many fun moments and some that could've been really bad. He tells a story of a headache powder remedy gone wrong that has Dale and co-host Mike Davis in shock.

Dale Jr. comes into the studio hot with a lot to talk about. Does Road America work a 4th of July replacement for Daytona? Were the cautions too long and should NASCAR make changes to lengthy road course yellows? Dale and Mike disagree about possible solutions. We also learn that Dale Jr likes "supportive emojis" and that he set off a fire alarm in his house at 1 AM.

In AskJr presented by Xfinity, we get insight into what shooting an episode of Lost Speedways is like and answer fan questions about specific episodes of the Peacock TV Original show. We also learn who Dale's road racing mentors were helping him learn the nuances of left and right turns.

That and a fun extra Jimmy Means story that we were able to squeak into Last Call. This episode of The Dale Jr. Download is packed full of tasty treats.

Check out Dirty Mo Media on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DirtyMoMedia

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