The Dale Jr. Download

Latest Episodes:

346 - Clint Bowyer: Shake Things Up Jun 29, 2021

Show notes

Can you contain Clint Bowyer? Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host Mike Davis attempt to do so in a fun conversation with the NASCAR driver turned broadcaster.

Bowyer discusses Jeff Gordon's recent departure from the NASCAR on Fox booth and looks ahead to what may be next for the network's team. He also keys in to what life working alongside a former rival was really like. Both Bowyer and Dale Jr. discuss what it is like going from the view out the front windshield of a 200mph stock car to the elevated window of a television booth and how that adjustment has gone. From production meetings, wearing suits to forgetting notes before the biggest race, Bowyer, as always, has the whole room in stitches. He even admits to some of his short-comings and a mistake his network made in not showing Dale's nostalgic Nova during the pre-race show at Darlington Raceway.

What does the Kansas native think of the sport now and the direction it's headed? He shares those thoughts and more from the technical side to activation between sponsors and race fans.

With his young son Cash Bowyer sitting on the studio couch, Dad opens up about racing with his little boy and shares some fun about what it's like to be alongside other racecar driver dads like Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson in the local dirt track scene.

Ask Jr. gets Dale to open up about the recent premiere and excitement surrounding the launch of season two of Lost Speedways on Peacock TV. He also shares his thoughts with race fans about double-header weekends and where it may or may not work? The two-time Daytona 500 winner also speaks to the recent ramping up of the Charter market in the NASCAR Cup Series and admits how out of his range the prices have become.

Oh yeah... and about that boat Dale Jr? Mike and Dale try to find middle ground about the great boat debate of 2021. They also share what had steam coming out of their ears this weekend at the track and the golf course.

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345 - Jimmy Spencer (Part 2): I'll Whip Your Ass Jun 22, 2021

Show notes

One of the most outspoken drivers in NASCAR history lets it fly with Dale Earnhardt Jr. in part two of this much-anticipated conversation. "Mr. Excitement" Jimmy Spencer opens up to Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis about the big 2003 incident with fellow driver Kurt Busch that left Busch bloodied and Spencer suspended. We find out that even after 18-years, the feelings are still strong about what happened after the Michigan race.

Jimmy and the gang share some laughs about junkyard races in Pennsylvania and the ultimate "No Bull" prank that Dale Earnhardt pulled on him. Dale Jr. gets Jimmy and Mike Davis to reminisce and share hilarious stories of their time working in NASCAR together from almost getting Mike fired during his first race and the time he got punched out at a Jimmy Spencer autograph session. The two long-time friends also share their favorite Henry Benfield prank stories.

The conversation turns emotional when Jimmy shares details of the impact his sister – who passed from cancer – had on his life. He also reveals to Dale Jr. that he suffered many concussions that left him with broken helmets and fears the effects of the head injuries have started to surface. A once outspoken and opinionated broadcaster, Jimmy shares why he no longer is on the TV screen and what he’s been up to lately.

In Ask Jr., Leah and fans get to the bottom of what it was like for Dale Jr. to host the NBC pre-race show with country superstar Brad Paisley. He also shares his thoughts on NASCAR going back to Nashville and why he may have been too critical.

Dale and Mike get into a spirited debate throughout the show about their venture into buying a pontoon boat and how recent developments have Davis soured.

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344 - Jimmy Spencer (Part 1): Clearing the Air Jun 16, 2021

Show notes

After 20 years, it's time to clear the air. Dale Earnhardt Jr. invites former NASCAR driver and TV personality Jimmy Spencer to the studio for an interview to discuss animosity that had been under the surface for years.

In the first of this two-part interview, Earnhardt opens up about the critical comments that Spencer had after Jr.'s 2001 Daytona win that raised a lot of eyebrows in the racing world. Spencer, a polarizing figure in NASCAR, opens up about his pathway from a junkyard in Pennsylvania to the pinnacle of American Motorsport. He shares never before told stories of his family roots in racing and a special relationship that led to an early peek behind the curtains of America's top racing league. Spencer reveals details about his relationship with Bill France and how he once gave Spencer 10-thousand dollars to not race at Daytona. The former NASCAR Modified Champion talks about making it to the big leagues and how big leaguers like Buddy Baker and Bobby Allison shaped his successful career. Jimmy also talks about run-ins and good times with Dale Earnhardt.

Dale Jr. and his co-host Mike Davis talk about going in together on a pontoon boat, a recap of a JR Motorsports family yard sale, and their recent family camping adventures that ended in soggy memories. Ask Jr presented by Xfinity is back and so are the fan questions. From SRX to RFK, the fans spur some interesting thoughts from Dale Jr.

That and more on this edition of the Dale Jr. Download.

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343 - Ward Burton: Loyal to a Fault Jun 08, 2021

Show notes

Ward Burton – a social media darling, snake wrangler extraordinaire, southern linguistic aficionado, and one of The Dale Jr. Download’s most highly-requested guests – sits down at the table for a deep dive into his career and life with Dale Earnhardt Jr.

After Ward’s brother Jeff Burton’s appearance on the show in 2019, the crew has eagerly been anticipating this conversation with Ward. Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis quickly learn that Jeff's episode has recently been on Ward’s mind as well. Find out what realization Ward came to with his brother ahead of this interview.

The three Burton brothers experienced three completely different upbringings in South Boston, Virginia. Hear Ward’s perspective on his life as a child, why he was sent to military school and the impact their parents divorce had on each brother.

Ward details where his life turned once he became an adult and how a few years later, he ended up living alone in the woods for two years. Find out where he stayed, how he ate, where he bathed, and why he finds peace outdoors.

Upon his return to society, racing became an interest of Ward’s. Learn how he got into racing, why it quickly became a priority in his life and the difference between his path and Jeff’s. Hear about the night Ward beat Jeff and what that meant to the eldest Burton brother.

As Ward ascended the racing ranks, he tells Dale Jr. about his late model days, moving to the Busch Series and the race at Charlotte that garnered him the attention of the sport. Hear how his first Cup Series opportunity came about and the decision behind leaving his first team to partner with Bill Davis Racing. Then Ward shares about his time driving for Bill Davis, when they peaked and what ultimately led to the team’s downfall.

The two Daytona 500 winners trade memories of the emotion winning that race brought them and what it feels like in the moment. While Ward won the 2002 running, hear why he believes he would have been a player in the 2001 Daytona 500 finish and what he admits his team did to gain an advantage that day.

For the first time, Dale Jr. and Ward discuss their infamous run-in at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2002. Dale first shares his side of the story and Ward recalls what was running through his mind that night. Then he provides insight into his decision not to throw his helmet and why he wishes his car restarted.

Next, Ward tells Dale and Mike about getting fired from Bill Davis Racing and why his loyalty cost him a shot at other rides in the sport through the years. He shares what he learned through that experience and what he needed at that time in his career to continue racing. Then he recalls his decision to call it quits.

Now Ward enjoys other endeavors in his life, including helping his son Jeb Burton grow his racing career. Ward gets deep talking about times helping Jeb brought him to tears. Lastly, he explains how racing has given his full-time life a voice. Hear why he started a conservation organization and the emotional rollercoaster he went through growing the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation.

In a special edition of Ask Jr. Presented by Xfinity, Dale takes questions from Xfinity Series drivers. Hear who asked a question, what Dale Jr. says about Matt Kenseth on and off the track, and what advice he has for young racers.

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

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342 – Ty Norris: Nothing is Off Limits Jun 01, 2021

Show notes

Former Dale Earnhardt Inc. Executive VP and GM Ty Norris sits down with Dale Earnhardt Jr. for a conversation packed with honesty and emotion about their time together at DEI and beyond.

Along with co-host Mike Davis, Dale Jr. first gets into Ty’s current role as President of Trackhouse Racing. Ty explains what he has been doing to build this new team with Justin Marks and their vision for the organization.

Ty shares his career path leading to his prominent roles in the sport, how he aspired to be a sports writer and worked at Dover International Speedway for years before getting an opportunity with RJ Reynolds in his first public relations role. Then he details building a relationship with Dale Sr. and how The Intimidator saved his job at one point.

After RJ Reynolds, Ty explains what he learned about race team culture while working for Felix Sabates as the team’s GM – a role he said he was nowhere near qualified for. Ty served as a spotter for multiple drivers in his career but hear how his first time spotting for Kyle Petty went.

Then Ty transitioned to working as a loyal lieutenant for Dale Sr. at DEI. Hear how Dale laid out his vision and what kind leader he was as Ty assisted him in building the organization. After Dale’s death in 2001, Ty explains why he described the company as splintered and who he thinks could have saved it. Dale Jr. weighs in on when he lost faith in DEI following his father’s vision.

Hear the story of what Dale Jr. did when he and teammate Michael Waltrip hadn’t been paid in months and how it ultimately led to Ty’s dismissal from the organization after being offered a bad deal.

Davis inquires about when Ty and Dale Jr. believe DEI was in its golden years and what made the team so successful. Ty compares the company’s trajectory to the sports rise and how that got to the team’s heads. Find out what Bill France Jr. told Ty that changed his approach to help lead the team and how it unfolded.

Learn about Ty’s business relationship with Teresa Earnhardt before and after Dale Sr.’s death in 2001. Ty explains his perspective on her leadership and trust issues, and his experience working closely with her.

As Dale Jr.’s spotter early in his career, Ty was on the roof for the 2001 Daytona 500. Hear about the finish from his vantage point, what he was thinking in the closing laps and what he anticipated unfolding before the unthinkable happened.

The table conversation shifts to Ty’s role as EVP and GM at Michael Waltrip Racing. Ty played an integral part in the 2013 Richmond race scandal and was suspended as a result. He tells all about what happened that night, taking accountability for his actions and explaining deeper innerworkings involving many teams in that race. Hear why he thinks NASCAR had to do something after that event and his reaction to taking the harshest penalty in the sport’s history.

Ty leaves us with more stories from his time at DEI. Hear why so much beer was delivered to Dale Jr.’s house. Why Dale Jr. tried to fire a guy on his team that he didn’t want to invite to a party. The time when Ty visited Dale’s house after a party one morning and the scene that he and Dale Sr. saw.

Then Dale Jr. tells the story about the greatest conversation he ever had with his dad. Hear what happened when Dale Jr. wrecked at Charlotte and went home while his team fixed the car at the shop. Ty fills in details about the story that Dale Jr. didn’t remember, including hearing Dale stand up to his dad.

It’s an open and honest conversation about the good, bad and ugly of Ty’s career. Both Dale and Ty tell stories of The Intimidator’s faults that show he was an imperfect human, like us all.

In a special edition of Ask Jr. Presented by Xfinity, Dale Jr. fields questions from JR Motorsports employees, discussing big wins for the team, good vs. great drivers and someone’s freakish strength.

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341 – Kerry Earnhardt: Accepted or Rejected May 26, 2021

Show notes

Dale Earnhardt Jr. welcomes his brother Kerry Earnhardt on for a long-awaited conversation at the table about Kerry’s childhood, meeting his father and living with Dale Jr.

Along with co-host Mike Davis, the crew first discusses NASCAR’s inaugural weekend racing at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, and shares their opinions on racing in the rain. Hear what Dale Jr. thought about the lack of visibility the drivers faced, changes he’d like to see NASCAR make when racing in the rain and his reaction to what the drivers said afterwards.

North Carolina’s governor announced a proposed plan to provide $10 million to Charlotte, Rockingham and North Wilkesboro speedways last week. Dale Jr. weighs in on his ideal vision for North Wilkesboro’s future, why it may have renewed purpose now and the shift in thinking on where NASCAR wants to race.

Kerry Earnhardt then enters the studio and fills in the gaps about his childhood that Dale Jr. never knew. The eldest Earnhardt son details his family situation from a young age, when Dale Sr. left the picture and what life was like growing up with no knowledge of his other family. Hear how he found out about his Earnhardt side, how he met his grandmother and why it took so long to meet his dad in person.

Learn how long it took Kerry to build up the courage to go out back of Mammaw’s house and greet his dad. Hear how the interaction went and what happened at the front door when Kerry went to see his dad and meet Dale and Kelley for the first time.

Then Kerry details how his young adult life went, sharing about being too young when he first got married and had kids. He continued to grow closer to his Earnhardt side around the same time, eventually living with Dale Jr. in the doublewide trailer across from their dad’s shop. Find out what Dale did in the middle of the night that pissed Kerry off. Who caused the phone bill to be so damn high? They explain. When Kerry didn’t pay his share of a bill once, you won’t believe what Dale Jr. did and how Kerry responded.

Stories about working together at the dealership start rolling next and we get both sides of the story about Dale Jr. getting fired. Plus, hear about their days racing street stocks and late models together. Find out how involved their dad was working on their cars and how much success they found on track

Then Kerry details how he ascended up the racing ranks quickly, going from Concord to Daytona. Hear the legendary story of what Kerry did at Daytona one time and how Dale Jr. was relieved of his spotting duties for his brother. Plus, a special story about Kerry’s Victory Lane celebration at Pocono.

As Kerry then secured an opportunity to race at Dale Earnhardt Inc., find out how it all came shockingly crashing down the night of his father’s death.

Find out what Kerry has been up to since moving on from his racing career, including details about the legal battle he faced trying to use the rights to his last name with his Earnhardt Outdoors brand. The guys then crack open some cold ones to end the show and promote the launch of Kerry’s new beer.

In Ask Jr. Presented by Xfinity, Dale talks about convincing Mike Helton to run his 2014 Daytona 500 winning paint scheme and answers a question about how teams will cheat given the Next Gen car.

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340 – Andy Petree (Part 2): The Earnhardt Years May 18, 2021

Show notes

In Part 2 of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s conversation with championship winning crew chief Andy Petree, they dive into Petree’s time at Richard Childress Racing and his relationship with Dale Earnhardt.

Before that, Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis cover a lot from Dale’s busy week. Dale took a long-awaited pilgrimage to Dawsonville, Georgia to interview the Elliott family. After Chase Elliott’s appearance on the Download in 2019, Dale and Mike took heat for comments made about Dawsonville. Dale clears the air, shares details about his trip and explains why he visited.

It was not a happy morning in the Earnhardt household. Find out what big problems Dale came across in his home that have him stressed. He then discusses his weekend working on restoring a Nova Wagon that he posted about on social media. Find out where he got it from and what his plans are for it.

Dale also made a trip to Nazareth, Pennsylvania last week to speak with Marco Andretti. Hear about his time with Marco and what peculiar passion Dale reveals. Then, a hint at what is coming soon on Lost Speedways season two.

Part two of Dale and Mike’s conversation with Andy Petree picks up with Petree discussing leaving Leo Jackson and Harry Gant’s team. Hear his reason for departing, why it was one of the most difficult things he has ever had to do and what Gant revealed to him years later.

Petree goes into detail about his transition to taking the ‘premiere crew chief job in the sport’ for Dale Earnhardt at Richard Childress Racing. Find out how the first meeting with Dale and Childress went and the buzzword that motivated the trio. Once at RCR, Andy shares the reaction from the team seeing him walk in and the resistance he initially faced.

Early on, a ‘come to Jesus’ meeting between Dale, Richard and Andy forced the driver and crew chief to bond. Hear why they needed that and what happened later in the season when Andy brought the first car built under his direction to the race track.

In 1994, Andy got to race Dale Sr.’s Busch Series car at Martinsville Speedway. Find out how the deal came together and the rival crew chief who performed the role for Petree.

Both Dale Jr. and Andy were present at a test at Talladega Superspeedway in the mid-90s and both got time behind the wheel. Hear the advice Dale Sr. gave both of them and how Dale Jr. took it literally.

Petree ultimately made the decision to leave the No. 3 team three years into his tenure as crew chief. Listen as he explains the one time offer he had to contemplate, the risk he was taking by leaving and if he regrets the choice he made.

In his role as owner, Andy explains the challenges he faced and what ultimately happened to the organization. Then, he discusses leaving the sport for a handful of years before returning as a broadcaster. Hear how he got the opportunity and, what it was like jumping back into a competition role at Richard Childress Racing after ESPN left the sport.

In Ask Jr. Presented by Xfinity, Dale shares an interesting Next Gen car analogy, talks about the deep thought he put behind joining Twitter and tells us why he wasn’t always a fan of in-car cameras.

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

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339 – Andy Petree (Part 1): Key to Cheating May 12, 2021

Show notes

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with long-time crew chief, car owner, and broadcaster Andy Petree for part one of a conversation filled with epic tales about Petree’s rich history and innovative practices in the sport.

Before Petree joins them at the table, Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis relive a busy weekend for Dale. First, he tells all about his trip to Darlington Raceway to pace the field with his restored Chevrolet Nova that his dad once raced. He talks about the whole experience including telling old racing stories with family during the car ride down, seeing the industry’s reaction in the garage, and what it was like getting on track. Both Dale and Mike then address the disappointment of NASCAR on FOX not showing the Nova on track.

Dale Jr. fills everyone in about his trip to the Nashville Fairgrounds last Friday. He clears some things up about his future racing plans there and Speedway Motorsports’ efforts to bring NASCAR back. Hear what the Nashville community needs to know about Marcus Smith’s plans.

Next, Andy Petree enters and the stories about his career in racing start rolling. He shares what initially interested him about racing and his plans to drive a car he built with a friend before a NASCAR Hall of Famer walked in and took the seat. Hear what happened next and how it set Petree’s career path.

Another NASCAR Hall of Famer helped Andy get his first job in NASCAR, performing a role he had no experience in. Find out what happened and how that team ultimately won the Cup championship that year.

Petree’s path then paired him with Benny and Phil Parsons. Hear what tricks he had up his sleeve when he won his first Cup race as a crew chief with Phil in 1988.

Crew chiefs often search for physical advantages on the cars but mental advantages prove just as important. Listen for the stories about mind games he played with his drivers to make them believe they had an upper hand. You won’t believe the results.

Andy was Harry Gant’s crew chief when he won four races in a row in 1991. Find out how the car was built differently than most. Hear what competitive advantages Gant had and the rulebook loopholes Petree attacked.

Then, the story of how one ‘competitive advantage’ ultimately led Petree to take it off the car after qualifying during race weekend for fear of being caught.

Part 2 of Dale Jr.’s conversation with Petree continues next week as they dive into his years working with Dale Sr. for Richard Childress Racing.

In Ask Jr. Presented by Xfinity, Dale details the ride-a-longs he gave the I AM ATHLETE crew last month and their reactions. He and Mike then discuss the changes expected with the Next Gen cars. Finally, hear what Dale thinks about the potential for street course races in NASCAR.

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338 – Bentley Warren: Wicked Desire May 04, 2021

Show notes

Dale Earnhardt Jr. welcomes American badass, accomplished racer and good-time haver Bentley Warren onto the program to learn more about his colorful career on and off the race track.

Ahead of the interview, Dale Jr. shares the story behind Isla receiving a go kart as a birthday gift with co-host Mike Davis and the crew. What happened after the video Amy posted stopped? Dale fills us in and details Isla’s third birthday. Plus, the guys try to figure out what to do for their wives on Mother’s Day this weekend.

How did Dale end up talking with Washington Football Team’s first round draft pick Jamin Davis just a day after the team drafted him over the weekend? He tells us about that and the reason why coach Ron Rivera made Dale part of the welcoming committee. Dale also reveals some of the things he has shot it straight with team owner Dan Snyder over the years.

Then Warren enters the studio to tell all about his life that’s seemingly fresh out of a movie scene. Dale shares how he came to know Bentley and his connection to the Oswego Classic. Oswego holds a special place in Warren’s heart and he explains exactly why, including a spite he had with the track for a short period of time.

Most racers have scars and death-defying stories to go along with them. Bentley is no different. Hear how he was badly burned while racing an IndyCar in Argentina, what happened in the hospital afterwards and his recovery process. In a completely separate racing story, he details how he convinced a doctor to not amputate his foot.

Earnhardt Jr. and Davis then dive deeper into his racing career. He discusses all the different kinds of cars he has raced and how he made it to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Hear his reaction to walking through Gasoline Alley for the first time and seeing the car for the before taking it out onto the track and qualifying for, and competing in, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" twice.

Bentley at one point in his life ran outlaw races illegally. Hear how he flew under the radar in these events and what ultimately happened after he got injured.

No good old-school racing story is complete without some run-ins with the law. Hear about Bentley’s unique relationship with many chiefs of police, how he dragged raced an officer and why he left his Oswego Classic after party in the back of a cop car.

Now, Warren runs multiple successful businesses, most notably his bar Bentley’s Saloon in Arundel, Maine. Hear why he got into business while still racing. Plus, learn about the legendary Saloon that Dale Jr. is dying to visit, what’s unique about it and Bentley’s role in the establishment.

In Ask Jr. Presented by Xfinity, Dale fields questions about his plans to run an Xfinity Series race in 2021, his reaction to the Texas All-Star Race format and the time he played the role as a spotter.

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

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337 – Greg Ives: The American Dream Apr 28, 2021

Show notes

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his former Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Greg Ives are reunited on this episode to tell the story of how Ives made it in the sport and share previously unheard reflections on their time working together.

Before Ives joins the program, Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis react to the weekend’s events at Talladega Superspeedway. Hear what Dale told race winner Brad Keselowski about tying his track wins record. As a known “big ass spoiler” critic, Dale weighs in on Joey Logano’s comments following his flip. What direction does he hope to see superspeedway racing go? The answer may surprise you.

Isla Earnhardt will turn three-years-old this week. What birthday gift did her dad buy her that may have her making left turns soon? Hear what bug Dale may have been bitten by.

Next, Ives sits down at the table and the former teammates go all the way back to his childhood. Learn about Ives’ family’s involvement in racing, when he first took an interest and how he snuck into the track as a kid.

As he began racing more and finding success, college remained the goal for the Bark River, Michigan, native. Find out why he initially pursued medical school. Then he shares why his driving career didn’t work out and how falling in love with the mechanical side of racing quickly changed his plans.

Dale Jr. is often asked to explain how someone can make it in racing and Ives serves as the perfect example for him to share. Hear the steps Ives took to establish himself and gain experience in the sport before getting to NASCAR.

An interaction at a family reunion ultimately set Ives up for the rest of his life. He details what happened, getting a call from Hendrick Motorsports and his first interview with the organization. Then hear what he had to do to make it to Daytona in order to meet the No. 24 team during Speedweeks.

Ives then talks about getting a job offer from Hendrick Motorsports and how once there, doors opened quickly and his willingness to volunteer elevated his career. He shares how he became Jimmie Johnson’s lead engineer during his five consecutive championship run and the influence Chad Knaus had on him.

When Ives began contemplating his next career move, learn why he committed to staying in the HMS family and how he became a model for the working relationship between the Hendrick Cup program and JR Motorsports. Dale Jr. shares his perspective on the partnerships’ early days and where it is at today.

Multiple victories and a championship with Chase Elliott later, Mr. Hendrick called Ives with his big break at the Cup level. At the request of Dale Jr., hear how Ives was selected as his next crew chief. Dale details the process behind picking a crew chief and what he was looking for after Steve Letarte left.

Ives then discusses what it was like coming into the No. 88 team. When Dale suffered another concussion in 2016 and missed most of the season, Ives was thrown one of the greatest challenges of his career. He and Dale openly discuss the warning signs both of them saw and what Ives was thinking a year later when Dale decided to retire.

Two weeks following Ives’ latest victory with Alex Bowman at Richmond Raceway, hear Ives discuss the ups and downs of the last three plus seasons with Bowman. They both applaud Bowman’s maturation process and the changed mindset that Ives believes is helping elevate the team.

Lastly, Bowman will run a Darlington throwback scheme resembling a late model scheme Ives ran in the 90s. Hear the story behind the car, the races it ran and how Bowman shocked Ives when revealing it to him during a team meeting.

In Ask Jr. Presented by Xfinity, Dale tackles topics including his thoughts on the current state of superspeedway racing and how drivers and crew chiefs study film.

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

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