The Dale Jr. Download

Latest Episodes:

316 - Larry McReynolds: Hey Baby Boy! Sep 23, 2020

Show notes

Dale Earnhardt Jr. welcomes America's Crew Chief, Larry McReynolds, to the show to uncover how the heck a Birmingham 'Baby Boy' became one of the most recognizable and trusted names in NASCAR. Larry Mac gives us the low-down on why he was nicknamed "baby boy" early on in a journey to NASCAR that was filled with more ups and downs than an amusement park. From Super Late Models at Birmingham International Raceway, he turned wrenches for the best of them and became one of the most famed crew chiefs of his time. From Dave Mader III and Mike Alexander to Mark Martin, Ernie Irvan and The Intimidator Dale Earnhardt, success came with multiple periods of unemployment and doubt in between, McReynolds doesn't hold back about the rocky road that got him there. He also shares his candid thoughts on what made Davey Allison one of the more special drivers he ever crew chiefed for. Oh yeah, throw in the fighting nature of the Blue Max racing team and hot shot young driver Tim Richmond into this tale and you know it's a ride. Dale Jr. and Mike Davis find out about how he got the opportunity to build Kenny Bernstein's King Racing team. and the unexpected plot twist of how he became the crew chief of the operation. Learn how a handshake and a humble apology led to the start of Larry's relationship with Robert Yates Racing. The move nobody expected was Larry McReynolds as Dale Earnhardt's crew chief. Larry shares some funny moments and unbelievable pranks that happened during those years.

The DJD gang discuss the first dominoes falling in NASCAR's silly season and the news of Bubba Wallace being tabbed to drive for a new team owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. Will it be more or less pressure for the young driver? We dissect the move of Ross Chastian to the Cup Series in the Ganassi Racing No. 42 ride. And speaking of silly season, Dale, Mike and producer Matthew Dillner noodle the remaining rides and most desirable free agents on the NASCAR market.

The fans bring it with some great questions in AskJr presented by Xfinity. We find out that Dale like Nashville Fairgrounds as a track for Cup, Xfinity and for lunch.

We shake the pelvis with a story of Elvis and a short tracker's far fetched dream of partnering with the King of Rock and Roll. Plus, the DJD attempts to answer the biggest question on everyone's mind at this time of year... is September too early for pumpkin everything?

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315 - Justin Allgaier: Gettin' Chippy Sep 15, 2020

Show notes

Back at the table, Dale Earnhardt Jr. brings in one of his drivers, Justin Allgaier, who brings truth and transparency like we've never heard from the driver hungry for his first NASCAR Xfinity Series title. Allgaier opens up about his run-ins with JR Motorsports teammate Noah Gragson and discloses what had him most upset about the situation. What had him ready to fight in Daytona? We uncover the source to his recent chippiness in 2020 and how it has been received.

Dale and Justin talk about the new style of racing from young drivers and how back in the day it would result in being sent "oil tank deep" into the wall.

The Illinois driver has seen his ups and down this year. His kind approach and generous way of life has resulted in both good and bad, but he remains steadfast and as determined as ever. Allgaier is fresh off a two-race sweep of action at Richmond Raceway and has his #7 JR Motorsports team trending in the right direction at the right time. The win also gave Dale Jr. his first victory as a car-sponsor. With Phoenix as the 2020 season finale, Allgaier knows he must battle through the anxieties and unknowns to make it to the Final Four just to have a shot at the title that has eluded him..

Allgaier details his early days in the sport and how his full-time opportunity in the Cup Series took a mental toll. Dale and co-host Mike Davis get the truth about his close-knit relationship with his sponsor Brandt and how other drivers could take note. Justin gives us insight into the other aspects of life., from family to his secret love of graphic design, He also gives us a peek into his life as a test driver and what doing simulation for the upcoming Gen-7 car is like, including the new wheel and tire combination.

In Open Segment, Dale talks about his first weekend hosting in the NASCAR on NBC booth and what has him appreciating his colleagues more. Leah brings some great questions in AskJr presented by Xfinity. Dale lets us in on his Ancestry and introduces us to how he learned about his World War II veteran Uncle John. The DJD gang also learns about Adirondack Dinosaurs. Well, not really... but you'll understand what the heck we are talking about as soon as you hear it.

That and more as we welcome a driver in-studio for the first time in months for a special Dale Jr. Download.

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314 - Ernie Irvan: Cheating Death Sep 08, 2020

Show notes

Legendary NASCAR racer Ernie Irvan lived to tell his story, barely, and joins the Download for a tell-all interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Irvan discusses his California racing roots and how his missing father led to a journey to stock car country in North Carolina. From welding bleacher seats to daring the local short track scene, Ernie quickly made a name for himself. As quick as he found success in NASCAR's Cup Series, he found criticism and controversy. Irvan discusses his aggressive approach and how it led an apology that was a turning point in his career. That career and a life almost ended in a horrific practice crash that left Irvan with severe head trauma and a 10 percent chance to live. He shares details of his bloody crash and the pocket-knife tracheotomy that saved his life.

After rehabilitation, Irvan beat the odds again to not only come back, but to come back and win. A journey that came full circle in victory lane at the track that nearly stole his life, Michigan International Speedway. The same track that a few years later saw Irvan with another major head injury and subsequent retirement from racing.

Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis get deep with the former racer who doesn't shy away from the trials and tribulations that shaped his unbelievable racing career.

All clear...the DJD also discuss the Martin Truex Jr. and Chase Elliott incident at Darlington and the art of a driver clearing himself on track. They also react to the big news of the day, California's Auto Club Speedway's announced reconfiguration. A change that sets Dale Jr. off into a state of beaming excitement. Will this move start a landrush of more short tracks for the sport? Also, Mike shares his Darlington experience watching Ross Chastain's Dirty Mo Media #77 and how it gave him new perspective on the battle within a race that most don't ever see.

The Download finds out about Dale's yummy experience with a food he can't pronounce, a Bolgagi bowl. We learned about the original character known as Suitcase Jake and why beer was once considered healthier than water. All of that and more on the Dale Jr. Download.

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313 - Ross Chastain: Straight Outta 1976 Sep 01, 2020

Show notes

Dale Earnhardt Jr. brings one of NASCAR's hottest young stars, Ross Chastain, to announce a throwback that lights up the Download. The watermelon farmer turned NASCAR driver has been turning heads and making headlines during his journey in the sport. Despite his recent success, he shares the emotions of how it all came crashing down when a sponsor got in legal trouble and how it makes him feel insecure to this day. Chastain details his rise from Xfinity mid-packer, to winner, to playoff driver. Dale and co-host Mike Davis get Chastain to open up about the controversial finish during last week's Xfinity Series race at Daytona when he wrecked with Kaulig Motorsports teammate A.J. Almendinger on the final lap. How did he feel and how will the young driver move forward in his aggressive approach of risking it all for the result? Bringing an actual Cup Series racecar to the studio, Ross unveils a tribute scheme throwing back to a rare Dale Earnhardt Grand National machine that he'll pilot during the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway for Spire Motorsports. The car design and t-shirt drop has Dale Jr.'s fingerprints all over it.

Dale Jr. shares with us his inner-thoughts on possibly being a hoarder and how he plans to start an Ebay store to combat the issue. He also breaks news about the NASCAR on NBC booth that has him nervously excited.

In Ask Jr. presented by Xfinity, Dale gives advice to an Australian camper and talks about his favorite throwback schemes. He also weighs in on the hottest Short Track racer in America, Kyle Larson, and the speculation surrounding a potential return to the NASCAR Cup Series. Will he really come back?

Dale lets producer Matthew Dillner have a shot at Odd History. We tell the tale of why Neil Bonnett spent some of the 1976 Southern 500 behind bars. Like it couldn't get any stranger... Dale Jr. tells us about an aggressive Beefalo that escaped impending doom at the slaughter house and has now police searching a small town in Connecticut.

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312 - Chocolate Myers: Tough Customers Aug 26, 2020

Show notes

Dale Earnhardt Jr and co-host Mike Davis are joined by legendary NASCAR crew member, the great Danny “Chocolate” Myers, for a colorful and candid conversation.

Chocolate was a longtime gasman for Dale Earnhardt Sr., Richard Childress Racing and the famed number-three; so boy does he have stories! Choc talks about his family racing heritage and how tragedy almost drove him away from the Motorsports. He and Dale talk about suffering and persevering through loss and how they view their mortality.

Then, it's story time! From biker bar fights to $99 racecars, Chocolate has our ears perked. He reveals how Dale Earnhardt could dish out a joke but wasn’t very good at taking one. And by not taking it well, I mean, he used a hammer for revenge. Now that is a story.

Chocolate rates the rivals of the three-car and talks about how he and the Junkyard Dogs had Dale’s back through thick and thin. They go into detail about how Junior Johnson convinced him to go to Richard Childress, the North Wilkesboro incident with Ricky Rudd and the hidden tears of their first NASCAR Championship at RCR. A tale about Chocolate’s 1986 Champion belt buckle has an unexpected twist that has the gang in stitches. We also learn how thin soled shoes were a passed-down tradition that saved an engine one day.

Leah Vaughn is back in the a very chilly studio but brings the heat on AskJr presented by Xfinity. Plus, a double dose of Odd History and a Last Call that makes you wish they cut you off a few drinks early. A memorable interview and some good times during this episode of the Dale Jr. Download.

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311 - Jimmie Johnson: 7X3= Perfection Aug 19, 2020

Show notes

7-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson joins Dale Earnhardt Jr. for an exclusive reveal of a special tribute scheme to fellow 7-timers Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. The Darlington throwback paint scheme has Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis over the moon. Johnson goes deep on the impact of the scheme and other's who will be throwing back to honor him. Jimmie shocks the DJD gang with some more insight into his latest IndyCar test and his desire to run in the series in 2021. He also shares some insight into the challenges of his final season and if he will come back to drive in the NASCAR Cup Series.

We also break the news of the scheme to Dale Earnhardt's legendary car owner Richard Childress. He shares a never-heard story of how the Intimidator's car nearly looked like a brake-box. Childress raps with Dale Jr. about the black Goodwrench scheme that Intimidated them all.

The DJD brings "The King" Richard Petty on the podcast to surprise him with Jimmie Johnson's new scheme. The King shares his genuine feelings for Johnson as a racer and a person. He also talks about the upswing at Richard Petty Motorsports and invites Dale Jr. over for a special tour.

Dale, Mike and Producer Matthew Dillner share their favorite racecar bodies of all-time in Valvoline Originals. The fans come at Dale Jr. with a tough question about the Daytona Road Course on Ask Jr. presented by Xfinity. Plus, we learn that Dale likes Nights in White Satin, why he's become a Twitch ghost and what makes Dillner's heart rate go up. Dale Jr. also receives some very special gifts on this fresh new episode of the Download.

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310 - James Hinchcliffe & Jeff Dickerson: Risk Everything Aug 12, 2020

Show notes

Dale Earnhardt Jr. brings a double-dose of guest badassery to the show with an Indycar star that cheated death, and an agent turned car owner. Open wheel ace James Hinchliffe talks about his sucky go-kart start and his rise to become an Indycar Series winner. He brings us into his headspace on the horrific crash at Indianapolis that nearly ended his life and the brave comeback to win the 500 pole the next year. The Canadian driver talks about how inspirational his fellow countryman, the late Greg Moore, was to his career. He shares the racing job he was going to aim for if he couldn't make it behind the wheel. Last year Hinch lost his ride with Arrow McLaren; he shares details of the split and his new part-time gig back with Andretti Autosport heading into what could be the biggest race of his career, the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500. Oh, and any visit to Hinchtown comes with some bourbon!

Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis welcome Spire Motorsports president Jeff Dickerson to the pod to announce the acquisition of the charter from Leavine Family Racing. They answer how and why a sports agency got into the race-team business. Dickerson gives a peek into a business rarely in front of the curtain and shares details of the direction of the now two-car team and how the charter purchase went down.

Mike gets Dale Jr. to chat about his very first race, which included a flipping go-kart and Dale Sr. running to his aid. AskJr presented by Xfinity fires up some great questions about the latest goings on in NASCAR and Dale's Bo-preferences. That and more on a jammin' edition of The Dale Jr. Download.

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309 - Rodney Childers: Three-Wide in an S10 Aug 04, 2020

Show notes

Childhood friends Dale Earnhardt Jr. and NASCAR Championship Crew Chief Rodney Childers reconnect about racing, crew chiefing and causing trouble as youths. Most know Rodney as Kevin Harvick's pit boss, but prior to his role on the box, he was a winning racecar driver. Childers details how his racing career began with a go-kart and his mom. While dominating in Late Models, he reveals why he was told to not come back to the track. Oh, and how close did he come to making it it NASCAR's top ranks? He was one vote away from an Xfinity Series ride and shares the story. Childers then reveals tales of hanging out with Dale Jr. that even Dale doesn't remember. Like the time they broke into Mamaw's house or when they cruised around Kannapolis in Dale's S-10 truck three-wide and picked up two-more passengers. That night ended with a grocery store trip and egging the town! Rodney then recounts deer-games played on Dale Sr.'s property that gets the gang laughing out loud. Rodney talks about transitioning from a driver to a crew member in the sport and the dark times that preceded his rise in the Cup Series. He covers the beginnings with Blaney, his role with Scott Riggs, moving to MWR, his landing spot with SHR, and how Kevin Harvick changed his career. What's next for Rodney? And does he want to return to driving a racecar?

Dale Jr, along with co-host Mike Davis discuss a sudden silly season with news from Brad Keselowski and Leavine Family Racing. Leah Vaughn brings the fans closer to Dale Jr. with questions about Sim-Similarities and College Football in this week's AskJr. presented by Xfinity. Plus, Dale has an idea to finally bring negativity to social media and potentially save the world. We also learn of mixed-up frequencies in Odd History and lastly, give some special birthday love that derails the close of the show. Enjoy!

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

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308 - Robby Gordon: Don't Get Even, Get Ahead! Jul 28, 2020

Show notes

The man only knows one speed in racing and in life; Robby Gordon joins Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Download. Dale Jr.& Robby discuss the duo's run-in at Bristol, and what made the driver that Dale Jr. once referred to as "a moving chicane" one of the most fierce and polarizing figures in Motorsports. Gordon reveals that it was the Intimidator who brought him to Stock Car racing. From the dangerous days of Indy cars to racing in NASCAR with Richard Childress and beyond, Robby has some interesting tales. They even also share a story of an off-road excursion that had had Dale Earnhardt Jr scared to death. After his NASCAR life, Gordon hasn't slowed down one bit. The versatile driver discusses his many ventures, from Energy drinks to starting a new car company. Gordon goes wide open about his Stadium Super Truck Series and even divulges the truth behind why it was banned for a time in Australia. He also shares the craziness that is the Dakar Rally, his take on the recently announced SRX Series and much more.

The DJD gang brings history to the table with a discussion about some interesting facts they've learned about America's first race. They also get some laughs over some wild questions in a special "getting to know you" edition of AskJr presented by Xfinity.

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

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307 - Ray Evernham: Creative Genius Jul 21, 2020

Show notes

One of the most innovate individuals to ever grace the NASCAR garage, Hall of Fame Crew Chief Ray Evernham joins Dale Earnhardt Jr on the Download. The two-good friends talk about Ray's racing career on the Jersey Shore. Dale Jr. learns about the horrific crash that left Ray with a severe head injury and a unexpected new career path. Evernham discusses his time with the IROC Series, working with Dave Marcus and other Motorsports legends. So, just how did he end up as Jeff Gordon's crew chief? Dale Jr finds out as Ray details the dynamic duo's humble beginnings and the big move to Hendrick Motorsports. Does the statute of limitations apply? Dale Jr. attempts to get Ray to open up about the famed racecar named "T-Rex," and tell the real story behind its ban from NASCAR competition. Why did he just up and leave during the Hendrick dynasty? Evernham shares his thoughts on the move to start a team with Dodge. News broke last week that Ray and Tony Stewart are creating a new racing series called Superstar Racing Experience. Evernham gives us inside information on the intent of SRX in the motorsports landscape, the goal for racecar design and what types of racercar drivers will be in the exclusive field when the new series debuts.

With Mike Davis on vacation, Producer Matthew Dillner steps in to chat with Dale about the much awaited release of Lost Speedways on Peacock TV and the overwhelming reaction after it came out. The two discuss their relationship and how an unusual hobby led to an unlikely television program. Dale Jr. takes off his broadcaster hat and explains Noah Gragson's run-ins in the Xfinity Series, and how he manages his expectations for the young driver. All of that and a bag of chips on a fresh edition of the Dale Jr. Download.

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

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