
The Dale Jr. Download
963 episodes — Page 7 of 20

Bristol Preview: "We're Not Going to Catch On Fire This Year."
In this episode of DJD Reloaded, host Carla Gebhart is joined by Dale Jr.'s crew chief, Andrew Overstreet. Fresh off a win at Watkins Glen with Connor Zilisch, Andrew shares how he’s working with Dale Jr. to prepare for the upcoming Bristol Xfinity race. Also joining the show is NASCAR’s resident funnyman, NASCARcasm. If you know anything about NASCARcasm, you know he’s here to bring some laughs to the weekend chaos. We also break down tire performance with Goodyear’s NASCAR Project Manager, Mark Keto. Listen as he explains how Bristol’s concrete surface shaped an exciting spring race and what to expect this weekend. To top it off, Dale Jr. answers fan questions in a special Ask Jr. segment, where he shares what Chase Elliott has taught him about handling the nerves and pressure of racing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
578 - Tim Brewer: "I Don't Call It Cheating, I Call It Self-Defense"
Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with longtime NASCAR crew chief and former ESPN television analyst Tim Brewer to learn more about his legendary career calling the shots for some of the sport’s all-time greats. After growing up within earshot of Bowman Gray Stadium, Tim established himself as a hard worker and found a position as crew chief for Junior Johnson and Associates, helping Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip earn Cup championships in 1978 and 1981 respectively. Tim’s work ethic was developed in his early teen years when he left his path of education to join local racer Ernie Shaw in the NASCAR Grand American ranks. Tim had a short stint with Tiny Lund before settling in with fellow Winston Salem native Richard Childress, becoming one of the youngest crew chiefs in NASCAR history at the age of 18. Tim explains that he got hired onto the famed Holly Farms team when Herb Nab vacated the chief position and Junior Johnson made a call to Childress. Tim and Travis Carter came on board in 1978 and helped guide Yarborough to ten wins and a third consecutive Cup season crown. Tim and Dale also discuss his years spent working with Waltrip and what made him leave Johnson's team in 1982 to work for MC Anderson, reuniting with Yarborough. He also details how Raymond Beadle came to NASCAR ownership, creating the Blue Max Racing group with driver Tim Richmond in 1983. Tim talks about his friendship and competition with Dale Earnhardt Sr., his falling out with Junior Johnson in the early 90s, and how he came to be an Emmy-award-winning television analyst after he stepped down from the pit box. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
577 - Watkins Glen: Do We Have A Respect Problem?
It was a thrilling dash to the finish at Watkins Glen, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the Dirty Mo Media studio with a new edition of Dirty Air. Special co-host TJ Majors joins to recap the race and weigh in on the latest hot topics in the racing world:Was NASCAR right to park Ryan Blaney?NASCAR team crash carts were getting out of controlPlayoff drivers struggled at the GlenThe tire was a big improvementRace winner Chris Buescher calls inWhat to do about increasing driver aggression Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dale Jr Career Classic: the 2001 Dover “9/11” Victory With #8 Bud Team
September 11, 2001, was a day that changed our country forever. Less than two weeks after the tragedy, NASCAR returned to the track, offering a brief escape, a sense of unity, and something to cheer for during a time of overwhelming grief and uncertainty. This week on DJD Reloaded, we’re taking you back to that unforgettable race. We’ll be joined by the people there – two of the men who helped Dale Jr. capture that emotional victory. It’s a Throwback Thursday you won’t want to miss. This is the story of a race that meant more than just points, more than just a trophy, and will be forever remembered as a race that brought fans together. Hear DEI No. 8 Bud team members Jeff Clark and Joey Meier talk about that iconic race, with stories leading up to and following the race that you’ve never heard before. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
576 - Zak Brown: Larson's Double Return, Verstappen Debate & Potential Daytona 500 Plans
Dale Earnhardt Jr. sets out to learn more about the world of open wheel motorsports as he sits down with the CEO of McLaren Racing Zak Brown. Big news brought the open wheel executive to town as McLaren joined Hendrick Motorsports in announcing that Kyle Larson will return to the Indianapolis 500 in 2025 for another attempt at the Memorial Day double. Zak explains how the partnership with Rick Hendrick came together through an adoration for his race team, which he views as a North American equivalent of McLaren. He also credits Larson’s versatility with being reminiscent of yesteryear’s drivers like A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti. As McLaren continues to flourish open wheel racing, Zak says his sights are set on becoming a top-outfit in the sports car ranks, competing in both WEC and IMSA in the future.Zak’s background in racing can be traced to the 1981 Long Beach Grand Prix, which he attended with his parents and brother. A successful appearance on Wheel of Fortune when he was 13 and advice from Mario himself led to a door opening in go-kart racing, which Zak entered and never looked back. After finding a knack for securing sponsorship, Zak realized he was better fit on the marketing end of the sport and started his own company, Just Marketing, Inc., which quickly rose to being one of the top businesses in racing. Zak would sell the company and find himself at a professional crossroads before being faced with the ultimate career decision: be in line to one day run Formula One or help direct McLaren Racing. Thanks to his love of competition, Zak took the position at the legendary race team and helped it return to its former glory at the forefront of the racing world.Dale and Zak share one strong common thread, through Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s 1980s Nova, which currently resides in the JR Motorsports garage. Zak was a longtime owner of the vehicle before Dale Jr. was able to acquire it through auction, and he shares an incredible story of how he was able to confirm its authenticity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
575 - Atlanta & Charters: Is History Repeating Itself?
The NASCAR Playoffs are underway, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. is in the studio to unpack the action from Atlanta. The NASCAR charter agreement has progressed and several drivers are in early points predicaments after the weekend:Atlanta is already showing signs of wearWhat caused Kyle Larson’s car to snap into the wall?Denny Hamlin’s conservative approach during the racePlayoff points update23XI and Front Row hold out on signing the new charter agreementRace winner Joey Logano calls into the showThe voicemail Dale left for AndrewDale's new evening routine that Amy isn't a big fan of Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

NASCAR Playoff Drivers Like You’ve Never Heard Them
In this special episode of DJD Reloaded, we’re taking the show on the road! Join The Athletic’s motorsports journalists and hosts of The Teardown, Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi, as they take you behind the scenes of their first-ever exclusive driver sit-downs at NASCAR Playoff Media Day. But don’t expect the same usual questions you’ve heard drivers answer before. These guys were candid, unfiltered, and so much fun. From surprising insights to raw reactions, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the personalities and pressure fueling the Playoff contenders. Plus, Amy Earnhardt joined Dale Jr. on the Download for #AskJR – or, shall we say, #AskAmy – this week, so you won’t want to miss it! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
574 - Travis Carter: Cale's Crew Chief During The Famous Fight
Join Dale Earnhardt Jr. as he sits down with former NASCAR Crew Chief and team owner Travis Carter to discuss his past working with some of the most legendary race car drivers in history. During his two-decade-long time in the sport, he was a championship-winning crew chief with Benny Parsons in 1973 and was Cale Yarborough’s crew chief during the iconic 1979 Daytona 500. Over the years, Travis also worked with Bobby Allison, Junior Johnson, and Darrell Waltrip. He also speaks on his time working for Penske, the teams who sought his employment, and the rise and fall of his team, Travis Carter Motorsports.Listen as Travis shares stories, including his friendship with Dale Earnhardt Sr., his start in NASCAR, and his complete exit from the sport.21+ and present in North Carolina. Opt in req. Wager requirements apply. Bonuses awarded as nonwithdrawable bonus bets or profit boost tokens. Restrictions apply including bonus expiration. See terms and conditions at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
573 - NASCAR's Everest Delivers Game 7 Moment
It’s the first Tuesday of the month, so that means Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined by his wife Amy in the Dirty Mo Media studio for Dirty Air. After an exciting conclusion to the NASCAR regular season at Darlington, there was plenty to chat about:Darlington is a pinnacle of stock car racingChase Briscoe’s Game Seven momentRace winner Chase Briscoe joins the showKyle Busch’s late race chargeHow did Dale’s February Playoff predictions hold up?Dale and Amy have a CARS Tour adventure in Florence, South Carolina21+ and present in North Carolina. Opt in req. Wager requirements apply. Bonuses awarded as nonwithdrawable bonus bets or profit boost tokens. Restrictions apply including bonus expiration. See terms and conditions at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leigh Diffey on Dramatic Moments, NASCAR Fans & Broadcasting Highs And Lows
On this episode of DJD Reloaded, we're joined by the newest voice in the NASCAR NBC broadcast booth, Leigh Diffey. He talks about his transition into NASCAR, the most incredible sports moments he's called, and his excitement to be covering NASCAR. Leigh also gives us his message for NASCAR fans and jokes about being called "British." Next, we sit down with Parker Retzlaff to discuss his second career Cup Series start and the controversy surrounding the final restart. If Parker could do it over again, would he do anything different? We get his side of the story and see how he's handling the scrutiny while preparing for Darlington. Finally, we have a fresh batch of your questions in Ask Jr. where Dale shares how he feels about the return of the No. 88 to the Cup Series. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
572 - Buddy Parrott: "My Sport, My Love and My Job Was Always NASCAR Racing"
Dale Earnhardt Jr. welcomes legendary NASCAR Crew Chief Buddy Parrott to the Dirty Mo Media Studio to learn more about the pivotal role he played in some of NASCAR’s greatest moments. Growing up in Gastonia, North Carolina, Buddy participated in competitive diving all through high school before finding his way to a race at Birmingham International Raceway on behalf of Huggins Tire Service. Buddy would take a job with the company working as a tire man for their NASCAR events, mounting tires for the entire Cup field on a regular basis. It was through this service that he met the legendary Harry Hyde, and not long after Buddy would approach him for an opportunity to work on his famed K&K Insurance Dodge team. Buddy explains that his time with Harry was invaluable, and he considered him to be his mentor, teaching him everything he knew about race cars and racing setups.Buddy would make the decision to split from the team when Kentuckian Ferrel Harris came to the shop to purchase a racer and some Raymond Fox-prepared engines. While working with Harris, Buddy also spent time teaming up with Robert Gee to help prepare his dirt cars, which were chauffeured by none other than Carolina ace Hayward Plyler and a young Dale Earnhardt. Dale Jr. was surprised to learn that Buddy served as crew chief for his father’s 1976 Atlanta 500 attempt in a car owned by Johnny Ray, which was famously destroyed in a crash. Buddy would move on to the DiGard Motorsports outfit to team with Darrell Waltrip and take the NASCAR Cup scene by storm in the late 1970s. Listeners can hear all of this, plus more about Buddy’s time working on Harry Ranier’s Gray Ghost, helping Richard Petty score his 200th win, and the 1990 Daytona 500.21+ and present in North Carolina. Opt in req. Wager requirements apply. Bonuses awarded as nonwithdrawable bonus bets or profit boost tokens. Restrictions apply including bonus expiration. See terms and conditions at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
571 - First-Time Winners & Fatherhood with Bubba, Harrison & The Mayor
After a surprising finish at Daytona, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the studio to catch up on the latest racing headlines on this week’s edition of Dirty Air. It's a star-studded lineup on the show this week, with Bubba Wallace, Harrison Burton and Jeff Burton all jumping on the show. Harrison Burton’s unpredictable win means the Playoffs cutline moved again, and several drivers face a must-win situation rolling into Darlington:Harrison wins number 100 for the legendary Wood Brothers“Winning the lottery” is a good thing for smaller teamsWas Parker Retzlaff in the wrong?Bubba Wallace stops by the studioThe Playoff bubble shifts againNASCAR returns to Mexico City in 2025 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why 3PM Starts? NASCAR Explains
In this episode of DJD Reloaded, we are joined by NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Media and Revenue Officer Brian Herbst, who explains how race start times are determined. Learn about the factors influencing these decisions, from broadcast windows and viewership trends to the balance between TV audiences and trackside fans. We also discuss Richard Childress Racing’s penalty appeal, and what it means for the team moving forward. Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi, co-hosts of The Teardown join and explain the nuances of the appeals process and what happens next. Plus, the fans ask Dale Jr. their burning questions in Ask Jr. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
570 - The 1990 Daytona 500: Derrike Cope's Cinderella Story
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined by longtime NASCAR competitor and winner of the 1990 Daytona 500 Derrike Cope to learn about his journey from the Pacific Northwest to capturing one of the greatest upset victories in racing history. After growing up with a father who competed in the NHRA Drag Racing ranks, Derrike learned the finer points of being a mechanic working in various speed shops on the West Coast. After his initial focus in life of baseball was curbed by a devastating injury in college, Derrike followed in his father and brother Darren’s footsteps and strapped into the driver’s seat. After competing in late model races, Derrike would find himself on a path that would lead him to the heart of the fast-growing world of stock cars through the NASCAR Winston West Series. Dale and Derrike give listeners some insight into the former Winston West outfit, which ran from 1971 to 2003 and was essentially its own separate entity sanctioning Cup racing on the West Coast.Derrike explains that Winston West fixture George Jefferson was instrumental in helping Derrike get his first Cup ride, and it was in this series that Derrike found his footing and learned the craft of racing top-speed stock cars before making the journey east. Derrike’s initial efforts out east were plagued by financial difficulties, but thanks to a relationship with Purolator he eventually found his way to Bob Whitcomb and they established a state-of-the-art operation with the legendary Buddy Parrott at the helm. This potent combination armed with a Dorton-built engine set sail for Daytona in 1990 and brought home stock car immortality when a dominant Dale Earnhardt Sr. ran over debris on the final lap and slowed. Dale and Derrike recap what he remembers from this memorable week, as well as his time racing for Cale Yarborough, Bobby Allison, working with StarCom, and what he occupies his time with today. 21+ and present in North Carolina. Full price of NFL Sunday Ticket will be automatically charged seasonally after free trial. No refunds. Terms, restrictions, and embargoes apply. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
569 - Michigan: "Flipping Is The Unpleasant Consequence of Going Fast"
The NASCAR Cup race may have been delayed until Monday, but Dale Earnhardt Jr. is right on schedule with this week’s edition of Dirty Air. After a late-race caution caused much debate among racing fans, Tyler Reddick held on in double overtime to win his second race of the season:Did Martin Truex Jr.’s crash warrant a yellow flag?Does NASCAR change its officiating throughout the race, case by case?How will NASCAR respond to Corey LaJoie’s flip?The great start-time debateNASCAR’s 2025 schedule is starting to get out The NASCAR Playoff bubble pictureRace winner Tyler Reddick calls into the show21+ and present in North Carolina. Full price of NFL Sunday Ticket will be automatically charged seasonally after free trial. No refunds. Terms, restrictions, and embargoes apply. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Richmond Aftermath: Dale Jr. and Mark Martin React to RCR Penalty News
After Austin Dillon’s controversial last-lap decisions at the Richmond Cup race, NASCAR stripped RCR of Dillon’s Playoff eligibility with an unprecedented penalty. Did NASCAR do the right thing? Is the line for hard racing now defined? We discuss the limits of aggressive driving with Mark Martin and Dale Jr. in this episode as they react to the news. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
568 - Josh Wise: Life Changing Driver Coach
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined in the studio by former NASCAR racer and Driver Performance Manager for Chevrolet Racing Josh Wise. The two discuss Josh's post driving career, and his influential role in coaching NASCAR's top athletes.After moving into the stock car ranks as a champion dirt sprint car racer, Josh spent ten years moving through the NASCAR ranks before finding his calling to become a driver development coach and manager. Josh admits that though he was the first driver in Toyota’s development program, he was ill-prepared for the world of fendered racing and feels he failed during his time behind the wheel in NASCAR. In 2016, he came to the realization that he was ready to end his pursuit of being a race car driver and wanted to move into a position to help other drivers unlock their full potential. Josh explains that after setting his sights on this goal, he struck up a conversation with Max Jones at Chip Ganassi Racing and pitched the concept to him. Max suggested he work with a young and upcoming racer in their ranks who needed help with focus, who just happened to be Kyle Larson. Wise Optimization hit the ground running with Larson, Jamie McMurray, Tyler Reddick and Brennan Poole and quickly grew from a single-man operation focusing on workout regimens to an all-encompassing driver overhaul program. Josh attended night school to earn a degree in psychology so he could help drivers with their lives away from the track, which he found to be a major key in growth potential. Today, the operation is a facet of Team Chevy and helps some of the most successful drivers in stock car racing hone their craft.21+ and present in North Carolina. Opt in req. Wager requirements apply. Bonuses awarded as nonwithdrawable bonus bets or profit boost tokens. Restrictions apply including bonus expiration. See terms and conditions at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
567 - The Austin Dillon/Richmond Controversy Reaction Show
Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns to the Dirty Mo Studio to react to the highly controversial NASCAR Cup race finish at Richmond on this episode of Dirty Air. As the racing world awaits NASCAR’s weekly penalty report, Dale weighs in with this take on the issues:Ricky Stenhouse sets up calamitous endingWas Austin Dillon’s bump on Joey Logano against the driver code?Did Austin Dillon intentionally get into Denny Hamlin?What will the NASCAR penalty report say?Race winner Austin Dillon joins the showThe Goodyear soft tire worked! 21+ and present in North Carolina. Opt in req. Wager requirements apply. Bonuses awarded as nonwithdrawable bonus bets or profit boost tokens. Restrictions apply including bonus expiration. See terms and conditions at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Max Papis: Dale Jr.'s New Driver is an F1-Level Talent
In this episode, Jeff Gluck, Jordan Bianchi, and Guest Host Hannah Newhouse dive deep into the latest news in the NASCAR world. They kick off with updates from the two-week break, exploring what’s next for driver Cory LaJoie and who could potentially be the next driver of the No. 7. Jeff and Jordan also explain why NASCAR might reject foreign investors for the future of the sport. The conversation then shifts to the highly anticipated 2025 NASCAR schedule and the surprising return of Juan Pablo Montoya to the track. The spotlight also falls on rising star Connor Zilisch, with comparisons to other young talents and predictions for his impact on the sport. Plus, Max Papis joins from Italy to weigh in on the new driver’s hype along with Connor’s ARCA crew chief, Shane Huffman. Rounding out the episode, the hosts share their thoughts on the upcoming Richmond race. Plus, hear Dale answer your questions in Ask Jr. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
566 - Connor Zilisch & Justin Marks: The Future is Here
Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with one of the top prospects in the stock car racing world Connor Zilisch to learn about his career and upbringing in the sport. Owner of Trackhouse Racing Justin Marks joins them to announce that Connor will be racing full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025 in partnership with JR Motorsports. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
565 - Dale Jr and Friends Recap The Great Irish Bender
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is fresh off the plane from a vacation in Ireland, and joined by special co-host TJ Majors for this week’s episode of Dirty Air. Even though we are into the second week of auto racing’s Olympic summer break, there was still plenty to chat about:• Stock market turbulence• East coast storms are causing worry• Tim Dugger calls into to chat about their Ireland getaway • NASCAR Cup Mid-season review• Catching up on the industry newsFor more content head over to our YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@DirtyMoMedia Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Special Edition of Ask Jr. with Dale & Amy
This week on the Dale Jr. Download, Amy stopped by and served as co-host of Dirty Air. She shared lots of fun stories about Dale, including a special edition of Ask Jr. with Dale & Amy that hasn't aired yet on the Download feed! Carla Gebhart is joined by Dale's niece, Karsyn Elledge, as they react to the best moments between Dale and Amy. Plus, we quiz Karsyn on how well she knows her uncle with a trivia game at the end of the show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
564 - Elliott & Hermie Sadler: Virginia Is For Brothers
Dale Earnhardt Jr. welcomes longtime NASCAR competitors Elliott and Hermie Sadler to the studio on this episode of the Dale Jr. Download. After growing up in Emporia, Virginia, the accomplished brother duo picked up their father’s interest in racing and entered into the go-kart ranks. They explain that their father owned dirt cars that competed on the short tracks of Virginia and North Carolina and were maintained in their family-owned Chevy dealership. Hermie would win a World Karting Association national championship for dirt karts in 1988 and would graduate to late model stock cars with the support of his parents. Hermie explains that after initially struggling, his father tried to convince him to give up his racing career in pursuit of something new. In what was supposed to be one last attempt behind the wheel, Hermie would win his first-ever late model race in Manassas, inspiring him to continue onward.When Hermie graduated into the NASCAR Busch Series and found early success by winning his first race and the Rookie of the Year title in 1993, Elliott followed him up the racing ladder, occupying the now vacant family late model seat. Elliott would keep the Sadler name in victory lane by winning the 1995 track championship at South Boston before making a splash in the NASCAR Busch ranks himself. Elliott tells the story of getting a call from the Wood Brothers to drive the famed 21 NASCAR Cup ride and how he scored an emotional victory for the team at Bristol. Meanwhile, Hermie struggled on his path through NASCAR and would eventually settle into the broadcast booth, where he became one of the most known on-air personalities in the sport. Elliott takes listeners through his journey from Yates Racing to Evernham Motorsports before moving back to the NASCAR Xfinity ranks, where he’d finish up his career at JR Motorsports. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
563 - Dale & Amy Play The Marriage Game: "She Said No!"
NASCAR may be on break for the Olympics, but Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the studio and he brought his wife Amy in for a special edition of Dirty Air. The Download crew teed up Dale and Amy to play a round of The Marriage Game, and of course hilarity ensued:Houseboat debacleSilly argumentsWeird fears and habitsDale-ismsPlus, as Dale says, there WAS a race this past weekend. Dale Jr. weighs in on the eventful Cars Tour race and welcomes race winner Ronnie Bassett Jr. for our weekly call-in. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dale Jr. & "Butterbean" Queen: Rehash the Hampton Heat
What is the state of Late Model Stock racing? Well, Dale Jr. had a lot to say about it after he competed in the 16th annual Hampton Heat 200 at Langley Speedway last Saturday night which treated fans to a physical battle in the closing laps between Brenden Queen, aka “Butterbean”, and Connor Hall. In the end, Butterbean emerged victorious, earning his third Hampton Heat win, tying C.E. Falk III for the most all-time. Dale Jr. came home with a 5th place finish. Today on DJD Reloaded, we’ve got Dale Jr. and Butterbean in-studio, plus Butterbean’s crew chief, Lee Pulliam, calling in to recap an exciting Hampton Heat, and discuss the state of Late Model Stock racing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
562 - Donnie Rives: Dale Earnhardt's Best Friend Shares Stories You've Never Heard
Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with Dale Earnhardt’s best friend, Donnie Rives. Donnie has kept these stories to himself, until today. It’s a heartfelt conversation swapping stories about the Intimidator from two people who knew him best. Donnie's first connection with the Earnhardt’s was through Ralph. Ralph’s signature “Earnhardt grin” left a lasting impression on those who knew him. Donnie shares moments of bird hunting with Ralph, along with the valuable racing advice he passed along to him. Both Dale Jr. and Donnie reminisced about hunting experiences with Sr. and came to an agreement that the Intimidator was an exceptional deer tracker, showcasing his skills in the great outdoors. With as strong of a friendship the two had, Rives shares why he turned down opportunities within the industry, particularly a position at DEI. The two finish off the conversation talking about Rives’ relationship with Teresa Earnhardt, where he details his respect for both her and Dale’s legacy. They discuss Dale Earnhardt’s passing and share heart-to-heart moments talking about what Dale Sr means to both of them. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss. 21+ and present in North Carolina. Opt in req. Wager requirements apply. Bonuses awarded as nonwithdrawable bonus bets or profit boost tokens. Restrictions apply including bonus expiration. See terms and conditions at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
561 - Indy: An Unpopular Opinion About The Finish
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the Dirty Mo Media studio to discuss the heavily debated Brickyard 400 finish, and has an opinion that may surprise you. There was a lot of controversy at Indianapolis this year and the Dirty Air crew unpacks all of it:Should NASCAR have waived off the final start?How does Ryan Blaney feel about it now?Did NASCAR make the right call with the final yellow flag?Race winning crew chief Cliff Daniels joins the showPenalties or warnings for blending back onto the trackDuring the Ask Jr. segment of the show, listeners sent in questions regarding:Team Xbox or Playstation?Being in the Nickelback “Rockstar” music videoDale’s choice in glassesDale’s next project car21+ and present in North Carolina. Opt in req. Wager requirements apply. Bonuses awarded as nonwithdrawable bonus bets or profit boost tokens. Restrictions apply including bonus expiration. See terms and conditions at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Celebrating 30 Years of The Brickyard With Jamie McMurray & Dale Jarrett
30 years ago, NASCAR ran the first Brickyard 400 at the storied Indianapolis Motor Speedway that featured the largest crowd to ever witness a NASCAR race. Today on DJD Reloaded, we relive iconic moments from one of NASCAR’s Crown Jewels with a pair of iconic drivers. Dale Jarrett, a 2-time Brickyard winner, and the man behind the tradition of “kissing the bricks” calls in to share his stories. Plus, Jamie McMurray, a driver who won the Brickyard in 2010 amidst a historical season gives us his favorite memories from racing on the oval at Indy. And we’ll even hear from IMS President, Doug Boles, on what this event means for the Speedway, and how this race has evolved since its inception in 1994. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
560 - Winston Kelley: Intimidator Stories From The One Who Interviewed Him Last
Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with NASCAR Hall of Fame executive director and former MRN Pit Reporter Winston Kelley to share over 30 years of stories from behind the microphone.Winston's career is rooted in his passion for the sport of NASCAR, dating back to his first job working on road for free. From there, Kelley has practically seen it all. He recalls working iconic races in the sport's history, including Cale Yarbrough, Richard Petty, and Jeff Gordon's final races. Winston was also Dale Earnhardt's final interview at the 2001 Daytona 500, and recalls Earnhardt's mood on the grid before the race. With a career behind a microphone comes difficult moments. Kelley remembers interviews with Dale Earnhardt after his multiple heartbreak losses in the Daytona 500, and the moment he was caught in the middle of the feud between Rusty Wallace and Earnhardt. As the Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Winston is living out his own childhood dream working with his heroes and building the legacy of the Hall. Kelley has been with the Hall since they broke ground to build the museum in 2006, and describes what it's like to watch inductees go through the process of entering NASCAR's most prestigious club. They close the interview discussing the best and worst interviews of his career. Between cutting it up with Tony Stewart after the race, to the poorly worded question that cost him big, Winston has no shortage of great stories to share. 21+ and present in North Carolina. Opt in req. Wager requirements apply. Bonuses awarded as nonwithdrawable bonus bets or profit boost tokens. Restrictions apply including bonus expiration. See terms and conditions at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
559 - Pocono: I'm Going To Get Sh*t For This
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the studio for this week’s episode of Dirty Air to recap all of the action from Pocono. After a weekend full of action from the Tricky Triangle, there is plenty to discuss:Dale picks his NCAA Football '25 Dynasty TeamWas Corey LaJoie and Kyle Busch's on-track contact a racing deal?Should Bubba Wallace have been fined $50k for dooring Alex Bowman at Chicago?Ryan Blaney calls inDale recalls epic paintball battles between the 48 & 88 teams on the roadDuring the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners wanted to know Dale’s opinion on:Tire options for the Richmond raceSting Ray Robb's crash at IowaDale is back on track this weekend 21+ and present in North Carolina. Opt in req. Wager requirements apply. Bonuses awarded as nonwithdrawable bonus bets or profit boost tokens. Restrictions apply including bonus expiration. See terms and conditions at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
558 - Gary Nelson Part 2: Scarred By Driver Deaths Under My Watch
Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues his conversation with longtime NASCAR crew chief Gary Nelson to discuss his time at Hendrick Motorsports, building SABCO with Felix Sabates, and his move to the officiating side as the Winston Cup Director.Gary details how Rick Hendrick used his car salesman skills to sell him on a job at HMS. Teamed up with Geoff Bodine, the two went on to beat Dale Earnhardt in the Daytona 500. Nelson shares stories of Bodine and legendary Crew Chief Harry Hyde that inspired the plot of Days Of Thunder. In 1988, Gary was taken on by Felix Sabates to help build SABCO. With Kyle Petty as the driver, he shares the moment that changed the entire history of that program. He also shares when he was convinced he’d be fired after a shouting match with Kyle Petty at Dover.They close the show by discussing Nelson’s time as the NASCAR Winston Cup Director. Gary talks about the tragic on-track crashes he witnessed firsthand that stay with him today. After numerous fatal accidents, it was up to him and his team to figure out how to make the sport safer. His multi-layered career and honest storytelling make this interview an instant Download classic. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
557 - Gary Nelson Part 1: The King of Innovation
Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with longtime NASCAR crew chief Gary Nelson, who worked with legendary drivers like Ricky Rudd, Bobby Allison, and Geoff Bodine. In the first installment of this conversation, Gary dives into the intriguing world of NASCAR innovation.If you raced in the 70s with a 100% legal car, you’d be out of business, and Nelson is here to prove it. He shares stories of finding ways around NASCAR’s scales, new innovations in aerodynamics, and how many of his cars looked a little “too good” to the inspectors. Nelson also dives into the early days of his career, discussing his relationship with Robert Gee, learning moments with Darrell Waltrip, and how he was directly responsible for Dale Earnhardt’s first win at Bristol.Dale Jr and Gary also break down his give-and-take relationship with Bobby Allison, and what it took for the two of them to finally find success. It’s a conversation so good we had to break it into two parts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
556 - Chicago: Post-Race Retaliation, Advice for Hailie Deegan, and Alex Bowman’s Two-Day Hangover
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the studio after vacation (or was it?) for this week’s episode of Dirty Air. After an eventful weekend in the streets of the Windy City, there is plenty to discuss, and Dale is joined by special co-host TJ Majors to lend his perspective from the spotter’s stand:Dale doesn’t trust his golf cartThe rain won’t stay away from ChicagoSVG and Larson have up and down weekendRetaliation after the checkered flagThe Playoff window is tightening for non-winnersTyler Reddick had a shot on the last lapDuring the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners wanted to know Dale’s opinion on:Ryan Blaney’s chances for the ESPY “Driver of the Year” awardNASCAR’s EV ProjectRodney Childers moving to Spire Motorsports in 2025 to work on the 7 car Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Reacting to Hocevar Penalty & Berry Announcement, and How Often Does The Fastest Car Win?
Carla Gebhart is joined by The Teardown’s Jeff Gluck on this week’s DJD Reloaded. We react to the Carson Hocevar penalty and how it could affect his long-term career prospects in the NASCAR Cup Series. With Josh Berry’s move to the Wood Brothers announced, where’s a possible landing spot for Rodney Childers? Plus, “The Professor” from Dirty Mo Dough, Russell Weinrich, calls in to dissect the data on whether the most dominant car actually finds its way to Victory Lane. Numbers never lie and they may surprise you. And finally, we hear from the winner of this year’s Denny Hamlin Bracket Challenge. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
555 - Martin Truex Jr: Not Going To Disappear
Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down for a conversation with his longtime friend and 2017 NASCAR Cup Champion Martin Truex Jr. With his recent retirement announcement in the rearview mirror, Dale Jr. is anxious to connect with Martin and see what his plans are for the future. At the time of the interview, Martin is preparing to embark on a fishing trip in his home state of New Jersey, which gives listeners a good idea of what he’ll be spending his time doing once he’s no longer behind the wheel full-time. Martin explains that over the last couple of years, he had been making more trips home to New Jersey and enjoyed connecting with his family and friends, so he recently purchased a house in his hometown. Dale inquires as to what kind of racing fans might see Martin doing in the future, to which he answers that he’ll likely be running the Daytona 500, some Xfinity events, and even a NASCAR Truck in the coming years. Martin also expresses interest in getting behind the wheel of a NASCAR modified and competing in the Turkey Derby at his home track, Wall Stadium, where he started his racing career in the late 90s. On the topic of hunting and being a full-time sportsman, Dale plants the seed of Martin possibly hosting his own outdoors show, helping to further the brand and mission state of Bass Pro Shops, of which Martin has had a long-running partnership with since first coming together at Chance 2 Motorsports in 2003. The conversation looks at the two halves of Martin’s NASCAR Cup career and how his journey to the top of stock car racing almost didn’t happen, his working relationship with Cole Pearn and what his thoughts are currently on the NextGen Car. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
554 - Nashville: Overtime, Overheating, and Overreacting
After a hot NASCAR weekend in Nashville, Dale Earnhardt Jr. gets back behind the microphone for another episode of Dirty Air. In a race that took five overtime restarts to complete and produced an unexpected winner in Joey Logano, there was a lot to chat about:A box of Butler's Orchard pickles and update on the Titanic Lego setDenny Hamlin and Kyle Larson have a rivalryDoes Carson Hocevar deserve a penalty for spinning Burton under caution?Christopher Bell is looking strong this seasonShould NASCAR have unlimited overtime attempts?How hot is too hot for drivers inside the race car?Race winner Joey Logano calls in Where Josh Berry will likely wind up for the 2025 seasonWhen the guys took to YouTube Live for the Ask Jr. segment, listeners sent in questions regarding:Why Dale doesn’t like concrete race surfacesAndy Petree leaving Richard Childress RacingWhat recovery after a hot race looks like Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A John Force Update & Talking Drag Racing Safety With Matt Hagan
Our buddy John Force was involved in a terrifying crash in his NHRA Funny Car on Sunday afternoon during the Virginia Nationals. We want to send our well wishes to John for a speedy recovery, and can’t wait to see him back behind the wheel. If there is one person who has ever been on the Dale Jr. Download that is still brought up most, it’s probably John Force. We’re going to look back at some of the greatest moments from that interview and also talk to John’s friend and competitor, Matt Hagan, about John’s fiery competitiveness and his charismatic - and hilarious - personality. Plus, ask any driver, and they’ll tell you what we all know is true: the sting of defeat is more intense than the euphoria of victory. With his second-place finish at New Hampshire, Sheldon Creed has now tied Daniel Hemric and Dale Jarrett for the most runner-up finishes ever before securing a NASCAR Xfinity Series win. We talk to Creed himself and hear from Daniel Hemric on the challenges of claiming that first victory. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
553 - Jeff Green: Racing For Legends Like Earnhardt, Childress & Petty
Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with longtime NASCAR competitor Jeff Green to learn more about how he rose from the short tracks of the Midwest to having one of the most dominant seasons in the NASCAR Xfinity Series history. After growing up in the footsteps of two racing brothers, David and Mark, also of NASCAR fame, Jeff ventured down a path that landed him at Dale Earnhardt Inc. in 1995. When he took a call from the Intimidator himself, DEI was at an interesting point in its history, where Dale Sr. was looking to retire from part-time NASCAR Busch Series racing and put someone in the car full-time. Jeff and the No. 3 team had moments of brilliance and strong runs, but he felt it was still “Dale Sr.’s team” and he decided to try out a different opportunity.Jeff found victory lane for the first time in his NASCAR Xfinity career with Diamond Ridge Motorsports at Las Vegas in 1997. The team was excited about Jeff’s success and rushed him into the Cup Series, which Jeff explains was a difficult transition to make, and before long the team shut down. His glory years in the Xfinity Series came from 1999 to 2001 when he had two runner-up points efforts and a dominant 2000 championship run, where he won by over 600 points. The success brought an opportunity with Richard Childress Racing and Jeff, feeling like he was in the prime of his career, jumped at the chance to drive for a premier racing team. But when a run-in with his teammate Kevin Harvick ultimately got him fired, Jeff began a journey of moving from team to team, looking for stability. Along the way, he spent time back at DEI as well as at Richard Petty Motorsports driving the famed 43 before retiring from driving in 2021.Dale and Jeff reflect on their years spent racing each other in the Xfinity ranks, Dale’s first memories of Jeff at DEI, late model racing trips, and Jeff’s current day-to-day activities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
552 - New Hampshire: Don’t Fret The Wet, Bell’s Thoughts On “Chase,” & Schedule Rumor Reaction
Dale Earnhardt Jr. may be back at the beach, but his notebook is filled after the NASCAR weekend at New Hampshire and he’s excited to share on this episode of Dirty Air. NASCAR’s decision to wait out the rain and restart on wet weather tires was a polarizing one, and Dale has plenty of insight on the matter. Episode highlights include:Shoutouts to the underappreciatedCarson Kvapil continues to impressNASCAR’s wet weather tire progressDealing with the danger of a wet pit roadKyle Larson gets testy with his spotterRyan Blaney and Michael McDowell’s dust-upAlex Bowman and Christopher Bell join the showDuring the Ask Jr. segment, listeners had questions about:Dale’s reaction to the NASCAR 2025 schedule rumorsWhat it’s like shooting a commercialWho will win the Denny Hamlin Bracket Challenge?21+ and present in North Carolina. Opt in req. Wager requirements apply. Bonuses awarded as nonwithdrawable bonus bets or profit boost tokens. Restrictions apply including bonus expiration. See terms and conditions at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

All About Truex From Those Who Know Him Best
Now that Martin Truex Jr. has determined this season will be his last as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver, there will be no shortage of celebrations of Martin’s stellar 21-year career over the next six months. Today on DJD Reloaded, we talk to several people instrumental in shaping MTJ’s storied career, from old buddies like TJ Majors and Josh Snider, to a couple of crew chiefs he won Championships with: Kevin “Bono” Manion and Cole Pearn. This week's show is full of great stories as we relive our favorite Truex memories (Captain and Coke, anyone?) and look ahead to what could be next for MTJ. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
551 - Paul Andrews: Processing The Loss Of Alan Kulwicki
Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with longtime NASCAR crew chief Paul Andrews to learn more about his journey from being a vacuum repairman to a Cup championship-winning team leader. After being raised by his grandparents in Louisiana, Paul found his way to St. Louis where he reconnected with his mother and took a job working at his stepfather’s motel as a maintenance person. When he was working on a vacuum cleaner one day, he went to the local O.K. Vacuum store where he connected with Rusty Wallace, his father Russ, and Uncle Gary, and soon after took a job with the company. Along with this new role of employment came the opportunity to work in Rusty’s race shop after hours, and Paul began traveling with Rusty as he found his footing in the short-track late model and NASCAR worlds.Once Wallace went full-time NASCAR Cup racing in 1984, Paul again found himself in Louisiana, this time running Rusty’s sportsman late model program. Paul temporarily retired from the sport in 1986, but it wasn’t long before he took a call from up-and-comer Alan Kulwicki, establishing one of the hardest-working duos in the Cup garage. The team would overcome the odds and bring home the 1992 Cup season championship. After Alan’s untimely passing in a 1993 plane crash, the team was bought out by Geoff Bodine, and Paul would spend a couple of years honoring his late friend before moving on to other endeavors with Kranefuss-Penske, Dale Earnhardt Inc., Petty Enterprises, and Michael Waltrip Racing. Today, Paul can be found taking it easy, managing his various properties and moonlighting from time to time as a crew chief for JR Motorsports’ late model stock program, working with Dale Jr. when he gets behind the wheel for short track competition. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
550 - Iowa: Reacting to Truex, Chatting with Blaney & Getting Choked Up on Repaves
Dale Earnhardt Jr. was curious as to how the repave at Iowa Speedway would perform when NASCAR came to town, and he is back for another edition of Dirty Air to report on what he saw unfold. Highlights of the episode include:Dale needs to start chewing his food moreLet’s prioritize getting new fans to the racetrackMartin Truex Jr.’s retirement announcementThe NASCAR Silly Season ramps upAre repaves the key to better NextGen short-track races?Race winner Ryan Blaney joins the showDuring the Ask Jr. segment of the show, fans sent in questions regarding:How much longer Dale plans on racingThe 2012 Michigan win in the Batman carUpdates on the Titanic Lego setFather’s Day activities Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Which Multi-Disciplined Driver is the G.O.A.T.? Settling the Debate with Mike Joy, Dave Moody, & Ken Martin
The great Mario Andretti was on the Dale Jr. Download this week, and he was asked about motorsports’ Crown Jewel races. Not NASCAR’s Crown Jewels, but the biggest races in motorsports collectively. That got us wondering, with Kyle Larson’s recent cross-over into IndyCar, who is the single-most versatile, multi-disciplined race car driver in history that competed in the Crown Jewel races? Who should be considered the best? And who amongst us could take over that mantle someday? We have an all-star panel to help inform our discussion. Legendary FOX Sports broadcaster Mike Joy, Sirius XM & MRN personality Dave “The Godfather” Moody, and the Director of Historical Content at NASCAR, Ken Martin, all weigh in and help settle the debate once and for all. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
549 - Mario Andretti: Addicted To Adrenaline
Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down for an incredible conversation with motorsports icon Mario Andretti. With a resume that includes wins in the Indy 500 and the Daytona 500, four IndyCar championships, and a Formula One championship, Mario is in rarified air in motorsports history, ranking among the best to ever sit behind the wheel. Mario reflects on his childhood in Italy and how his family migrated from a refugee camp to Nazareth, Pennsylvania when he was 15 years old. It was there that his twin brother Aldo and he discovered the nearby Nazareth Speedway and set out with the ambition to build a racecar to enter the local sportsman division. At the advice of his friends, the Andretti brother team settled on a 1948 Hudson Hornet for their initial foray into racing, thanks to the classic car’s success on the dirt in early NASCAR competition. With a fabricated story of racing in the Formula Junior ranks in Italy and doctored driver's licenses in their pockets, the Andretti's set out with a full head of steam and found immediate success, helping to launch one of the greatest stories in auto racing. Mario explains that his decision to leave stock cars and venture into open wheel racing came through the ¾ midget ranks of the East Coast, and his time in the division helped land him USAC sprint and championship car rides. After getting his feet wet in the big cars in 1964, Mario had a tremendous rookie season, placing 3rd at the Indianapolis 500 and winning the national championship. Mario and Dale also chat about his journey into the NASCAR world, which resulted in a 1967 Daytona 500 victory with the Holman-Moody team. Mario admits that some on the team were pulling for his teammate Fred Lorenzen, but with the help of the legendary engine builder Waddell Wilson he was able to overcome adversity for his lone NASCAR win. The conversation also covers Mario’s track record at the Indy 500, pursuing his childhood love of Formula One racing and how he came to win the 1978 World Championship and returning to the US to finish his career in the CART ranks, racing alongside his son Michael. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
548 - Sonoma Caution Chaos & My Go-To Beer
As NASCAR returns from wine country, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the studio to react to the chaos and dominance race fans saw this past weekend in Sonoma. With the bump and runs, tire strategies and aggressive restarts, there is plenty to unpack:Sonoma repave was not a problemRoss Chastain dust-ups with Kyle Busch and Chase ElliottJosh Berry has a big momentToo many caution laps?Dale’s change of heart on Sonoma tripsSVG wins two in a rowRace winner Kyle Larson calls into the showIowa repave expectationsDuring the Ask Jr. segment of the episode, listeners wrote in questions regarding:The status of Dale’s Denny Hamlin bracketRyan McGee’s recent article about the NASCAR charter negotiations Dale’s favorite NASCAR Race Hub memories Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mid-Season Superlatives, And Is SMT Data A Good Thing For NASCAR?
Carla Gebhart is joined by The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi to break down a NASCAR hot topic: SMT data. Why do you keep hearing about it? What is it? Should SMT data be available to drivers and teams during a race? How does that impact competition? Randall Burnett, crew chief of the No. 8 car at Richard Childress Racing, joins to offer his perspective on SMT data sharing and whether it helps or hurts in providing the best racing. Plus, it's time to announce our mid-season superlatives! Carla and Jordan give their selections, and we highlight the fan picks for each category. And, finally, the crew discusses which upsets you should look out for in Round 2 of the Denny Hamlin Bracket Challenge as the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Sonoma. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
547 - Mark Martin: When Dale Earnhardt Tested Me
Dale Earnhardt Jr. welcomes NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin back to the Download to discuss his early days in the sport and how he came to be a chassis setup guru. Mark explains that he and his father, Julian, were both mechanical enthusiasts and began attending drag and short track races in Arkansas before traveling to the Daytona 500 in 1973. Eventually, Julian’s interest wandered to the pit area and he became a part owner of a dirt late model that competed at nearby Batesville Speedway. One night, while scraping mud off the car between events Mark expressed to his father: “How about we build one of these for me next season?” The rest is history.Mark explains that his expertise in chassis setup came from his years competing in asphalt late models with the American Speed Association. After buying a car from legendary Michigan builder Ed Howe and working with his setups, Mark took inspiration from fellow competitors Junior Hanley and Gary Balough on how to take things to the next level. Dale Jr. was especially interested in a setup Mark stumbled upon using no right rear spring, to which Mark gives a detailed explanation of how the discovery came to him while testing at Winchester Speedway. The discussion also covers Mark’s failed first attempt at NASCAR Cup racing, turning down an offer to drive for Harry Ranier, his long relationship with Jack Roush, and his years of competing with Dale Jr. in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
546 - Gateway Chaos, Dale "Still At The Table" In Charter Talks & Larson's Waiver News
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back behind the microphone to react to the chaotic NASCAR Cup race outcome at Gateway on this edition of Dirty Air. Blown engines and empty gas tanks disrupted Christopher Bell and Ryan Blaney’s clear paths to victory, and Austin Cindric was in the right place at the right time. This episode covers:Missing phone calls from DaleWhat’s the future for Stewart-Haas Racing’s drivers?NASCAR silly season is ramping upWhere does Dale stand on owning a charter?The trademark of the “8” is up for grabsBreaking news on Kyle Larson’s waiver statusBell and Blaney’s woes lead to busted bracketsRace winner Austin Cindric calls inDuring the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions about:Who is the better iRacer, Dale Jr. or TJ Majors?Dale’s favorite beach activitiesAdvice for first-time parentsReactions to Elton Sawyer’s statement about Kyle Larson’s Playoffs waiver Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rodney Childers on SHR Shutdown, Conor Daly Reflects on the Indy 500, & The Professor’s Bracket Challenge Advice
Carla Gebhart hosts a packed DJD Reloaded show this week. Rodney Childers, crew chief of the No. 4 car at Stewart-Haas Racing, joins to discuss his team's upcoming closure and how he’ll work to keep his team focused for the remainder of 2024. Plus, Indiana’s own and Speed Street host, Conor Daly, calls in fresh off his top-10 result in the Indy 500. Conor shares the ups and downs of his day and why he gets so emotional before every race. And finally, with the Denny Hamlin Bracket Challenge back for the second year, there’s nobody better to get in-depth analysis from than Dirty Mo Dough’s “Professor," Russell Wenrich. Entries for the bracket close this Sunday at 3 pm ET, so visit dirtymomedia.com/bracketchallenge to enter! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
545 - Luke Combs: Self-Funded Singer To Stadium Headliner
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined by country music star and fellow North Carolina native Luke Combs this week on the Dale Jr. Download. On the heels of releasing his latest album “Gettin’ Old” in 2023, Luke connects with Dale via video chat in the midst of a long-running stadium tour. The two chat about Luke growing up in Huntersville, N.C., and realize that they lived about 20 minutes apart for some time. Luke also talks about his family’s decision to move to Asheville, N.C., and attending Appalachian State University, where he changed majors a couple of times and found work as a bouncer at a local bar. It was during these years that Luke found inspiration to pick up a guitar his parents had given him in the seventh grade and learn to play, a decision that would put him on a trajectory to country music stardom.Luke explains that his entry into live music and the recording industry was humble. After learning a handful of songs, he asked the owner of a local bar he frequented if he could perform, to which he easily obliged. He also found a local studio to record at and self-released his first couple of EPs, helping to build a grassroots following. When his single “Hurricane” found its way to the top of the country charts on iTunes, Luke brought in enough money to stay in pursuit of his music goals a little longer, and soon after, he made the move to Nashville. While there, participating in songwriting sessions with like-minded musicians, Luke began to take meetings with record labels, eventually finding a home with Sony. Through the strength of a string of successful records and No. 1 hit singles, Luke quickly rose from being an opening act to headlining one of the best-selling tours in country music history. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.