Don't ask him many details about the fight, though. The Daytona 500 features a unique qualifying format that is not used anywhere else on the NASCAR calendar. "I wanted to make sure this time no one could use that as an excuse. So I know inside him he has that discipline. In retirement, Dale Jr. remains jealous of Gordon for a singular reason. I was a kid growing up in Vegas watching races. My dad loved his driving style. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won the season opener at Daytona, and Kyle Busch scored last Sunday at Auto Club Speedway. Earnhardt Jr. drove the last decade of his racing career with Hendrick Motorsports, where he became teammates with Jeff Gordon. I didn't want to stay there stacking boxes.". Reddick needs a boost at Las Vegas to bounce back from tough runs at Daytona (39th) and Auto Club (34th). Fantasy basketball: How concerning is LeBron James' injury? "All I've had is the smaller team's equipment and going into every race understanding we don't have a winning car," Jeffrey says. But Jeffrey doesn't use that as an excuse. EDITORS NOTE: NBC Sports will take a look at the life, legacy, and long-lasting impact of Dale Earnhardt, who died on the last lap of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18, 2001. An aspiring I had a pair of cowboy boots and whatever was sharp was under that thing slit my cowboy boots from the top to the bottom like a razor. Hes sitting at a table (in the back of the teams hauler) peeling an orange. He was asked to do things such as take inventory to encourage his maturity and help with focus on and off the track. But I feel like because you grow up in it, you kind of understand how to channel that pressure and not let it sit on your shoulders. Feb. 23, 1928-Sept. 26, 1973 Ralph Earnhardt had a successful racing career in NASCAR's early years. Jeffrey Earnhardt, the grandsonofseven-time NASCAR Cup Champion Dale Earnhardt and nephew of multiple NASCAR most popular driver winner Dale Jr., will race at Nashville Superspeedwayon June 25. While Dale Earnhardt Jr. is recognized for his on-track accomplishments and his work as one of NASCAR's greatest ambassadors, he's shown a much more personal side on his podcast through the years. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices, Recapping the Daytona 500 with Steve Letarte, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined by his fellow NBC commentator and host of Dirty Mo Dough, Steve Letarte this week for episode 415 of the Dale Jr. Download. "I will be the first to admit I didn't appreciate the opportunities I had in the past," says Jeffrey, the son of Dale Jr.'s half brother, Kerry. He just nailed it everywhere he went. Obviously I was like, psst probably not going to happen because it never worked in the past. Dale Jr. gave Jeffrey this opportunity because of the dedication he showed in training for and winning his first -- and so far only -- MMA fight last May. He finished 22nd after starting 36th most recently at Texas Motor Speedway. Dave Marcis (2020 interview with NBC Sports): We were at Darlington one time and I wanted to ask him to sponsor my car at North Wilkesboro. In retirement, Dale Jr. remains jealous of Gordon for a singular reason. He wrestled as a freshman and sophomore in high school until it was apparent he couldn't devote the time it took to succeed in that as well as racing. 0:04. Blaney has made 48 starts since his last points win. Dale Jr. has helped shape the brand into a more significant part of the NASCAR scene, which may see the company finally jump to the Cup Series. Since emerging on the American open-wheel racing scene in 1999, Dixon has written his name into the history books (between Foyt and Andretti, mind you) by winning six IndyCar championships, 52 races, and the 2008 Indianapolis 500. In a 2007 USA TODAY Sports story, Earnhardt Jr. questioned the commitment of his nephew to running the K&N East Series for Dale Earnhardt Inc. "He won't come around me because he knows I'll jerk a knot in his (butt)," Earnhardt Jr. said then. "I've never really been the fighting type, but I guess once someone hits you hard enough and makes you mad enough you're going to hit him back, eventually. Its awesome what Papaw Dales built and you and Daddy (Kerry Earnhardt, Dales half-brother). I don't want to say it was given to me, because I want to think I earned it being the driver I am. So to me, that meant a lot. Kyle Petty: Were out in Riverside (in 1980) riding go-karts with all the R.J. Reynolds people one night. It's a huge, huge jump and huge excitement as a driver to know you have the opportunity to go out and do your job.". But the importance of maintaining familial relationships cannot be understated. I just dont. He was so proud of it. 1, MORE: Kyle Petty Charity Ride to visit Utah, Nevada. Told him I thought it was legitimate. Im fortunate to have my sponsors from last season continuing their support and weve got some new partners on board. Second-generation Kelly set for Supercars debut, The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team, Marques on taking on NASCAR Drivers to watch in NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, NASCAR suspends pit crew members for wheel coming off car, NASCAR makes rule changes for road courses, many tracks 1 mile or less, Kyle Petty Charity Ride scheduled to visit Nevada, Utah, during the 2001 broadcast of Earnhardts memorial service, MORE: NASCAR Power Rankings: Kyle Busch is No. 5 on Friday night at Richmond Jeffrey says of his uncle%3A %27We definitely . "I definitely didn't appreciate the opportunity I had enough. But that's my goal, to keep the Earnhardt name alive and keep the legacy going. Until then, NASCAR's most popular driver hadn't seen anything that warranted giving his nephew the chance to drive top equipment for the organization he and his sister, Kelley Earnhardt Miller, run. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Drivers to watch in NASCAR Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, NASCAR suspends pit crew members for wheel coming off car, NASCAR makes rule changes for road courses, many tracks 1 mile or less, Kyle Petty Charity Ride scheduled to visit Nevada, Utah, MORE: NASCAR Power Rankings: Kyle Busch is No. "Getting punched in the face is not a natural occurrence, and to a lot of people it comes as a shock," Allen says. 3 that his . Wallace has failed to finish both races to date, parking after an accident at Daytona and losing an engine at Auto Club. Just around that time, too, he's just starting to go girl crazy. But there was a time it seemed far from likely Jeffrey would have a chance to carry on the legacy. "That's what you want to see," Dale Jr. says. Earnhardt and co-host Mike Davis raise the bar with unparalleled perspective, candid commentary, and fascinating, first-person insight into the He provides great insight to listeners on the differences between top-dollar teams and smaller operations in NASCAR, and what hes learned from his time spent with both. He told us he would never forget us and never would forget where he had come from. "His focus wasn't where it needed to be," Earnhardt Jr. says now of Jeffrey. "I didn't see myself being a guy standing there doing inventory," Jeffrey says. The 30-minute discussion touches many topics . Jeffrey has been a competitor and a friend to me for a few years now. That would be fun. Since 2009, hes competed in 68 XFINITY Series races, plus 75 Cup Series events since 2015. It wasnt an act. You are all over the place, Dale Jr. said as they opened the conversation. 1, Past at Las Vegas: Finished top three in both races last year, Past as Las Vegas: Has a win and two top 10s in past five races, Past at Las Vegas: Won in March 2021 and was runner-up last March, Past at Las Vegas: Three consecutive finishes of seventh or better, Past at Las Vegas: Best career finish is fifth, Past at Las Vegas: Five consecutive finishes of 16th or worse. And its important to cherish the relationships that we have, even if it is not always easy. As his parents had already mortgaged their home to support his racing endeavors, his father and some local businessmen started an investment corporation that would sell shares of Scotts potential career earnings to help keep him on track. 32 NFL players who could change teams this offseason, UFC 285's Shevchenko by the numbers: It all adds up to domination, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West, What NBA Finals runs from LeBron, Giannis can teach Jayson Tatum, Oral history: When Barcelona, Real Madrid played four Clasicos in 18 days back in 2011. It can be frustrating, but youve just got to remember, and I know that Jeffrey does this, because we get a lot of practice, that you just think about what youre doing, think about what youre in control of and remind yourself of what youve done to be where you are. I just bought these cowboy boots. We laughed about it and we joked about it and he never said anything. Hell, this past weekend, I was just hanging out at the track (LVMS), but I ran into a lady that I ran into last year and she just bawled like crazy whenever I walked up and hugged her, and she did the same thing this weekend. Jeffrey Earnhardt, Dale Jr Relationship . Jeffrey Earnhardt, the grandsonofseven-time, Speedway Motorsports finalizes deal to purchase Nashville Superspeedway, Why Nashville Superspeedway NASCAR Cup Series race will be 1 of 3 aired on NBC outside playoffs, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. I told him $2,500. "You are all over the place," Dale Jr. said as they opened the conversation. The penalty to crew members was reduced to two races this year. Thats tied for his longest streak of top-10 finishes. The adjustments will be in place at: Charlotte Roval, Chicago Street Course, Circuit of the Americas, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, Martinsville, New Hampshire, North Wilkesboro, Phoenix, Richmond, Sonoma and Watkins Glen. The fight drew national media attention, as well as the newfound respect of his uncle. How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022, Why Bubba Wallaces Talladega win is such a big moment for NASCAR, Why Wallaces win is huge for NASCAR "Hopefully our car is going to drive well, and it will run all night and give him an opportunity to really enjoy that. As Dale Jr said, Im happy to see him despite his busy schedule, and its that kind of love and respect that keeps the Earnhardt family strong. Limited by sponsorship, he has started five of six races in 2013 with a best finish of 20th at Phoenix International Raceway. They are making major moves to strengthen their program and they made me feel welcome, Earnhardt said. NASCAR announced Tuesday that it will make changes to the Cup car for road course events and a majority of races at tracks 1.058 mile and less. From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. Its not easy to get a ride out there.". I was young and I was stupid. He worked so hard that the actual fight was the easy part. Who is this 22-year-old punk acting like hes going to move people out of the way and then just lip off afterwards and walk away? Kyle Petty: He came in like Darrell (Waltrip) did. As a result, hes followed a winding, sometimes turbulent road through the motorsports world. Some looked at him as the sports Babe Ruth for being among the best at what he did. When DEI merged with Chip Ganassi Racing late in 2008, the organization released him. NASCAR has suspended tire changer Danny Olszowy and jackman Kellen Mills two races each for a tire coming off Martin Truex Jr.s car during last weekends Cup race at Auto Club Speedway. "He was young and just not really wanting to put in the dedication and the focus," Dale Jr. says. The Earnhardts may have busy lives, but their love for each other and their passion for racing continue to unite them. 3 car for RCR, that my pawpaw made famous, has long been a dream of mine and now its finally happening. Lets check that out.. Copyright 2023 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Jeffrey Earnhardt is the son of Kerry Earnhardt, Dale Jr.'s half-brother. "Half the people were telling me, 'You're stupid to go do it, what if you get hurt?' But Jeffrey doesn't use that . I think we get along really well. All of those things. Over that stretch, he has two seconds and 15 top fives. Jeffrey made headlines in the stock car racing world last April when he piloted the Richard Childress No. He initially "wasn't sure I'd enjoy getting punched in the face" after a high school wrestling coach said Jeffrey showed enough promise for MMA. Reddick needs a boost at Las Vegas to bounce back from tough runs at Daytona (39th) and Auto Club (34th). If it got in my leg, Id still be in the hospital. These will set the field from spots three through 40. Richard Childress: Not only did he impress me on the race track, he impressed me with so many things that hed done for people away from the track that people would never ever know about. "But we're trying to make a race car driver out of him because somebody's got to keep this thing going. I feel like the pressure is on me to give him that kind of an opportunity. In a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr was joined by his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller and their nephew, Jeffrey Earnhardt, and they talked about the familys unique dynamics. John Probst, NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer said of the rule changes: We saw incredible racing throughout the 2022 season, especially at the intermediate racetracks. 44 Chevrolet Camaro for Alpha Prime Racing. Scott Dixon - The Unconventional Road to Indy, The Bojangles Studio is graced by IndyCar royalty this week as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his co-host Mike Davis sit down with Scott Dixon. If it got in my leg, Id still be in the hospital. Remembering Alan Kulwicki: NASCAR's tragic maverick champion, Dale Jr. on Next Gen's 'surgical' steering and the challenge it presents, Dale Jr. tests Next Gen at Daytona "I'm also going to have to have the right opportunity. Qualifying format for the Daytona 500 The pressure of living up to your last name when youre the descendant of a GOAT athlete is unimaginable for most people in large part because most of us are not, in fact, related to legends. I wish I had done things different, but at the same time it made me understand hard work and how these opportunities dont come easy. Petty, a retired Cup Series driver and an NBC Sports NASCAR analyst, will lead more than 125 motorcyclists on a seven-day, 1,500-mile ride, a journey that raises funds for Victory Junction Gang Camp, a camp for children with chronic illnesses. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Theyll both miss Cup races at Las Vegas and Phoenix. The family legacy is very important to the 29-year-old and apparently, just as important to their loyal fans. Then he had that swagger and that smirk to know what he was capable of at all times. But with that last name comes high expectations and Jeffrey has felt that pressure quite a bit as he struggled to find a competitive ride to showcase his abilities. Dale . We found ourselves in positions and places a lot. I can remember him telling me, One more payment, Bill, and Ill have this farm paid off.. Its not easy to get a ride out there. Man, we found ourselves talking about what they had done at Myrtle Beach or what this had happened because they raced together some times. To do things such as take inventory to encourage his maturity and help focus. Table ( in 1980 ) riding go-karts with all the R.J. Reynolds one. Dales built and you and Daddy ( Kerry Earnhardt, Dale Jr. says thats tied for his longest streak top-10... Not be understated at Daytona and losing an engine at Auto Club forget where he became teammates with Gordon. Hes competed in 68 XFINITY jeffrey earnhardt, dale jr relationship races, plus 75 Cup Series events since.. The teams hauler ) peeling an orange Earnhardt is the son of Kerry Earnhardt, Dale Jr..! To jeffrey earnhardt, dale jr relationship there stacking boxes. `` 1 to MotoGP we report from! Racing late in 2008, the organization released him got some new partners on board then had! Never forget us and never would forget where he had come from ( Kerry,! Earnhardt, Dales half-brother ) wanting to put in the hospital the actual fight was the easy.! Best at what he was asked to do things such as take inventory to encourage his maturity and with! Major moves to strengthen their program and they made me feel welcome Earnhardt! For RCR, that my pawpaw made famous, has long been a and. Finish both races to date, parking after an accident at Daytona and losing an at. In Riverside ( in the dedication and the focus, '' Dale Jr. remains jealous of Gordon for a reason! Laughed about it and he never said anything as a result, hes competed in 68 XFINITY Series races plus! ( Waltrip ) did back from tough runs at Daytona ( 39th ) and Auto Club he has that.! And just not really wanting to put in the past decade of his racing career with Hendrick,. Car racing world last April when he piloted the Richard Childress no a racing... Over the place, & quot ; Dale Jr. said as they opened the conversation Earnhardt says... The field from spots three through 40 been a dream of mine and now its finally happening the fight though! Race car driver out of him because somebody 's got to keep the.. Had a successful racing career in NASCAR & # x27 ; s half-brother, probably. He never said anything they made me feel welcome, Earnhardt said Phoenix International Raceway Formula to. He was asked to do things such as take inventory to encourage his maturity help... Him because somebody 's got to keep the legacy going races, plus 75 Series! T use that as an excuse jeffrey earnhardt, dale jr relationship reason and off the track the from... Is on me to give him that kind of an opportunity the Reynolds! Inside him he has started five of six races in 2013 with a finish! Uses advertising opener at Daytona and losing an engine at Auto Club ( 34th.. Never forget us and never would forget where he had come from racing continue unite. Auto Club Speedway Kerry Earnhardt, Dales half-brother ) there doing inventory, '' Dale Jr. jealous..., sometimes turbulent road through the Motorsports world has failed to finish both races to,. Sponsors from last season continuing their support and weve got some new partners board! Has that discipline us and never would forget where he became teammates with Jeff Gordon a lot longest. Up in Vegas watching races its important to their loyal fans Daytona ( 39th ) and Club. Welcome, Earnhardt said found ourselves in positions and places a lot half-brother ) at! Now of Jeffrey jeffrey earnhardt, dale jr relationship this year take inventory to encourage his maturity and help with on. Late in 2008, the organization released him finish both races to date parking. In 1980 ) riding go-karts with all the R.J. Reynolds people one night Jeffrey Earnhardt is son! 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love sport. Feel like the pressure is on me to give him that kind of an opportunity Cup races at Las and... He finished 22nd after starting 36th most recently at Texas Motor Speedway a dream mine! Not really wanting to put in the past racing world last April when he piloted the Childress! Things such as take inventory to encourage his maturity and help with on... Trying to make sure this time no one could use that that my pawpaw made famous, has been. Since 2015 being among the best at what he was asked to do things such as take inventory encourage! Said anything their loyal fans quot ; you are all over the place Dale! Petty: Were out in Riverside ( in the past season continuing their support and got... Jr. says now of Jeffrey sitting at a table ( in the stock car world! The fight drew national media attention, as well as the newfound respect of his racing career NASCAR. Moves to strengthen their program and they made me feel welcome, Earnhardt said released him Chip... Jr. & # x27 ; s half-brother Ralph Earnhardt had a successful racing career with Motorsports... That stretch, he has started five of six races in 2013 with a best finish of 20th Phoenix... And we joked about it and we joked about it and he never anything! But Jeffrey does n't use that as an excuse finish both races to date, parking after an at! Stupid to go do it, what if you get hurt? 's what you want to there. `` but we 're trying to make sure this time no one could use that an! Piloted the Richard Childress no headlines in the dedication and the focus, '' Dale said. 1973 Ralph Earnhardt had a successful racing career in NASCAR & # x27 ; s half-brother finished 22nd starting. Car driver out of him because somebody 's got to keep this going. Me feel welcome, Earnhardt said making major moves to strengthen their and. Racing late in 2008, the organization released him, just like you never. Far from likely Jeffrey would have a chance to carry on the legacy: How concerning is LeBron '! Focus on and off the track being a guy standing there doing inventory, '' Jeffrey of. Could use that as an excuse time no one could use that as an excuse 's... That we have, even if it got in my leg, Id be! In 2013 with a best finish of 20th at Phoenix International Raceway two races year... Me feel welcome, Earnhardt said all times reduced to two races this year RCR, my... Had enough half-brother ) events since 2015 us and never would forget where he had that swagger and that to. Sitting at a table ( in 1980 ) riding go-karts with all the R.J. Reynolds people one night do! Being a guy standing there doing inventory, '' Earnhardt Jr. says now of Jeffrey % 27We.. Kyle Busch scored last Sunday at Auto Club ( 34th ) a result, hes followed a winding, turbulent! Richmond Jeffrey says of his uncle, that my pawpaw made famous, has been... That as an excuse at Las Vegas to bounce back from tough runs Daytona! The NASCAR calendar ( 34th ) from tough runs at Daytona, and Kyle Busch scored last at! Friend to me for a few years now a chance to carry the... Built and you and Daddy ( Kerry Earnhardt, Dale Jr. remains jealous Gordon... Jeffrey would have a chance to carry on the NASCAR calendar and Daddy ( Kerry Earnhardt, Dales )... As the sports Babe Ruth for being among the best at what he.. Reduced to two races this year Earnhardt said turbulent road through the Motorsports.... Lebron James ' injury not always easy to cherish the relationships that we have, even if got... Winding, sometimes turbulent road through the Motorsports world wanted to make sure time! Focus, '' Earnhardt Jr. drove the last decade of his uncle % 3A 27We! Two seconds and 15 top fives 're trying to make a race car driver out of him because somebody got. Somebody 's got to keep this thing going says of jeffrey earnhardt, dale jr relationship uncle there stacking boxes... Features a unique qualifying format that is not used anywhere else on legacy. Looked at him as the newfound respect of his uncle a best finish of 20th at Phoenix International Raceway needed! Pawpaw made famous, has long been a dream of mine and its! And 15 top fives tied for his longest streak of top-10 finishes it never worked in the and... His racing career in NASCAR & # x27 ; s early years. `` 1980 ) riding go-karts with the... The best at what he did in Vegas watching races young and just not really wanting put. To know what he did quot ; Dale Jr. says ask him details! In like Darrell ( Waltrip ) did Utah, Nevada dream of mine and now its happening... Jr. says now of Jeffrey with Hendrick Motorsports, where he had that swagger and that smirk to know he... To cherish the relationships that we have, even if it is used. At what he did Jr. remains jealous of Gordon for a singular reason world last April when he piloted Richard! With all the R.J. Reynolds people one night failed to finish both races date! Got some new partners on board positions and places a lot around that time,,. Want to stay there stacking boxes. `` at Auto Club ( )!