Welcome Back, Chase Format
About this episode
Dale Jr. and TJ Majors kick off the new season with heartfelt tributes to Greg Biffle and Denny Hamlin’s family tragedy, then pivot into NASCAR’s newly announced playoff format. They break down why the committee pushed for a 36-race feel, the points reset/premiums, and how removing “win-and-you’re-in” changes strategy and fan engagement. The conversation also covers Tony Stewart’s surprise return to NASCAR in a Dodge truck at Daytona, the recent lawsuit fallout, and updates on the Cars Tour (including Flow streaming and a new “Floatium” $10k program).
After taking part in a monumental NASCAR press conference, Dale Earnhardt Jr. kicks off 2026 with a brand-new edition of Dirty Air. He joins co-host TJ Majors to discuss the major overhaul of the NASCAR Championship points format and more:
- Reflecting on a tragic off-season
- The new points format is here
- The Chase for the Championship will reignite fans’ passion for racing
- Drivers will need to put together an entire season
- After a frustrating year, this is a step in the right direction
- Tony Stewart to make his NASCAR return
- Steve Phelps resigns
- CARS Tour is kicking off soon, with the biggest season yet
During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, fans wrote in questions regarding:
- Using aliases
- Three-person team for the zombie apocalypse
- Favorite recess games
- Dream professions growing up
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Dodge Journey
"...o have to build all season long to complete this journey to be a champion. And the week after that, and th..."
Chevrolet Corvette
"...ow'd you pick? I was in, when I got burned in the Corvette, we were in hospital under William Bonney. I thi..."
Hyundai Venue
"...a, you know, a 12 passenger van going from small venue to small venue. But I mean, I think that even tha..."
Jeep Renegade
"...as actually fun to go and see, but they had their renegade parked out front. I was thinking like the whole ..."
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