The Dale Jr. Download
Dirty Mo Media, SiriusXM
Updated 1 day agoNASCAR’s 15-time Most Popular Driver and winner of two Daytona 500s, Dale Earnhardt Jr., hosts his very own podcast, The Dale Jr Download on Dirty Mo Media. Earnhardt raises the bar with unparalleled perspective, candid commentary, and fascinating, first-person insight into the life of a broadcaster, celebrated racer.
Are you the creator? Claim this podcast
Episodes (949)
Speed Street - Building a Legacy: Jimmie Johnson & Way-Too-Early IndyCar Predictions
On this Bonus episode, it’s race week for the IndyCar Series as Conor Daly and Joey Mulinaro are ready to kick off the 2023 season on Speed Street. The guys discuss NASCAR’s final race at Auto Club Speedway and why it was a mistake for IndyCar to leave the venue, their way-too-early IndyCar season predictions, reactions to F1’s Bahrain test and each team’s NFL comparison, and reveal their crucial Las Vegas advice for Producer Ben Walton’s inaugural trip to Sin City. Then, Conor and Joey talk with seven-time champion NASCAR legend and recent IndyCar driver Jimmie Johnson about his transition from NASCAR to IndyCar, his future Indy 500 plans, the challenges of being a team owner, and he reveals his craziest championship celebration story. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Speed Street - Conor Daly's Roller Coaster Daytona 500; Frankie Muniz Has Big NASCAR Plans
On this BONUS Speed Street drop, Conor Daly is back from his hectic weekend racing in the Daytona 500 and he joins Joey Mulinaro to break it down. They discuss why Conor missed qualifying, how driving his car was like riding a roller coaster in his duel, his comparisons between the Daytona 500 and Indy 500, and he shares his thoughts on what it was like drafting during the race.Then, the guys talk with actor and ARCA Series driver Frankie Muniz about his return to racing, how it felt to race at Daytona, why he thinks IndyCar is the most competitive series in the world and teases his big future racing plans. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
420 - Scott Dixon is a Living Legend; Dirty Mo Ultimate Experience Preview
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host Mike Davis are back to discuss their episode 419 interview with six-time IndyCar Champion and 2008 Indianapolis 500 winner Scott Dixon. (2:00) They also discuss the revitalization of NASCAR RaceDay Live, which is to be hosted by Kenny Wallace at the upcoming Bristol Dirt Race. (8:45) Dale Jr. announces a new partnership between iRacing and the CARS Tour (11:45) and Hannah Newhouse is back with this week’s edition of “Short Track Insider”(16:32). Also, Mike gives listeners a preview of what to expect at the upcoming Dirty Mo Ultimate Experience at Las Vegas. (21:20) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
419 - 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. 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. The interview covers Scott’s early life and introduction to auto racing, which came thanks to his father’s own racing endeavors and the family promoting a dirt track in Townsville, Australia. Dixon seemed destined for success as he won his way through the kart and lower Formula ranks in Australia and New Zealand, but with every progression came exponential budget growth. 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 Scott’s potential career earnings to help keep him on track. The result was Dixon moving stateside in the late 90s, wowing Stefan Johansson in a test at Sebring and taking a seat in the Indy Lights Series, where he would win the championship in resounding fashion in 2000, beginning his dominance in American open-wheel racing.The interview also discusses Scott’s tenure at Chip Ganassi Racing, his family life, and the comparability of stock cars and championship cars. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
418 - The Future of Fontana; Kyle Busch is a Fan Favorite
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his co-host Mike Davis are reunited in the Bojangles Studio and it's time for another episode of the Dale Jr. Download. On this week’s edition of Dirty Air, the guys discuss: How to deal with parenting frustrations (2:00) The final NASCAR Cup race at the 2-mile Fontana (12:50) Possible reconfigurations of the track Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing’s strong 2023 start (32:30) When the line of questioning was turned over to the listeners on Youtube Live for Ask Jr., they sent in questions about: (54:10) If social media existed in the early 2000s Who inspired Dale when he was growing up The best concerts Dale has ever been to Naming race cars Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
417 - Dale Jr & Kelley React to Jeffrey’s Visit & Dale Gets Quizzed By Amy
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is once again joined in the studio by his sister Kelley Earnhardt-Miller where they react to the episode 416 chat with their nephew Jeffrey Earnhardt. (3:00) Due to popular demand, the segment where Dale is quizzed on how well he knows his wife Amy is brought back for another round of questions. (9:20) Dale, Kelley, and producer Alex Timms share their most recent playlist song additions. (18:26) A new segment centered on short-track racing is introduced featuring Hannah Newhouse. (22:55) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
416 - Jeffrey Earnhardt - Paving My Own Way
On this episode of the Dale Jr. Download, it’s an Earnhardt family reunion as Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined in the Bojangles Studio by his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller and their nephew Jeffrey Earnhardt. Jeffrey made headlines in the stock car racing world last April when he piloted the Richard Childress No. 3 that his grandfather Dale made famous to a second-place finish in the Xfinity race at Talladega. The interview discusses his time spent in the NASCAR ranks over the last 16 years and the path that has led him to be in a full-time ride in the Xfinity Series, driving the No. 44 Chevy entry for Alpha Prime Racing.While he is an Earnhardt, Jeffrey has made it a point to earn his opportunities in racing based on hard work and merit, not his namesake. As a result, he’s followed a winding, sometimes turbulent road through the motorsports world. He provides great insight to listeners on the differences between top-dollar teams and smaller operations in NASCAR, and what he’s learned from his time spent with both. The Earnhardt family dynamic is also a topic of discussion, as well as Jeffrey’s memories of Dale Sr. and his relationship with his father Kerry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
415 - 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. The guys have a lot to unpack from the Daytona 500 weekend, and topics of discussion include: Stenhouse’s big victory (3:19) Stock car racing is growing in the right direction (31:18) Race broadcast frustrations (9:28) JR Motorsports’ Daytona Recap (40:00) Previewing Fontana (49:52) When the Download crew plugged into Youtube Live for Ask Jr, listeners sent in questions regarding: (56:13) Driver-to-driver radio communication during races The new driver-eye cameras Dale running the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro Jimmie Johnson and Travis Pastrana’s Daytona runs The prospect of hosting Saturday Night Live Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Live from Daytona with Jimmie Johnson
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host Mike Davis are live from the Daytona 500 at the Chevy Experience, joined by 7-time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson and Hendrick Motorsports VP of Competition Chad Knaus. Jimmie chats about what it's like being back in NASCAR, how nervous he was qualifying and more. Jimmie and Chad also discuss Garage 56 and the car that's being built that will run at Le Mans. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
414 - Daytona 500 Preview and Reaction to our Steve Hmiel Conversation
It’s time to wrap up an eventful week with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his co-host Mike Davis. The guys react to their excellent conversation with longtime NASCAR crew member and former Dale Earnhardt Inc. employee Steve Hmiel in episode 413. (1:25) They also tee up a potential future conversation with the “Cat in the Hat” himself, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing owner Jack Roush. There are reactions to Wednesday’s qualifying session for the Daytona 500, and Dale and Mike give their predictions for the Duels and for the winner of the Great American Race. (15:30) Listeners should also stay tuned for a quiz showing just how much Dale Jr. knows about his wife, Amy. (38:10) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
413 - Steve Hmiel - A Winner Everywhere He Goes
On Episode 413 of the Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host Mike Davis sit down with longtime NASCAR crew member Steve Hmiel. The Syracuse, New York native first entered the NASCAR garage in the mid-1970s when he took a job working with Tex Powell, building race cars for drivers like Benny Parsons. The interview discusses Hmiel’s first high-profile opportunity when he was hired on as a fabricator at the legendary Petty Enterprises in 1975. Hmiel gives listeners a fascinating look at the Petty operation and what the NASCAR Cup scene was like at that time. Hmiel also provides an extraordinary perspective on the inception of Jack Roush Racing’s stock car team, which he helped form with Robin Pemberton in late 1987. Dale Jr. and Steve debrief the 1990 Cup season, where Roush driver Mark Martin squared off against Dale Earnhardt Sr. for the points championship. They also discuss events from the heyday of Dale Earnhardt Inc., where Hmiel joined as a consultant and manager in 1998. Through an organization shake-up, Steve actually ended up crew chief for Dale Jr. in the middle of the 2005 season, helping guide him to victory at Chicagoland Speedway. Dale, Mike, and Steve are able to look back at that win and what it meant to not only the team at that time but Dale’s career as a whole. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
412 - I'd Rather Lose Than Be Bored
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host Mike Davis are back in the Bojangles Studio for another edition of the Dale Jr. Download. As always, it’s time to kick off the week with Dirty Air, discussing the past weekend and current events. On this episode, the guys discuss: Valentine’s Day plans (1:00) Dale’s race weekend at Florence Motor Speedway (6:48) NASCAR’s new short track/road course race package (16:00) Daytona 500 predictions (30:00) During the Ask Jr. segment (44:30) of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: Dale Jr’s Daytona 500 wins Super Bowl thoughts Drivers making weight Earnhardt references in music Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
411 - Recapping Our Redneck Romance with Sterling Marlin
The people have spoken, and Dirty Mo Media has listened: we need more Dale Jr. Download. With that in mind, welcome to our Thursday Download Wrap-Up Show. In this new addition to the Dirty Mo programming line-up, listeners can expect Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host Mike Davis to unpack their guest interview of the week and other current and upcoming events. This week, the guys discussed the following: Sterling Marlin’s appearance on episode 410 of the Download A follow-up call with Sterling, discussing some things we missed Conor Daly to attempt the Daytona 500 Kyle Busch’s recent legal woes Kyle Larson to attempt the 2024 Indianapolis 500 Dale’s upcoming late-model race Super Bowl Picks Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
410 - Sterling Marlin - "I Broke My Dad's Collarbone"
It’s time once again to sit down with a guest in the Bojangles Studio, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host Mike Davis have decided to kick off the year with a bang. The highly-anticipated first interview of The Dale Jr. Download’s 11th season is none other than Columbia, Tennessee’s Sterling Marlin. Marlin has been one of the most requested visitors by Download listeners, as he was a fixture in the NASCAR Cup garage for nearly four decades and a fan favorite amongst his class of competitors.Sterling truly embodies the humble farmer to stock car racing star trajectory that NASCAR was founded on. In fact, he traveled from his family’s 600-acre farm which is located about an hour southwest of Nashville. It was on that very farm that he learned the ethics of hard work from his father Clifton “Coo Coo” Marlin. Hard working principles made Coo Coo a force to be reckoned with in the NASCAR Sportsman ranks of the ‘60s and ‘70s, which carried over to him being one of the best-running independent outfits on the Cup circuit. From the age of 12, Sterling found a place on his father’s race team, eventually rising to tire changer and crew chief. His initial attempt at a cure came in the form of a ‘64 Chevelle, which he and his cousin drove from home straight to the race track; no tags, no lights, no worries. A few years later, he made a more proper entrance into the racing world, entering a NASCAR Sportsman race at the famed Nashville Fairgrounds. A couple racing weekends later, he found himself sitting in the driver’s seat of his father’s Cup ride, ready to take on the likes of Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough, and the other stars of the 1970s. And when the opportunity for a full-time Cup ride came knocking from Roger Hamby in 1983, Sterling rose to the occasion in the same fashion, finishing 19th in the point standings and winning Rookie of the Year honors. Consistency seemed to be a key to success for Sterling, as a signed contract to be chauffeur of Billy Hagan’s championship-winning number-44 Piedmont Airlines ride brought about his breakthrough season in 1988. A 10th-place points effort made other car owners in the garage take notice, and the tobacco farmer from Columbia had established himself as a more than capable wheel-turner. Sterling had stints driving for some of the most steadiest outfits in the stock car scene, including Junior Johnson, Hoss Ellington, the Stravola Brothers, and Earl Sadler, but none could help him get over the hump from solid finisher to race winner. That is, until 1994. Armed with a new ride at Morgan-McClure, in their bright-yellow Kodak number-4, Sterling set out on the season lightning quick, thanks in part to Dr. Gas’ revolutionary “x-pipe” exhaust system. The few extra horsepower was enough to edge Sterling ahead when it mattered most, making him the winner of the Daytona 500. After finishing second and coming close so many times, he was finally a race winner, in the sport’s biggest event at that. Once the glass was broken, Sterling returned the following year and repeated the feat, giving him the distinct honor of being the only driver in history to notch his first two victories in the Great American Race. He would go on to finish 3rd in the 1995 season points, certifying him as one of the top talents in the division. Sterling would go on to have continued success in NASCAR, including a near-championship run in 2002 before retiring after the ‘09 season. The discussion covers the highs and lows of his career, as well as his 2012 diagnosis of Parkinsonism and his navigation of the disorder in his day-to-day life. Tune in to gain a unique perspective on one of stock car racing’s most memorable characters on episode 410 of the Dale Jr. Download. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
409 - Clash Overreactions; Jimmie Johnson's Back; Kevin Harvick's Retirement
As the green flag waves on season 11, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host Mike Davis are back in the Bojangles studio for episode 409 of the Dale Jr. Download. With a new format in store for the 2023 season, which will see three episodes drop a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, the gang decided to start things off with some Dirty Air.There was a lot to catch up on from the off-season, including the launch of some new Dirty Mo Media shows, personal events, and of course a preview of the upcoming year in Cup racing. Listeners can also expect discussion about: The first Download guest of the year The Clash in the Coliseum Dale’s next late-model event The return of Jimmie Johnson Kevin Harvick’s retirement Tuesday episodes will also feature the fan-favorite Ask Jr. segment, and this week listeners wrote in questions about: Dale’s recent experience during the NASCAR Hall of Fame ceremony How mechanics can get into NASCAR The possibility of a timed/endurance-style NASCAR race Off-season adventures at home Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Coming Soon: Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin
Coming Feb. 6: Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin will give listeners an unfiltered, honest and bold perspective from NASCAR’s most polarizing figure. Hamlin and co-host Jared Allen will unpack the previous race and look forward to upcoming events throughout the Cup Series with candid commentary and insights from the driver’s seat. Here’s a preview of what you can expect from this dynamic new show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bonus: Next Level w/ Ken Squier - Chapter 7: Legacy
At the heart of every legendary broadcasting voice lies one indescribable characteristic that sets them apart from others. It’s a quality that can’t be faked or fabricated in any way and lives deep in their own soul.It’s passion.For decades, Ken Squier did what he loved, no question about it. In the final installment of our Next Level conversation with Ken Squier, host Andrew Kurland and Squier discuss the legacy he has left behind on the sport. Squier shares what it means to be in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, gives his thoughts on NASCAR today and reveals which popular 1970s movie he thought was a terrible idea. Squier closes the interview by providing Kurland with advice on how to pursue a career in motorsports broadcasting and shares what the state of Vermont means to him. Squier told the stories of heroes that were daring enough to jump in a race car and battle it out at high speeds. However, a story is only as good as the storyteller, and we were lucky to hear a few from one of the best. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bonus: Next Level w/ Ken Squier - Chapter 6: To Hell With It
After a thrilling start to NASCAR’s television career, how do you keep the momentum rolling?For starters, you need a field full of those 'don’t give a damn drivers' daring enough to put on a show at high speeds on high banks across America. Petty, Earnhardt, and Yarborough made names and careers out of their reputation on and off the track and were the product of Big Bill France’s dream to put on a series that was at the top of everybody’s minds.In chapter 6 of Next Level with Ken Squier, host Andrew Kurland and Squier discuss NASCAR in the ’80s and 90s. We learn what MRN's first office looked like, discuss whether or not racing is in the entertainment business, and hear more legendary Cale Yarborough stories. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bonus: Next Level w/ Ken Squier - Chapter 5: The 1979 Daytona 500
It took a perfect storm to propel NASCAR into quite literally the next level of entertainment in America. You needed heroes, villains, and above all, something for people to talk about. The 1979 Daytona 500 cooked up quite the storm, and left millions of new fans watching at home hungry for more. The two men on the call that day were none other than Ken Squier and David Hobbs. In Chapter 5 of Next Level, we’ll hear first-hand stories from both of them.Get ready to relive the legendary 1979 Daytona 500 with the two voices that kept all of America on the edge of their seats. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bonus: Next Level w/ Ken Squier - Chapter 4: Common Man, Uncommon Deeds
It takes a special type of person to venture out and do things many others haven't. For some, it's the thrill of the risk that fuels their fire. For others, it simply just fits their personality.The extraordinary starts with ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This is where Ken Squier and Cale Yarborough fit into the story. In this fourth installment of Next Level, host Andrew Kurland, and Squier pick apart his famous quote "common man doing uncommon deeds." The two talk about the first flag-to-flag broadcast, which aired in 1971 featuring Ken as a pit reporter for ABC. They also discuss the birth of in-car cameras, and a never-before-heard story featuring Cale Yarbrough and his pet bear, Susie. You heard it right, a BEAR. Get ready. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bonus: Next Level w/ Ken Squier - Chapter 3: Mountain of a Man
Bill France Sr. set out penniless with a dream to start a sport where the automobile was the star. His dream allowed names like Petty and Earnhardt to take center stage on the high banks of new, more daring tracks like the monster of Daytona International Speedway. How do you sell a dream this grand? You need people to buy into your vision as much or more than you. This is where Ken Squier comes into play. In Chapter Three of Next Level with Andrew Kurland, the two talk about Bill France Sr.'s early visions for modern-day NASCAR. They discuss the rise of the Petty name and what the earliest motorsports broadcasts looked like. It takes brave people with bold dreams to make big things happen, and Squier's stories tell just that. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bonus: Next Level w/ Ken Squier - Chapter 2: Brave Enough To Die
Nestled in the hills of Barre, Vermont lies the quarter-mile, high-banked, asphalt speed bowl known only to fans as Thunder Road. 8,000 people gather every Thursday night to witness the best racing the state of Vermont has to offer. The roots of this iconic race track can be traced back to the one and only, Ken Squier.In the third installment of Next Level with Ken Squier, host Andrew Kurland and Squier discuss the origins of Thunder Road, which first took shape when Squier was only in his mid-twenties. Squier discusses the post-war era and shares stories of soldiers returning home, who weren’t going to “fool around or fuss with anything that didn’t have teeth in it.”These are the stories of the heroes and daredevils that made up the early days of short-track racing in Vermont and across the country. To race, you have to be daring, bold, and brave enough to die. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bonus: Next Level w/ Ken Squier - Chapter 1: The Law of Exaggeration
At the heart of every great NASCAR story is the storyteller himself, and there are few as iconic as the legendary voice of Ken Squier. For two days the Dirty Mo Media crew set out to Squier’s home in Waterbury, Vermont to hear stories from the NASCAR Hall-of-Famer. In this first installment of Andrew Kurland’s Next Level conversation with Ken Squier, the two discuss Ken’s upbringing as a young kid in Vermont. Ken shares stories of lessons learned from the great Chirs Economaki, his early days broadcasting out of WDEV, his first memories of racing, and the role exaggeration played in his play-by-play career. After time away from the NASCAR spotlight, Squier is back to share his story in this multi-chapter series of Next Level. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bonus: Dirty Mo LIVE with Dale Jr., Josh Berry and TJ Majors
A special podcast feed drop of Dirty Mo Media's newest show, Dirty Mo LIVE! Catch the live stream or replay on Dirty Mo Media's YouTube channel. And now, you can follow the Dirty Mo LIVE podcast feed wherever you listen to your podcasts. The fourth stream of Dirty Mo Live figures to be the best one yet. Dale Jr. stops by fresh off his top 10 in the South Carolina 400 at Florence. TJ is here to provide the spotter's take on the chaos. We pulled Josh Berry away from fixing the Florence car (that he's supposed to racing this weekend) to help us preview the Thanksgiving Classic at Southern National Speedway. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
408 - Brian France - The Rise, Fall, and Everything in Between
On the season finale of the Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host Mike Davis sit down with one of their most highly anticipated guests to date: former NASCAR CEO Brian France. In 2002, RJ Reynolds announced it would be pulling its Winston branding as a title sponsor for the NASCAR Cup series after 30 years. Not long after, Bill France Jr., the CEO who oversaw that era stepped down from his position of power. With the organization at a crossroads, Brian arose to the occasion and helped fill the void of his father’s absence while ushering the premiere stock car division into its modern-day state. From 2003 to ‘18, many changes took place on Brian’s watch that molded NASCAR racing into the motorsport that we watch today. The Dirty Mo crew and listeners alike were eager to have Brian to the Bojangles Studio hot seat to discuss what he felt was a success and a miss during his tenure at the helm of the organization. His education in running an empire began at an early age while growing up in the shadow of his father Bill Jr. A place in the shadows of giants is something that Dale Jr. and Brian can relate to, and the two recall how their fathers were certainly allies but never close friends.Once of age and eager to work, Brian took a position working at Talladega Superspeedway. He became fascinated with the business side of racing and in the 1990s he went on to manage Tucson Raceway Park and work at NASCAR’s Los Angeles office. His tasks included capitalizing on NASCAR’s flourishing west coast fanbase while strengthening its connection to the entertainment capital of the world, which resulted in NASCAR’s integration into the mainstream television and film industry. After helping to negotiate NASCAR’s first national television package deal in 2001, the stage was set for Brian to try his hand at leading the sanctioning body.Dale compares Brian and Bill Jr.’s leadership styles and what it's like having one strong character making decisions versus an entire committee of voices. Brian says he recognizes that many of the changes NASCAR has gone through over the last two decades may be alienating to longtime fans, but insists that the intention was always to promote growth through progression. He explains that NASCAR leadership often looks into untapped markets and develops strategies to help bring new fans into the fold including races in new markets, its diversity programs, and collaborative efforts with other sports and business entities.In 2004, NASCAR along with its new title sponsor partner Nextel introduced the Chase for Cup playoffs system, which would radically alter the traditional points championship structure. Brian explains that the desire to create “big moments” in points racing inspired the inclusion of cutoff lines and races. They discuss how the Playoffs field was expanded from 10 to now 16 and the events that occurred over the years to influence those decisions. Brian admits that a lot of the structuring came from looking at how other sports leagues officiate their playoff systems and what effects it has on their respective championships.Since Dale was an active competitor during Brian’s time in charge, he was anxious to get his insight on one of the most polarizing developments in the last 20 years: the Car of Tomorrow. Making its debut in 2007, the CoT was intended to increase competition while improving safety initiatives, but it became regarded as an inferior machine by drivers and fans. Brian admits that he viewed the car as a mistake and wishes that he would have gotten more input from the drivers and teams in its manufacturing. The conversation also touches on the Jeremy Mayfield scandal, the 2013 Regular Season finale at Richmond, Brian’s lack of presence at the races, and his 2018 arrest. Download listeners can expect a candid look at one of motorsports most influential leaders in modern history, as well as insight into the decision-making that shifted NASCAR into a household name. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.