Becoming Earnhardt 1980 Vol. 5 - Dale vs. Cale

Summary

The Dale Jr. Download — "Becoming Earnhardt: 1980 Vol. 5 – Dale vs. Cale"

Podcast: The Dale Jr. Download
Episode: Becoming Earnhardt 1980 Vol. 5 – Dale vs. Cale
Date: December 23, 2025
Host: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Dirty Mo Media

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Episode Overview

This episode continues the deep dive into the pivotal 1980 NASCAR Winston Cup season, focusing on the emerging rivalry between Dale Earnhardt and Cale Yarborough. Dale Jr. and the crew revisit the dramatic and, at times, contentious battles that defined the championship fight, the pressures and personalities that clashed, and the lasting impact these moments had on the sport and the Earnhardt family. Key moments from the racetrack intersect with firsthand reflections—culminating in a portrayal of how fierce, close-quarters competition and personal values shaped Dale Earnhardt’s first title run.

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Main Discussion Points

1. A Season Plagued by Adversity (01:30–03:37)

• Dale Earnhardt’s Frustrations: Recounts of Earnhardt’s mechanical troubles and their toll on his points lead. A sense of frustration is heard in his voice during post-race interviews.
  • “You have to take everything the way it comes.” — Dale Earnhardt [01:30]
• The season is characterized by unpredictable adversity faced by all contenders, including Darrell Waltrip’s and Richard Petty’s crashes and injuries.

2. The Evolution of the Points Battle (03:37–09:52)

• Richard Petty’s Setback: Petty’s gruesome crash at Pocono is covered in detail, emphasizing the danger and Petty’s resilience.
  • “The king actually had broken his neck and he kept the extent of his injuries under wraps so he could continue competing.” — Narrator [04:59]
• Bobby Allison’s Struggles and Future Moves: Allison voices frustration with his team, hinting at an upcoming team change even in Victory Lane.
  • “I'm not knocking Bud, but we are 180 degrees apart on the type of car we should be racing.” — Bobby Allison (quoted by narrator) [06:33]
• Cale Yarborough’s Dramatic Transition: Yarborough announces his departure from Junior Johnson’s dominant team, shocking the NASCAR world.
  • “He said he no longer wants to chase a points schedule and...wants to race on a part-time basis.” — Narrator [08:47]
  • Notably, his decision is framed as rooted in a desire to regain balance with family and life.

3. Dale & Cale: The Rivalry Ignites (10:04–13:32)

• On-Track Battles: Earnhardt and Yarborough’s fierce battles, highlighted by radio-style play-by-plays, showcase paint-trading, multiple lead swaps, and endurance under pressure.
  • “Yarborough side by side with Earnhardt. Yarborough sticks a nose ahead and he grabs off the spot.” — Dale Earnhardt [10:17]
• Doug Richard’s Promotion: The sudden promotion of young Doug Richard to crew chief at a critical juncture builds additional pressure for Earnhardt’s team.
  • “That was a lot to take over a role like that.” — Kelly Earnhardt [10:56]
• Superspeedway Duel with Bobby Allison: A thrilling recount of Earnhardt’s daring but ultimately unsuccessful move in the Firecracker 400.
  • “We finished third, and I’m tickled to death...The crew just did a super job.” — Dale Earnhardt [13:02]

4. Physicality and Aggression — Setting the Tone for the Feud (13:32–23:12)

• Nashville’s Aggressive Last Laps: The episode spotlights Nashville’s infamous slugfest, with bumping, retaliatory moves, and Cale grazing the wall.
  • “I didn’t think he would try to pass me on the outside. I was the leader anyways, and I had the racetrack.” — Dale Earnhardt (on Cale’s claims) [22:34]
• Subsequent races, notably Talladega and Michigan, see the rivalry escalate with more door-slapping, near-accidents, and tensions rising. Door-to-door finishes and physical confrontations hallmark this stage of the season.
  • “The etiquette is going to be more aggressive in nature.” — Narrator [22:38]
  • “Looks like a Noah’s Ark procession as the rain is headed this way... Bonnet now leads him into turn three.” — Race call [23:12]

5. Points Swings and Setbacks, Triumphs and Disasters (23:12–39:15)

• Wild Swings: Engine failures, mechanical woes, and race-day fortunes dramatically adjust the points spread between Earnhardt, Yarborough, and Petty.
  • “After the first hit stop...the engine gets so hot it starts pumping water out under the tires and then you don’t handle good.” — Dale Earnhardt [28:50]
• Key Wins & Losses: Earnhardt’s victories at Martinsville and Charlotte are contrasted with calamities, such as crashes and mechanical DNFs at Rockingham.
  • “You can hardly read the numbers or the sponsor’s name on the side of Earnhardt’s car. But bent, battered, and broken, he can bring it home here today.” — Narrator [32:17]
  • Notably, Earnhardt’s confidence grows: “There’s no pressure on me. The pressure is on them...What’s a sophomore jinx?” — Dale Earnhardt [35:38]
• Rapid-Fire Quotes & Insights:
  • “Stroke was a word used back in those times to describe a driver...not running as hard as he could.” — Narrator [33:03]
  • “My car was a little loose and I couldn’t run as hard as I wanted to. It just blew up. I don’t know.” — Dale Earnhardt [30:47]

6. The Family Perspective – Kelly Earnhardt’s Reflections (14:21–19:07)

• Kelly shares lessons from her father about valuing people, pursuing "win-win" situations in business, and the power of humility and loyalty.
  • “Business deals or relationships that are one sided, really, you just don't get very far in life with them...he always just talked about how important it was for it to be a win win.” — Kelly Earnhardt [14:21]
• She also discusses the importance of manners and making people feel valued, linking this to Dale Sr.’s leadership style both on and off the track.
  • “He just kind of made you feel valued and appreciated...he really, you know, cared about people and cared about who helped him get to where he was.” — Kelly Earnhardt [14:21]
• The segment closes with Kelly's lighthearted take on Bass Pro Shops shopping habits.

7. Rivalry at Its Peak – The Final Stretch (38:05–39:51)

• The points battle tightens to just 44 points as the season winds down, with their rivalry reaching maximum intensity.
  • “Their tempers are flaring and the points battle is a tight one.” — Narrator [38:49]
  • “I don't know what got into Earnhardt’s stupid move on his part.” — Cale Yarborough [38:53]
• Looking ahead: With two races left, the season finale is set as a historic duel, both refusing to back down.
  • “We're still leading until we get behind... I think this season’s a long way from being over with yet. I ain’t going to count ourselves out.” — Dale Earnhardt [39:15]

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Notable Quotes and Moments with Timestamps

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote & Context | |-----------|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:30 | Dale Earnhardt | “You have to take everything the way it comes.” — after mechanical trouble ruins his race. | | 04:59 | Narrator | “The king actually had broken his neck and he kept the extent of his injuries under wraps so he could continue”| | 06:33 | Bobby Allison* | “I'm not knocking Bud, but we are 180 degrees apart on the type of car we should be racing.” | | 08:47 | Narrator | “He said he no longer wants to chase a points schedule and...wants to race on a part-time basis.” | | 10:17 | Dale Earnhardt | “Yarborough side by side with Earnhardt. Yarborough sticks a nose ahead and he grabs off the spot.” | | 13:02 | Dale Earnhardt | “We finished third, and I’m tickled to death...The crew just did a super job.” | | 14:21 | Kelly Earnhardt | “Business deals or relationships that are one sided, really, you just don't get very far in life with them...” | | 22:34 | Dale Earnhardt | “I didn’t think he would try to pass me on the outside. I was the leader anyways, and I had the racetrack.” | | 28:50 | Dale Earnhardt | “The engine gets so hot it starts pumping water out under the tires and then you don’t handle good.” | | 32:17 | Narrator | “You can hardly read the numbers or the sponsor’s name on the side...But bent, battered, and broken, he can bring it home today.” | | 35:38 | Dale Earnhardt | “There’s no pressure on me. The pressure is on them...What’s a sophomore jinx?” | | 38:53 | Cale Yarborough | “I don't know what got into Earnhardt’s stupid move on his part.” | | 39:15 | Dale Earnhardt | “We're still leading until we get behind...I ain’t going to count ourselves out.” |

*Paraphrased by narrator or as direct quote from contemporary interview

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Episode Highlights (Timestamps)

• Mechanical Drama for Earnhardt & Other Contenders: 01:30–07:40
• Cale Yarborough Parts Ways with Junior Johnson: 08:47–09:52
• Earnhardt and Cale Go Wheel-to-Wheel: 10:04–13:32 / 22:04–23:12
• Kelly Earnhardt Shares Family Insights: 14:21–19:07
• Fiery Rivalries at Talladega, Nashville, Bristol, and More: 22:04–29:48
• A Season of Swinging Points and High Emotion: 29:48–39:15

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Tone & Style

The episode blends vintage radio call excitement, “in-the-moment” race reporting, and personal recollections with candid, sometimes wry Earnhardt-style commentary. The stakes, tension, and raw emotion of the 1980 season are palpable, both in the intensity of trackside action and in the reflections from the Earnhardt family.

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For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode is a must-listen for fans of classic NASCAR, students of motorsport history, and anyone who wants to truly understand the “breakout” moment of Dale Earnhardt’s legendary career. It’s not just a recap, but a living, breathing oral history, filled with behind-the-scenes detail, tense on-track drama, and deeply personal family lessons that shaped Earnhardt—and, by extension, shaped NASCAR itself.

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Skip to [10:04] for the first head-to-head Earnhardt-Yarborough showdown, or to [22:04] for the segment where their rivalry becomes full-blown feud. For family perspective, jump to [14:21] with Kelly Earnhardt’s reflections. The final championship fight unfolds from [38:05] onward.

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Transcript

[Dale Earnhardt]

Struggling to see up close.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Make it visible with viz. VIZ is a once daily prescription eye.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Drop to treat blurry near vision for up to 10 hours. The most common side effects that may be experienced while using VIZ include eye.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Irritation, temporary dim or dark vision, headaches and eye redness.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Talk to an eye doctor to learn.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

If VIZ is right for you.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Learn [e-mail] before the trophy and bragging rights are rightfully yours.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Before your sleeper turns in a season no one saw coming, before stats and projections turn into points on the board.

[Dale Earnhardt]

And your lineup falls perfectly into place, you flip the lid on a can.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Of on nicotine pouches. And as you make your first pick.

[Dale Earnhardt]

You know this is the season where fantasy is going to surpass reality. It's on products for tobacco consumers 21.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Years of age or older.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Warning. This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

The following is a production of Dirty Mo Media. This episode of Becoming Earnhardt is brought to you by Bass Pro Shops, North America's premier outdoor and conservation company. Plan your next adventure at a Bass Pro Shops near you or online@bass pro.com later in the episode, my sister Kelly shares her unique perspective on life with dad away from the racetrack. Now buckle up. Here's a brand new episode of Becoming Earnhardt presented by Bass Pro Shops.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Dale Earnhardt, the current Winston cup point leader who is out of the race and very dejected right now. Dale, was it an engine? Yeah, Ned, it smelt on the back stretch. You know, it's been mechanical problems. It's held us back all year and what for that we'd really be have a good lead. But you know, I reckon you have to take everything the way it comes. Well, that's the disappointment that you hear in Dale Earnhardt's voice.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

The history books of racing don't always tell the full story and that's certainly true of 1980. All of the major players in the cup series are gonna face adversity at one point or another. Especially Dad's problems on Darrell Waltrip's machine.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Indeed, Waltrip's 88 car having problems. As smoke comes out from behind, the car spins around. What didn't go wrong? Let's put it like this. Dad gum. Oh, double penny just broke him front. He's hitting the wall, flying up in the air. So Richard Petty, who will not take any chances on his neck healing up very properly. He did some severe muscle pulls in the neck. Very wisely he has elected to put Joe Milliken in the Carborough has been reported as going to the garage area with a broken left rear axle housing.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Fresh off of his championship winning crew chief quitting, he's now left to defend his small points lead. With Doug Richard, a 20 year old unproven rookie, on top of the pit box.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Well, here's a young fellow that has certainly a bright future ahead of him. 20 year old Doug Reichert.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

The season continues on through the summer months with several drivers within striking distance of the crown. But as we reach the final stretch, the picture becomes more clear.

[Dale Earnhardt]

We talk about strategy. I hadn't really pulled or had any kind of strategy any time in the, you know, year, but we go all out to win anywhere we go anytime. And that's just Austin racing. That's Dale Earnhardt and Austin racing. We won't go to the front and be there when the race is over. That's our philosophy, to win.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

So through 1980, dad had several challengers for the points league, but as I mentioned, they'd all face problems in one shape or another. Richard Petty was rapidly closing in on dad throughout the middle of the season and had 12 top five finishes with two wins. He would be on a streak of fifth place finishes when he suffers a terrible crash at Pocono.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Oh, double. Petty just broke up front. He's hit the wall. Flying up in the air right in front of Chuck Bown who's sliding up into the wall. Waldorf is in it. He has just slammed into the side of Petty. They're sliding off the turn there's.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

While leading the race, he has a right front failure on lap 56, which causes his car to shoot straight into the boilerplate wall. This is at one of the most dangerous turns on the course called the tunnel turn.

[Dale Earnhardt]

That was where the bad crash happened last year on Dale Earnhardt's car. Now three drivers have really smacked that wall and come together over in turn number two.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

And when the car goes sailing through the air, it lands right side up and the king appeared to be motionless inside the car.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Something broke. The car just dropped down. Spark showered underneath the right front side. He went right straight into the wall. The car hit, bounced up in the air, turned around. Petty's car after hitting the wall, slid up and rode the top of the retaining wall for about 60, 75ft and looked as if it might go on its roof.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

He's taken to a local hospital where it's reported that he had a severely sprained neck. Much later it's revealed that the king actually had broken his neck and he kept the extent of his injuries under wraps. So he could continue competing. He would actually be seen back in competition the following week with a neck brace receiving help from relief drivers like Joe milliken.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Probably about 50 or 60 yards. I knew it was going to hit. So after I got about halfway there I got my eyes shut real tight and I don't know if it hit anything. If it hit anything, I didn't see it. You can bet on that.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

But the setback is going to allow Cal Yarborough to get ahead of him in the point standings for the runner up position behind dad.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Well, Richard Petty lost about 100 points up at Pocono last week after that early crash put him out of the race up there. And starting Today's race he's 144 points behind Dale Earnhardt.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

After coming up strong in the early part of the season and winning a couple of races, Bobby Allison is going to continue to struggle in Bud Moore's Ford and found the points race to be out of his reach.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Allison was smoking when he came by the start finish line and apparently he has shut it down and will coast the Hodgdon Budmore teebird around to the pit road. Allison is pitted on the back stretch. The right front tire on the warder Hodgson Thunderbird is flat. The sheet metal is severely crinkled. That tire is pushed back up under the fender well and it may be suspension damage as well.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

In fact, during his post race winners interview at the Firecracker 400 from Victory Lane, Bobby says, I'm not knocking Bud, but we are 180 degrees apart on the type of car we should be racing. There are only a few tracks the Ford is competitive on. Bud likes Ford and I'd rather be racing a General Motors product. I feel strong enough to consider a change for next year. That's crazy says that in victory lane. On September 16th, Bobby Allison is going to announce that he's going to leave Bud Moore and drive for Harry Rainier in 1981.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Well, yes, Bobby is leaving us. I think he's going with the Rayner outfit and, and we hadn't got a replacement yet. But we are talking to some people and we'll know within the next week what we're going to do.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Now we all know the Darrell Waltrip and Dygard drama and their engine failures kept them from being serious contenders in 1980. But that didn't stop them from winning their fair share of races this season.

[Dale Earnhardt]

To Waltrip winning the CRC Chemicals 500. Darrell Waltrip wins the Richmond 400 and he's headed into Victory Lane, we won the sucker and we had to come from behind to do it. I can't say enough for Jake and all the boys in the pits.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

So this really just leaves one guy. Cale Yarborough.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Always want to thank the Lord for good. Safe race. Twice in the last three weeks I've been in that same situation. So it's turned about fair play, I guess.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Ned Cale's coming off of three straight championships in 76, 77 and 78. And he's driving for one of the most dominant teams in NASCAR history. Junior Johnson.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Junior Johnson, congratulations on a fine win here today. Thank you, dad. We're just tickled to death.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

But in September, Cale is going to shock the NASCAR world by announcing that he'll be stepping away from the Junior Johnson team.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Cale Yarbrough, Junior Johnson what can you say about their careers together? It's certainly sad in many respects to see the part after the success they've had.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

He said he no longer wants to chase a points schedule and he wants to race on a part time basis. So he's leaving the team that he's been with for eight years. They won those three straight championships in over 50 races. He's going to join MC Anderson, replacing Benny Parsons on a three year deal.

[Dale Earnhardt]

He said, Brewer, I've been doing this for a long time.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

That's Tim Brewer who served as co crew chief for kell Yarborough in 1980.

[Dale Earnhardt]

And he said, I come out the door with my suitcase in my hand.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

And one of my daughters said, dad, when are you gonna fix my bicycle?

[Dale Earnhardt]

Well, I'll fix it, I'll fix it.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Dad, you've been telling me for a month you're gonna fix my bicycle.

[Dale Earnhardt]

It's got a flat tire on it.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

He just said, you know, it's time.

[Dale Earnhardt]

For me to go on and do something else. He said, you know, I've done this my whole life. He said I gotta cut my schedule.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Back and that's why I need to work for MC Anderson. This is going to be some extra motivation for Kalin Jr to win one last time to put a cap on their successful run together.

[Dale Earnhardt]

We're leaving friends and that's the main thing. We're gonna part friends and go remain friends for a long time, I hope.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

And as all the other drivers begin to struggle due to their issues, Cale puts the heat on and begins winning races. And as we get to the final 10 races of the season, dad and Cale are the main story.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Dale Earnhardt knows the tail with our leader, Cale Yarborough. It's a real fight. Coming down the back straight, the story on the racetrack. Car number 11, Dale Yarborough starting 21st. Just first, Yarrowborough's trying to take an open shot at Dale Earnhardt. Yarborough side by side with Earnhardt. Yarborough sticks a nose ahead and he grabs off the spot.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Now, as you remember from our last episodes, Rod Osterlin had just promoted our pal Doug Richard into the crew chief position. This decision came at the Firecracker 400 when the points lead was only 13. So kind of a high pressure situation for young Doug to rise to the occasion.

[Kelly Earnhardt]

I mean, I'd only been in racing.

[Dale Earnhardt]

For what, three years? That was a lot to take over a role like that or whatever in a transition day is like, okay, I always wore a radio. I always did everything except for push the button. Gentlemen, start your engines. Back at Daytona International Speedway is the Pontiac Turbo Trans Am safety car leads the by the start finish line, the yellow caution lights go out atop the.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Safety car, but he does just that and they bring home a third place finish at Daytona. Dad actually had a shot at winning once again on this superspeedway and had a spirited battle with Bobby Allison on the last lap.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Your leaders work the back straightaway. Midway through Allison now as Earnhardt looked momentarily to the inside. Earnhardt went inside, then outside, back to the inside again. He's trying down low. He looks inside. He's side by side with Allison now on the turn. The time is now. Earnhardt puts the pedal to the metal. Allison goes all the way to the top of the track. They're side by side. Earnhardt will lead it out of four as they come into traffic. As they take the white flag, he and Bobby Allison draft on the outside down the short chute. Earnhardt may be caught on the bottom as they hit turn one. The deck is shuffled. Allison goes upstairs. David Pearson and Earnhardt side by side. They have Ronnie Thomas there to make it three wide. Earnhardt is forced to lift momentarily. As Ronnie Thomas pulls away. It's Allison leading David Pearson by three carlanes and two. Back to Earnhardt. Bobby Allison will win it by two. Car lakes Pearson, Williams will finish second, Earnhardt third. Dale Earnhardt. So close and yet so far. Up until the last lap, you were just in a striking position. Then all of a sudden, no win. Well, I more or less had a pretty clear shot down the back stretch on the second, on the last lap, next last lap. So I made my move then, and it didn't come out as smart as the one I made in the bush clash, but, you know, we finished third, and I'm tickled to death. The guys did good in the pits and the engine ran good all day. And, you know, the crew just did a super job. Well, you did a super job, too. Dale earnhardt, this is barney hall up in the tower. I don't think you've seen any snakes in the palmetto bushes today. He was playing golf the other day and chased a snake out of a palmetto bush. Yeah, you got me on top of that snake, too, didn't you, bud?

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

At the next race on the schedule in nashville, rods gamble on. Doug is going to pay off.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Cale yarborough holding on to the lead. Running in the second spot, Dale earnhardt. Earnhardt going to challenge to the low side. No. Yarborough shuts him back. It is a challenge for the lead. Here comes earnhardt.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

He's got it.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Dale Earnhardt shoot 5. Cale Yarborough going into turn 3.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Dad will survive a spirited battle with cal yarbrough to win his third race of the season. We actually have this nashville trophy right here in the studio. Doug brought it to us many, many months ago. So pretty cool to be sitting right next to this trophy that they won that night. In 1980, the Nashville Fairgrounds was a historic racetrack that still competes today with regional and local racing more becoming earnhardt up next. But first, here's my sister Kelly on some of the key lessons learned from our dad.

[Kelly Earnhardt]

One of the lessons that kind of just stands out with dad and I wrote about this in my book was just kind of win, win situations. One of the things that I paid attention to a lot when I worked for sports image and action performance. And my dad was in a lot of meetings because he was the face of all of that with the sales and licensing Was just how, you know, it was important when you do a deal with somebody that everybody gained something. Business deals or relationships that are one sided, really, you just don't get very far in life with them. And so kind of to have something that was sustainable and something that might produce fruit For a long time. He always just talked about how important it was for, you know, it to be a win win. That's one of the things that I kind of take along in my day to day now, like in business and running the companies that, that he taught me. There's all kinds of lessons. Just the way you grow up and, you know, do things that so much of what we were exposed to as kids like, sticks with you through the day, Whether it's you Say, I mean, we were. We were taught, you know, yes ma' am and no ma'. Am. So still today, I don't care if the person's 13 or 33 or 63. I'm like a yes ma', am, no ma' am kind of person, you know, or thank you and please or. Or whatever those kinds of things are, because that was very important. As we were growing up in our house, A lot of people talk about how much I look like my dad or my mannerisms or being in business meetings and things, you know, how I handle things and carry things. I'm straight to the point. Dad was kind of a straight to the point, no B.S. kind of guy. So I think about a lot of those things as you just have mannerisms of your family that kind of stick, you know, I think one of the things that I constantly hear from people that either worked for him or had relationships with him was that he just kind of made you feel valued and appreciated. You know, he did that in a lot of different ways. Like, I hear stories about at Dellenheart Incorporated, how he knew everybody's name and he always was there when they opened to say hello to everybody, and he knew what was going on in their lives and their kids and all of this kind of thing. So, you know, I would probably just say just a characteristic of maybe loyalty, because he really, you know, cared about people and cared about who helped him get to where he was. So whether it was the fans, whether it was people early in his career that gave him opportunity, you know, to race or whatever, it meant kind of that he was a very much a person of loyalty and making people feel kind of valued and appreciated in what they were doing. We are all the time fighting a bass pro. There's a few that we. We go in regularly, but I like to kind of go in. The first thing I do is, like, when I go in is I kind of stop and get a lay of the land because they're all kind of laid out a little bit different, you know, and trying to figure out what in there are the things that you want to go look at, just to look at. And then what do you want to go do for shopping wise? So I usually head to the home and the decor part. Then I head over to the ladies section and look at the. The clothes. And then I kind of go. I like going to the camping section and seeing what's about because we have a camper. And, you know, I'm always interested in kind of the latest gadgets and then kind of the food and snacks and they got some amazing candy options in there and all the kind of old timey candy that you can find in there and the licorice and the caramel creams and all those kinds of things. So. And I like to check out the shoe section because you may not know it, but they have a lot of fashionable kind of shoes. It's not all just for hunting or hiking or anything like that. They've got some, they got a lot of cool shoes. My husband heads straight to the hunting area and Wyatt generally likes to find. The first thing he likes to find is if they have one of those shooting ranges because a lot of the stores have the little shooting ranges that you can do and you can knock the things down and all that. And then fishing. It's kind of hard to figure out maybe what you do first because there's so much that you want to do. I also admire Bass Pro's unwavering commitment to those who serve our country. Their legendary Salute program is one of the many ways they show Support, offering a 10% everyday discount to active duty military veterans and first responders. It's their way of saying thank you to the heroes who protect our freedom and way of life. To learn more and see full details, visit basspro.com legendarysalute.

[Dale Earnhardt]

This show is sponsored by Better Help. The holiday season is right around the corner and balancing family expectations, travel, and trying to make everything perfect can be really tough. And what's even worse is sometimes you forget about taking care of yourself.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

That's why Better Help is encouraging you.

[Dale Earnhardt]

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[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

The holidays look different for everyone.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Maybe it's baking your great aunt's sweet potato pie or starting something new like a quiet night in with friends. Therapy can be one of those new traditions, too.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Better Help gives you space to pause, reflect and feel more grounded. They match you with licensed therapists based.

[Dale Earnhardt]

On your goals and preferences.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

And if it's not the right fit.

[Dale Earnhardt]

You can switch anytime. With over 30,000 therapists and more than 5 million people served, Better Help allows.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

People to close the year with clarity instead of chaos.

[Dale Earnhardt]

This December, start a new tradition by taking care of you.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Our listeners get 10% [e-mail] DaleJR that's better.

[Dale Earnhardt]

H E L P.com DaleJR here's the thing about being a great gift giver. When you find something that's truly perfect for everyone on your list, you almost don't want to give it away. Quince pretty much has your whole list covered. Mongolian cashmere sweaters for $50 when you'd normally pay $200 or more.

[Kelly Earnhardt]

The Italian wool coats.

[Dale Earnhardt]

They look designer, feel luxurious and are.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Made with premium materials. But like everything at Quince, the price.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Won'T make you panic. We're talking way less than other brands charge. I personally love Quince because they have.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Everything from clothes for men, women all.

[Dale Earnhardt]

The way down to babies, holiday and home. Everything is high quality, usable throughout the seasons as you can layer the pieces.

[Kelly Earnhardt]

And it really is so cozy.

[Dale Earnhardt]

The Quince Mongolian cashmere sweaters are so great. I personally have a collection started with all of the colors and they are great staples just to add with a.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Skirt or throw on over a dress.

[Dale Earnhardt]

You've got to try them out. Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with quince. Go to quince.comdalejr for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q U I n c e.com dalejr to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quince.com dalejr this is the table, the one with the view. This is how you reserve exclusive tables with Chase Sapphire Reserve. This is your name on the list. This is the chef sending you something he didn't put on the menu. This is 3 times points on dining with Chase Sapphire reserve and a $300 dining credit that covered the citrus pavlova and drinks. And the thing you didn't think you liked until you tasted it.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Chase Sapphire Reserve now even more rewarding. Learn [e-mail] Sapphire Reserve cards issued by.

[Dale Earnhardt]

JP Morgan, Chase bank and a member.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

FDIC subject to credit approval.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Yarbrough and Earnhardt side by side at four as Earnhardt almost lost it between three and four. Earnhardt continues to the pace. Cale chases him, chews on his bumper. No way to get around this is.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

The point in the story where that feud word starts to come into the picture. You see, dad and Cale were pretty aggressive on those final laps at Nashville. Cale would bump into dad. Dad would bump Kale. They'd bump into each other several times over the last 25 laps. Cale trying to get around. Dad finally goes to the outside but ends up grazing the wall.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Dale Earnhardt and Cale Yarborough got together a little bit coming out of that number two corner.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Cale Says I had him. I was about to go around him. Later. Cale claims that dad actually ran him up into the wall. But dad said, I didn't think he would try to pass me on the outside. I was the leader anyways, and I had the racetrack. These two are going to continue to find each other on the racetrack, naturally, as they continue to battle for points and wins. And the etiquette is going to be more aggressive in nature. A couple of weeks later at Talladega for the Talladega 500, the two would actually make contact, slapping doors on the last lap, allowing Neil Bonnet to pick up the victory.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Two by two. Looks like a Noah's Ark procession as the rain is also headed this way. But it is Yarborough with Earnhardt now working the back stretch. Make it two and forget the deficit. Four cars tightly in a bunch. They work the back stretch. Earnhardt showed us something on that last maneuver. He might be saving something for the last lap. There may be a new winner, but who is it gonna be? They haven't decided yet. Bonnet now leads him into turn three. Earnhardt looks to the inside. Yarbrough follows him as lightning flashes over the speedway. Imagine what's going through Dale Earnhardt's mind right now. This is the same position he was in behind Buddy Baker and May. Can he go now? Does he wait one more lap? He's following bonnet into turn four the next to last time through the 33 degree banking. Neil Bonnet leads the way. Dives down into the middle racing lane. Earnhardt tucked right under his rear deck. Earnhardt tightly in second. Yarborough right there in third. Benny Carson score it. They swing out and Bonnett cuts to the inside. Earnhardt goes Yarbrough now along with Benny Parsons. They make it 3, 4 wide on the back stretch. 3 wide. It's coming into turn three. Bonnet tried to serpentine move. Earnhardt is down inside of Earnhardt. Bonnet side by side. Parsons and Yarborough. Parsons low, Yarborough high. Earnhardt down low. Bonnet high. They come off the turn four under a blanket. They pull out all the stops as Bonnet moves out in front with Earnhardt wedged out of traffic. Yarborough gets by Earnhardt. The dash to the checkered flag with Bonnet leading. Can they do it? Neil Bonnet comes to the line one car length ahead. He will win the Talladega 500. Cale Yarborough will finish second, just about a half. A cliff carlink the head of Earnhardt. Winston cup racing. Unbelievable here at Talladega as Bonnet has won it.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

The points battle Would get pretty close again when dad loses another engine at Michigan in August.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Scary moment for Dale Earnhardt as he went shuffling off into the number one corner. The engine apparently has let go. It's going to be a costly day for Dale Earnhardt.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

He's going to finish a dreary 35th place. And wouldn't you know it, Cale's gonna pick up his third win of the season.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Cale Yarborough notches his third win of the season by beating Neil Bonnett, Donny Allison, Darrell Waltrip, Richard Petty and Buddy Baker. The six cars on the lead lap for Michigan International Speedway. This is mrn, the Motor Racing Network.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Shrinking the points lead down to just 33. The two are gonna carry their battle into the Coliseum the next week at Bristol. And man, they would fight it out for the win.

[Dale Earnhardt]

And they've been hammering away on each other. And for the last couple laps they seem to kind of said, hey, let's run nose to tail here a minute and catch our breath. We can't do this all day. A little competitiveness. Lean on the other guy just a bit. You know how far you can go. And he's going to lean right back. It's really an exciting show to watch.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Cale is going to come out on top for his fourth victory on the year.

[Dale Earnhardt]

They're just inches apart as they cross the start finish line. And the winner will be again, Kale. Cale Yarborough.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Dad actually pulled alongside Cale on the last lap, but he had to back out of the gas due to a lapped car. Roger Hamby being in dad's racing line. Dad would get a little bit of points relief at the Southern 500 when Cale has his own mechanical problems. Being able to build up dad's point margin back to 98 points.

[Dale Earnhardt]

And we have trouble on the racetrack over in turn two hill, it's Cale Yarborough. Cale Yarber's car caught on fire coming off of turn two. He's jumped out of the car. He pulled it to a stop just at the entrance to pit road. We didn't see what caused it, but Cale jumped out of the car as it was still rolling. Now Cale himself grabs the water hose from the safety truck and he is showering down that automobile. Now a crewman takes a. But Cale didn't want to let that car sit there.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Just a side note here, Texas. Terry Labonte is going to pick up his first NASCAR victory in this race at the age of 23. He was two seconds behind dad and none other than David Pearson, who were fighting for the win. When the two hit some oil slick that had been laid down on the track by Frank Warren's blown motor. David, dad and even Benny Parsons all hit the oil and spun into the wall. Terry, he's able to slow down enough to work through the chaos. Passing Pearson's wounded car in the final turn to pick up the win.

[Dale Earnhardt]

It's gonna be a battle, and we've got one smoking going into turn one. Frank Warren's car and getting in that ordeal. Earnhardt missing him, spinning his finny parson. But it comes through Parsons down on the apron. David Pearson got through. Neil Bonnet got through up. Pinned on the wall is Dale Earnhardt. Over at the exit of turn two. They're waving and they're happy and they're celebrating down in one of the crews. And we're trying to pick out which crew it is. 44, Terry Lamani. He passed David Pearson. Checkered flag has come out and it waved. And the word weekend that it's waved for Terry lamani, car number 44 out of Corpus Christi, Texas.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

The second Richmond race of the year brings an interesting development in the points battle. And it shows just how much the margins could sway during this point in NASCAR history. Cale is again going to have mechanical problems and is going to fall to third in the points battle, a total of170.73 points behind. Man, he was just 33 points away from the lead a few races ago. Everybody thought Dale would start to fall.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Out or something would happen and Dale.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Wasn'T there or Kale would come on.

[Dale Earnhardt]

You're on the pole, you're running out front, you're looking real good. And all of a sudden problems start happening. What was the problem? Well, after the first hit stop, Bobby, we got to running hot, and I guess we had a head that cried. Then, you know, it just got. When you get a cracked head, the engine gets so hot it starts pumping the water out under the tires and then you don't handle good. And the car's running hot, too. So we tried to put some stop leak in it and stop it, but it just got worse. So we just parked.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Who's going to move into second place in points passing Cale? It's none other than Richard Petty. Richard has been nursing that broken neck, but getting relief help from drivers like Joe Milliken along the way putting together consistent enough results to stay in this point's battle. This will continue to stay interesting as the series returns to Dover. And dad will suffer again, more engine problems, allowing King Richard to close the points lead down to 60 points.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Earnhardt second. Earnhardt shows smoke in front of us in the back straightaway. Takes the car low on the racetrack onto the apron. Everybody else behind gets by going to the high side as Earnhardt is off speed and smoking in turn three. He is going to the garage and it looks like he may call it a day. And this is going to be a break for both Richard Petty and for Cale Yarborough, Ned Jarrett and Barney Hall. Dale Earnhardt, the current Western Cup Point leader, who is out of the race and very dejected right now. Dale, was it an engine? Yeah, Ned, it, you know, just one of those things happen. But I tell you, it just, it's getting brighter. Disgusting. Dale, you made the statement before the race that she was going to run flat out regardless of what happened. Did you feel that as hard as you was running had anything to do with it? I don't think so. At first race, my car was a little loose and I couldn't run as hard as I wanted to. So we had just got the car dialed in pretty good. We was running second behind Darrell and the car felt better and better. So, you know, it's just a situation. It just blew up. I don't know.

[Kelly Earnhardt]

The style of racing in that day.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Was different than Dale's style of racing, and I say that is. Everybody had races where they just kind of rode along.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

They were biding time, they were saving.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Their breaks, they were saving their time. Whatever it was, Dale wasn't. We had to earn this one. I'll guarantee you that. Dale was all anybody wanted to handle.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Dad is going to make a championship statement at Martinsville.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Well, a good, good day everyone for Martinsville Speedway here In beautiful Martinsville, Virginia. Today. The 27th race on the six million dollar Winston Cup Tour will unfold here at Martinsville. The Old Dominion 500. It's the richest short track race in the nation and it's pulled the nation's finest stock car drivers to the speedway today. The dogwood and azalea trees and the duck pond, the shrubbery that line the turns and instead of just having a bare concrete wall and everything has a new coat of white paint every time we come here. It's a treat to come here every time. Back under green at Martinsville. Earnhardt comes up through the gears in a heartbeat, so to speak, and pulls away from the field by about three carlings. He gets away from Dave Varkus in a hurry this time. Cale is going to use up a lot of racetrack. Make him work that high groove and Dale can lose some ground. Yarborough heads to pit road as now Allison Donnie moves to second spot. Something has happened to the Cale Yarborough car. And Ed Jarrett will update us in just a moment. He's got a tire.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Dad's right side was completely creased from on track encounters tire marks and dents. It's awesome.

[Dale Earnhardt]

You can hardly read the numbers or the sponsor's name on the side of Earnhardt's car. But bent, battered and broken, he can bring it home here today. 1000 turns around this racetrack and he's about to take the last one he's won in Atlanta, at Bristol and in Asheville. Here's Earnhardt last time into turn number three. Baker closing to 10 car length. It's going to be. Earnhardt flashes across the start finish line, checkered flag. And Dale Earnhardt will win the Old Dominion 500.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

He admitted that he didn't have any brakes for the last several laps of the race. And at one point during the race, he had some contact with Dave Marcus.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Well, the bumping and banging started down in turn number one. Earnhardt was on the inside, and he just rooted Marcus up and out of the low groove while the banging continued all the way down the back stretch to where Earnhardt spun. And now Earnhardt is up side by side with Marcus. And they are having quite a discussion.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Dad's point lead would again grow to 105. And to this he says, I'm sure not going to stroke. Cale, Benny and Petty, they don't stroke. I got here running hard, and I'll continue to do that. Stroke was a word used back in those times to describe a driver who was racing for points or taking it easy not running as hard as he could.

[Dale Earnhardt]

So his aggressive driving is actually now starting to force other people out of their comfort zone.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Now he's making these guys mad because.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Now I've got to run this. I gotta run so hard to not let him get so far away. Well, Dale, congratulations. Thank you, Ned. At that last caution, Keel got back in the lead. Wasn't sure we could win it, but then he had a flat or thought he had a flat or something on that restart. And that really gave us a good break here. And here we are in Victor Circle. Got a little sheet metal and paint damage done here. Yeah, a little bit. It got kind of rough down the back stretch one time. Went around and around a few times. Did you think it was all over then? Well, nobody hit me, so I thought.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

It was all right.

[Dale Earnhardt]

You know, it's looking bad there one time. Roland Wilotica, congratulations. Here thank you. It was a real good job. He was really on it today all the way. Well, he certainly was. And everybody else was too. Yeah, we didn't even have any brakes there at the beginning of the race. 25 of 30 laps out, we had brake trouble. He made it most of the way, pumping the brakes all the way. That's Roland Wlotica, the team manager for this Osterlin Racing effort.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Dad would again follow a victory with another victory, winning consecutive races for the second time in the same season. What's better is he'd do it in front of the hometown crowd at Charlotte. It was all thanks to a super fast pit stop by Doug and the Osterlin team. Beating Cale and Junior Johnson's team off pit road by almost four seconds.

[Dale Earnhardt]

The first of the leaders. Scheduled pit stops have just been made. Ned Jarrett. It was Dale Earnhardt coming in at a very quick pit stop too. He changed right side tires, filled it up so he should be ready for the rest of the race. It was about a 14 second pit stop. Earnhardt was in such a hurry to get off the road, he almost dragged two of his crew members with him. Here's Yarborough. The Junior Johnson crew ready to go to work. They go to the right side, as did Dale Earnhardt a little bit earlier. Changed those tires as Junior Johnson's told us they would do. Of course, they're filling it up with the Union 76 gasoline. They're working feverishly on the car to get him down. They got the tire change. They can't get the jack down now. Cale had it in reverse. Now he gets it into right gear and heads off.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

After this, dad was feeling very confident in victory lane and remarked to the points race pressure. There's no pressure on me. The pressure is on them. They're the ones who are behind in points. I'm ahead. What's a sophomore jinx? Can anybody tell me what a sophomore jinx is? Pretty cocky.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Well, the blue and yellow bike curb Auster Than Racing Chevrolet is taking the ride to victory lane. Well, Earnhardt has pulled in. They're unhooking the safety paraphernalia. But right now let's talk to 20 year old Doug Reichert, who has done a beautiful job. Doug, congratulations. He's the crew chief on this car.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Thank you, Ned.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Well, that big smile on your face. Of course the people on the radio can't see that. To know just how happy you are. You fellas worked awfully hard for this. Yeah, we did. The car ran awful good. We had excellent pit Stops all day.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

And the motor really ran well.

[Dale Earnhardt]

And Dale drove one heck of a.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Race and just things couldn't have went.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Better for us all day. Doug, the difference seemed to be that last pit stop. You beat them out bad. Well, that help there? We beat him out. It was looking kind of grim there a little bit. They had the draft running behind us, was running just a little bit quicker, but we managed to stay ahead and win the race. Well, here's a young fellow that has certainly a bright future ahead of him. He's already at the top, Dale. Very happy fellow. Congratulations, man. Man, I tell you, it just feels good to run here in front of the hometown crowd. I dreamed and thought about it for a long time and it's just great. Dale, could you really feel it going in front of this 70 or 80,000 people here today, knowing so many of them were pulling for you? Well, yeah, I know I got a lot of hometown fans here and man, I tell you, I can't. It's just great.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Well, the story is far from over. Cale is going to strike back in terrific fashion. He's going to pick up another win at Rockingham and dad is going to have another disastrous race.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Dale Earnhardt into the pits and getting tires all the way around. And some little extra work done on that car as they sort of tape the hood down and re tape a couple of the fenders on and try to keep it together for the rest of this race.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

He'll get involved in two crashes and break a tie rod and he ends up coming home in 18th place.

[Dale Earnhardt]

424 laps completed and they're still working on Dale Earnhardt's car in the pit area. And they want to get Dale back into this race if at all possible because of that tight Winston cup point battle.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Even with back to back wins late in the season though, Dad's point lead has taken some wild swings. At his peak, dad had a 100 point lead and now it's down to 44.

[Dale Earnhardt]

One of the hardest races I have run all year. Gained a little bit on him today and you know, if we just have another good two races, we'll be in pretty good shape.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

The table is set for a historic battle to the finish between dad and Cale Yarborough.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Cale goes way downstairs while Earnhardt holds a steady line through the middle of the turn. But it's to be Earnhardt handling so well in the center. The speedway continuing to pull Kale that lead quartet with a jackrapid start now playing a symphony of speed off turn four with Dale Earnhardt out front.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Their tippers are flaring and the points battle is a tight one.

[Dale Earnhardt]

I don't know what got into Earnhardt's stupid move on his part. You can't expect Earnhardt to sit tight and watch. Right now, this young driver from Kannapolis, North Carolina is giving everybody a lesson. You don't give anybody a victory in Winston Cup grand national racing until they take the checker.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

There are two races left in the 1980 season, and Cale and Dad's rivalry is about to reach its breaking point.

[Dale Earnhardt]

But we asked Dale if he was still confident about winning that first title this year. We're still leading until we get behind. You know, when you start wearing, you know. And pressure's on in. Dale Earnhardt and Cale Yarborough, the two point leaders going into this event. Still very much in the thick of things. They are the leaders right now. I think this season's a long way from being over with yet. I ain't going to count ourselves out.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Becoming earnhardt is a dirty mo media original podcast series. It is written and produced by me, dylan hart jr. With bobby marcos and colby bass. Sound design by alex timms production assistants tiff powers, mike davis, micah caldwell and evan vecchia. This project is in partnership with mrn, the motor racing network and the appalachian state university stock car collection. Special thanks to siriusxm silvertribe media, nascar man and bob ellis for additional dirty mo media content. Visit our YouTube page and follow us on all major social media platforms. Thank you to Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops for bringing us another episode of Becoming Earnhardt. They are such a great friend and supporter of everything we do, so remember to gear up for all your adventures at Bass Pro Shops, North America's premier outdoor and conservation company. This is a vacation with Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Butler, the Spa.

[Dale Earnhardt]

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[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

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[Dale Earnhardt]

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[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Before your sleeper turns in a season no one saw coming before stats and projections turn into points on the board.

[Dale Earnhardt]

And your lineup falls perfectly into place, you flip the lid on a can.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Of on nicotine pouches and as you make your first pick, you know this.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Is the season where fantasy's going to surpass reality. It's on products for tobacco consumers 21.

[Narrator / Dylan Hart Jr.]

Years of age or older.

[Dale Earnhardt]

Warning this product contains nicotine Nicotine is an addictive chemical.