Becoming Earnhardt 1980 Vol. 6 - All or Nothing

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Dale Jr. Download – Becoming Earnhardt 1980 Vol. 6 - All or Nothing

Release Date: July 13, 2025
Host: Dirty Mo Media, SiriusXM

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Introduction

In this riveting episode of Becoming Earnhardt, host Dale Earnhardt Jr. delves deep into the tumultuous 1980 NASCAR season, highlighting the intense rivalry between his father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., and racing legend Cale Yarborough. Titled "All or Nothing", this installment captures the high-stakes drama, strategic maneuvers, and personal challenges that defined a pivotal year in NASCAR history.

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The 1980 Championship Battle

Cale Yarborough's Confidence
At [02:12], Cale Yarborough expresses minimal pressure despite the intense competition, stating, “I really really don't feel that much pressure other than the normal racing pressure that we've been under all season.” His assurance underscores his experience and determination to clinch his first championship against a formidable opponent.

Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s Performance
Dale Jr. highlights his father's performance: “[02:50] While dad has five race wins, his four DNFs and only 13 lead lap finishes allowed Cale to close in during the final weeks of the season.” This balance of victories and setbacks set the stage for a dramatic season finale.

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Atlanta Journal 500: Tensions Rise

Race Dynamics and Feud Escalation
During the Atlanta race at [03:57], the competition reaches a boiling point. Cale Yarborough dominates the race, leading 269 laps, while Dale Earnhardt Sr. finds himself a lap down. As the race progresses, tensions escalate between the two drivers:

• At [05:05], Earnhardt attempts to overtake Yarborough, leading to a fierce side-by-side battle.
• Cale asserts his dominance, refusing to let Dale pass: “[05:41] Cale Yarborough not being a bit conservative. He stays right on the outside of Dale. They're running side by side.”

Consequences of Aggressive Racing
Post-race, Cale criticizes Dale’s driving as “the worst piece of driving I’ve ever seen” ([06:04]), revealing the strained relationship and the high stakes of their championship contention.

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Los Angeles Times 500: The Championship Decider

Race Preparations and Strategies
With only two races left in the season, the Los Angeles Times 500 becomes the decisive battleground. Both teams employ strategic pit stops and tire changes, aiming to optimize performance:

• At [12:22], Cale Yarborough believes Dale has a chance to win: “I believe Dale will win it, I think with 30 points, 29 points, and the way he's run all season, they look like they're pretty well prepared.”

Critical Mistakes and Penalties
A pivotal moment occurs during Dale’s final pit stop at [16:05], where a critical error leads to a penalty: “They are saying that Earnhardt drove over the jack. He started to pull the car away before the jack went down. That is an infraction.” This mistake threatens Dale’s championship aspirations.

Climactic Finish and Victory
Despite the setbacks, Dale Earnhardt Sr. manages to secure the checkered flag, clinching the championship by a narrow margin of 19 points ([19:47]). His emotional acknowledgment reflects the culmination of a grueling season:
“[20:12] Dale Earnhardt, the brand new Winston Cup champion. Dale, how do you feel right now? ... I just can’t really say how happy I am.”

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Team Dynamics and Sponsorships

Sponsorship Milestones
The episode touches on the significance of Dale signing a groundbreaking sponsorship deal with Wrangler jeans ([07:40]). This million-dollar partnership was unprecedented at the time and marked the beginning of a lasting relationship between Dale and the brand.

Behind-the-Scenes Challenges
Dale Jr. narrates the internal struggles within the team, including the sudden departure of engine builder Lou LaRosa ([08:48]). This personnel change added to the pressures faced by Dale and his crew during the championship run.

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Reflections on the 1980 Season

Learning and Growth
In a reflective segment, Dale Jr. discusses the lessons learned from the 1980 season, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, strategy, and resilience. He credits crew chief Jake Elder for laying a strong foundation and highlights the synergy that ultimately led to the championship victory.

Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Dale Jr. speculates on the future success of the team, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead but expressing optimism based on the experiences garnered during the 1980 season.

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Kelly Earnhardt's Personal Perspective

Transitioning from the high-octane racing discussions, Kelly Earnhardt shares heartfelt insights into the Earnhardt family life and their passion for the outdoors:

• Family and Outdoor Adventures
  At [23:07], Kelly describes how outdoor activities like hiking and hunting provide peace and bonding time for the family, especially following personal losses.

• Next Generation Racers
  She highlights the nurturing environment for young racers, mentioning her son Wyatt’s involvement in racing and the support from industry figures like Johnny Morris of Bass Pro Shops.

• Community and Support
  Kelly emphasizes the strong partnerships with brands like Bass Pro Shops and their commitment to supporting the family’s racing and outdoor endeavors.

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Conclusion

Becoming Earnhardt 1980 Vol. 6 - All or Nothing offers a comprehensive look into a defining year for Dale Earnhardt Sr., capturing the essence of competition, the impact of strategic decisions, and the personal resilience that fueled his championship victory. Through meticulous storytelling and poignant reflections, Dale Jr. not only honors his father's legacy but also provides listeners with an intimate glimpse into the challenges and triumphs that shaped one of NASCAR's greatest careers.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Cale Yarborough on Pressure:
  “[02:12] They say pressure this, pressure that. But I really, really don't feel that much pressure other than the normal racing pressure that we've been under all season.”

• Cale on Championship Confidence:
  “[03:25] I don’t feel any pressure at all. I’d rather be leading than behind. And if we can just hang on to our lead, I feel like we'll be the 1980 champion.”

• Post-Race Critique by Cale Yarborough:
  “[06:04] This is the worst piece of driving I've ever seen in my career as a race car driver.”

• Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s Championship Reaction:
  “[20:12] ... I just can’t really say how happy I am. You deserve to be. It’s the toughest championship in the world.”

• Kelly Earnhardt on Family and Outdoors:
  “[23:07] We spend time in the outdoors, you know, a lot of times doing stuff, right? So whether it's hunting or it's kind of a hobby or a sport...”

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This episode serves as a testament to the unwavering determination and strategic prowess that propelled Dale Earnhardt Sr. to NASCAR glory, while also highlighting the personal and familial aspects that underpin a storied racing legacy.

Transcript

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Hey, Dale. Yo. What are we doing for lunch today? I'm getting kind of hungry. Well, I'm already on it. It's actually going to be delivered soon. Arby's Angus cheesesteak with a side of curly fries is on the way. It's the ultimate meat and cheese combination for steak lovers like you and me. It's actually the perfect balance of quarter pound of Angus steak, melted American cheese fire roasted peppers and onions with a nice garlic spread to tie it all together. It's a must try. That's going to be our lunch sandwich. Sounds delicious. But there's one thing I've learned is if you're talking about food, I got to trust you on this. You've never failed me yet. I have not. No, you've nailed it. Well, there you go, man. This sandwich has it all. When I first tried this, I was at the shop checking on the race cars and stuff, seeing if the guys need anything. We ordered up some Arby's and when this Angus cheesesteak arrived, I was blown away by how much steak is actually on this thing. Definitely big enough to satisfy your hunger to tastes like a true American classic. Everybody check out your nearest Arby's today to try this Angus cheesesteak. And if you want it delivered like we do, use code dale for $0 delivery when you order through the Arby's app. That's code D A L E on the app, available for a limited time at participating U.S. locations. While supplies last, get the most out of your vehicle with GM Genuine parts and Acdelco original equipment. The only parts designed, engineered, tested and backed by General Motors. Whether or not you drive a GM vehicle, you can find your perfect fit for most makes and models and choose from three tiers of parts, including GM OE or gold and silver aftermarket parts. Visit gmparts.com for more information. 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.

[Cale Yarborough]

They say pressure this, pressure that. But I really, really don't feel that much pressure other than the normal RA impression that we've been under all season. And I think the kale feels about the same. We're both being competitive all season and it came down to the end here and both of us have been really the ones to beat in the last several races. And I feel like it'll just come down to the wire at this race just like it has in the rest of them. And which one of us gets the brakes or is running the best then is Rocket String up here at Ontario.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

After 29 races, the the 1980 season long championship has come down to dad and Cal Yarborough.

[Cale Yarborough]

Three times before Yarborough had won the title for Earnhardt. If he wins it, it'll be his first.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

While dad has five race wins, his four DNFs and only 13 lead lap finishes have allowed Cale to close in during the final weeks of the season.

[Cale Yarborough]

The only thing I can do is just give it my best shot and hope that it's good enough. I think that we've come on a little strong here towards the.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Things have gotten tense between the two. Cale is claiming that the pressure is getting to dad and dad insists the pressure is on everyone else.

[Cale Yarborough]

I don't feel any pressure at all. I'd rather be leading than behind. And if we can just hang on to our lead, I feel like we'll be the 1980 champion.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

With two races left in the season, everyone's going to have to be on their A game if they want to become a champion.

[Cale Yarborough]

Drama continues to build for Dale Earnhardt. Cale shuts the door on Dale Earnhardt.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

The second to last race of the season is Atlanta. And Cale is going to dominate. And his feud with dad is going to reach a boiling point.

[Cale Yarborough]

From the heart of Georgia, the Universal Racing Network brings you The Atlanta Journal 500. The next to last event of major league stock car racing season. Gael Yalval and Dale Earnhardt, who in the close battle for the series championship will be starting back 12th and 13th in the 40 car field. 44 points separate Dale Earnhardt the leader, Cale Yarborough the second place car. Ain't much you can say about it. Just go out and try to win. What's the strategy for the race? Flat out. Cale's not gonna back off. I'm not needing the number 11 car. Junior Johnson sailing out there clean and green. All of a sudden they discover there is a hole in the windshield. Well, first of all, if the windshield has a hole large enough, the windshield will start cracking.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Cale's gonna lead 269 laps and dad would be actually trapped a lap down. But what happens in the final laps of the race has Cale hot under the collar.

[Cale Yarborough]

Dale Earnhardt goes below. Cale and going into turn one, Dale's gonna try to get around him. The daring Dooley darter has him right on the inside now. Pulls right up dead even. In fact, gets a nose in front of Cale coming off a two. Cale probably gonna be conservative at this point because Zale is just now getting back in the same lap or trying to. But Cale moves back to a half a car length now a car length lead in three.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

During the closing laps, dad battled side by side with Cale in an apparent attempt to get back on the lead lap. Cale refused to let dad pass him, and dad refused to give Cale an inch.

[Cale Yarborough]

Cale Yawver not being a bit conservative. He stays right on the outside of Dale. They're running side by side. Dale Earnhard hoping against hope that something might happen to Cale's car that would enable him to get back around him. Cale trying to battle him off. They come to the start finish line. The checkered flag is out, and Cale Yarborough wins The Atlanta Journal 500.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

After the race, an angry Cale Yarborough remarked. This is the worst piece of driving I've ever seen in my career as a race car driver. Maybe it was dumb for me not to let him go, but I was so mad at what he was doing, I was determined that hell could freeze over before I'd let him go by me. I really believe Earnhardt would rather have taken us both out of the race than to see me win. I plan to speak to him about it as soon as I see him. That showed. The pressure's getting to the boy. We got him worried, and I got a special feeling we're going to win in California.

[Cale Yarborough]

Yeah, well, everything went good. I don't know what got into Earnhardt. There was, you know, two laps to go and him being a lap down, there was no way he could gain any position. He's just taking, you know, a chance of taking us both out of the race. Did it worry you when Dale was pulling up beside you? Did you want to race with him? Did you worry that he might be in the same lap with you? Did that ever cross your mind? Well, I knew he wasn't in the same lap. He had been a lap down all day. But, you know, I just made up my mind that I wasn't gonna let him pass me. Even though I knew it didn't make any difference. It was a stupid move on his.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Dad responded. I wasn't sure. I wasn't on the same lap. I was trying to win the race just like he was. I wasn't going to Wallow on him or anything. I never touched him. I'm a racer and Cale's a racer. Cal's win would whittle the points lead down to just 29 heading into the season finale. The day after the Atlanta race, dad is going to sign a sponsorship deal that he would become synonymous with through the 1980s. Wrangler jeans.

[Kelly Earnhardt]

It was huge.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

It was probably one of the first, if not the first million dollar sponsorship. A lot of your sponsorships back then were 250,000. 500,000 was considered a really good sponsorship deal, but nobody had ever heard of a million dollar sponsorship. That was just unbelievable. Rod Osterlin signed a multi year deal with the company and dad was set to make his debut in the Wrangler car at the season finale in Ontario. Wrangler would run a campaign that would become iconic with dad one tough customer. Another odd piece of the story. On November 4, engine builder Lou LaRosa was suddenly relie his duties with the team. Lou said that when he arrived to work, he had been informed by Roland Vlacha that he was no longer employed by the team despite Rod offering him an extension earlier in the year. Here's Lou LaRosa.

[Cale Yarborough]

He convinced Roland that they didn't need me, they'd be more successful. The other guy didn't know jack shit. He was going to be the superstar. Congrat, Rowan. Because he promised officer and he'd go there, he'd smoke them.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

He'd, you know, he set new records and that's gone.

[Cale Yarborough]

I mean, he was the destruction of that team.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Here's Doug. Richard Roland, he ran the place. He was the one that was always talking with Rod. You know, Roland's personality was. He was a very upbeat person, very witty, a lot like your dad, you know, prankster. But he was also hardcore in the vision of where he was going and all that. They probably said something to one another. That was all it'd take. Yeah, I mean those were two personalities that were pretty strong. Lou and Roland. And I guess Roland won. It's really fascinating that Lou LaRosa, the engine builder that had helped the team achieve so much, would be cut loose right before they go to the final race of the year. Lou would be hired by RCR to build Motors for Dad's team in the mid-80s during so much success. With all that said, it's time to wrap up the 1980 racing season as NASCAR is headed west one final time to California. This is going to be the final race held at Ontario Motor Speedway which had opened back in 1970 they're gonna demolish the track after the race. I remember going with dad in the mid-1980s to Riverside to compete at the old road course. And we would drive by the site of the old Ontario Motor Speedway and dad would point out features in the landscape that was part of the racetrack. It's really cool. The track was built to mimic the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. And it's interesting that it did not survive very long.

[Cale Yarborough]

From Ontario Motor Speedway in Ontario, California, this is mrn, the Motor Racing Network, with coverage of the Los Angeles Times 500 Winston Cup Grand National Stock Car race. There is a big factor in today's race that may affect the outcome of how a lot of these drivers finish. As the curtain will rings down here at Ontario Motor Speedway for the 1980 Winston Cup Racing season for young Dale Earnhardt and Cale Yarborough could be the most important day in both their racing careers. Today, one of these two will win the most prestigious crown in auto racing, the national Winston Cup Driving Championships. Earnhardt is the young upstart driver, second year on the circuit. And Cale Yarborough in perhaps his last run for the championship. As next year he goes to a reduced racing schedule. 29 points is not very much. Earnhardt must finish in fifth position or better. And if he finishes fifth, he must lead at least one lap. Who will win the national driving title, the Winston cup point championship?

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

As we carry on with the race weekend, Cale Arboro and other veteran drivers seem to think that dad's going to crack under all this pressure. However, dad seemed as loose as ever. In fact, his relationship was with his old crew chief. Jake Elder actually seemed to be strong as well in the garage. Dad arranged a low stakes poker game with Jake earlier in the weekend. As noted in the Charlotte Observer.

[Cale Yarborough]

I believe Dale will win it, I think with 30 points, 29 points, and the way he's run all season, they look like they're pretty well prepared. They've been doing it all summer long. Taylor's done a great job of coming back and getting close and putting a little pressure on him, but I gotta believe that he's just lucky enough and prepared enough to pull it off.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Dad and Kale both come prepared and would occupy the front row of the race after qualifying. With Kale taking the pole and dad starting outside.

[Cale Yarborough]

They say pressure this, pressure that, but I really don't feel that much pressure other than the normal racing pressure that we've been under all season. It is anticipated that both the Earnhardt and Yarborough teams will have the same tire strategy. Both Doug Rickard and Junior Johnson are planning to change two tires and fuel up whenever there's a green flag stop. When there's a yellow flag stop. They are planning to do a four tire change. Pace car is on pit road and they're getting ready to put them under green. In the Los Angeles Times 500. Now it's Cale Yarborough up in the lead with second place Car of Dale Earnhardt right behind him, nose to tail. Then it's Theo Bonnet, Benny Parsons, Bobby Allison and Darrell Walton. It's really tight and a long draft down the back straightaway heading back to the start finish line. Who's going to lead the first lap? It will be Cale Yarborough. And Yarborough picks up the five bonus points. Mike Joy. But Earnhardt just literally pushes him down the front straightaway and back into turn one. Looks like one car. They're so close. Earnhardt tries to go to the outside. Garborough moves up little bit. They're all strung out. Bonnet running in third place. Everybody negotiating this turn in good shape. The leader dives into two. 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 them back. They're in the short toot, heading for turn four. It is a challenge for the lead. Here comes Earnhardt. He's got it. Dale Earnhardt shoots by Cale Yarborough going into turn three. Here's a challenge back by Yarborough again at turn four. Yarbrough and Earnhardt side by side at four as Earnhardt almost lost it between three and four.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

They both take turns leading early in the race. But then disaster began to strike.

[Cale Yarborough]

Everybody here. Mike Joy is wondering has something happened to the Earnhardt car or is he just taking it easy, playing it safe until the field sorts itself out? He is continuing to drop back in the field.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Dad's gonna fall a lap down. When he pitted too early during a yellow flag on lap 71, Earnhardt comes.

[Cale Yarborough]

Scooting in again in the Wrangler jeans machine. So a lengthy pit stop for Earnhardt, but they're checking the car all the way around. We saw no apparent adjustments on the suspension on the car. Just a four tire change as they put him back onto the track. Roland Walloca has confirmed that the problem is the wind. Apparently they're running a bit of a.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Taller gear in the Australin car than.

[Cale Yarborough]

They might have run under ordinary circumstances. And Roland suggested that that is what's causing the car to Be buffeted around in particular.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

He would fall tonight. And Cale is going to continue to contend for the victory. And he'd take over the points lead mid race.

[Cale Yarborough]

Riding just ahead of the leader is Earnhardt. He may go a lap down in turn one.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Dad is going to fight back and actually get around Cale as the next caution flies. This is going to get him back on the lead lap.

[Cale Yarborough]

Caution is out here at Ontario Motor Speedway. The leaders did not get the caution with 151 laps completed. If Dale Earnhardt can come around to the caution flag ahead of the leader, it will put him on the lead lap. Dale Earnhardt better be careful because Hilton sees that engine coming right out of two, and it could be a little bit oily. Dale Earnhardt, who has worked his way back to the front of the pack, is now on the lead left.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Junior Johnson actually protested, saying this was an illegal move.

[Cale Yarborough]

This will be a tremendous break for Dale Earnhardt.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Dad's final pit stop is going to come on lap 183, and the plan was to get fuel.

[Cale Yarborough]

Only one more pit stop for these drivers here this afternoon, and that is going to put the pressure on these pit crews. You screw up, drop the jack wrong, do something wrong on a wheel, whatever, and it's all over. There begins to be some activity on pit road. Doug Richard and the Austrian crew getting ready to bring Dale Earnhardt in. They are wheel to wheel. Earnhardt and Yarbrough, they were the front row for the race there. And here comes Earnhardt. Almost lost it. Earnhardt coming into the pit.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

I was changing the front tires, so I was into that. And then Dave d' Ambrosio was on the rear. Marv Acton was on the jack.

[Cale Yarborough]

And we're going to focus on the Earnhardt team. They've got tires for the outside. One can going in so far. They're jacking up the right side of the car at this point, trying to get that thing out of here as quickly as they possibly can. This is a green flag stop. Here goes the second can of fuel in. Earnhardt ready to leave, and he's gone. So a quick stop for him. Dick Brooks, you had an observation on that. Yeah. They only changed one tire. They changed the right rear tire on it for some reason or another. They went around with the right front, but they. But they never did put it on. Dayo was in an awful big hurry to go. He took off before the jack fell. So Earnhardt has his pit stop out of the way, whether it's going to be a good one or a Bad one we're going to have to wait and see. According to nascar, it's a bad one. They're calling Earnhardt back onto pit road. This could easily cost him the national driving title here this afternoon. The problem, Barney, was not so much with the tire change. But they are saying that Earnhardt drove over the jack. He started to pull the car away before the jack went down. That is an infraction. And he will have to come back into the pits. That is going to hurt him. They're going to hold him just long enough to make sure that the lug nuts are tight on the car. If they are, he'll be able to go right back out. All he had to do was come in and stop and. No, they're holding him. They're holding him at the pit, checking the lugs on the right rear. And it looks like they're going to have to stop and tighten him up. And Earnhardt backs up and misses the wrenchman. This is going to be a costly error for sure. They're going to have to retighten the lugs on the right rear before he can pull away. Now, finally, Earnhardt is away from the pits.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Now. Had dad fallen off of the lead lap, he would have handed Cale the points championship. It was just that close. But despite all of this, Dad's able to fight back within striking distance of cale.

[Cale Yarborough]

There are 11 to go here this afternoon. And still in front is Bobby Allison. Riding second is Benny Parsons. Third right now as Neil Bonnett. They're showing Yarborough as fourth. And we have a runner at the scoring stand to find out exactly how much ground that Dale Earnhardt has lost to the front four. It's possible he may be in the lead lap yet, Varney. And that would put him in the fifth position as long as he can hold onto that lead lap. And that would sew him up the championship. Providing that Cale Yarborough does not win this race.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Benny Parsons is going to go on and win this race. Cale finishes third, and dad comes home fifth.

[Cale Yarborough]

As they come down to the line. Benny Parsons will win the Los Angeles Times 500. Here he is taking the checkered flag. And Mike Joy. Here comes the battle for second. Three seconds behind him, diving to the inside, is Cale Yarborough. He moves the Junior Johnson Chevrolet up to within two feet of Neil Bonnett. And Bonnett will get second at the wire. And awaiting Dale Earnhardt posted in the fifth position at the tail end of the lead lap. As long as Earnhardt comes around to take the checkered flag. Unofficially would be the winster cup champion. Earnhardt gets the checkered flag, and his crew jumps up and down in congratulations.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Dad's gonna win the 1980 NASCAR championship by just 19 points.

[Cale Yarborough]

Well, we have a new winston cup champion, and he is standing by on pit road with Dick Berggren.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Now, naturally, dad was on top of the world. After the win, he would go on to say, cale won three championships in a row, so I don't see why we shouldn't try. We got a young crew and young ideas, and we're gonna go for it.

[Cale Yarborough]

Dale Earnhardt, the brand new Winston cup champion. Dale, how do you feel right now? Well, first of all, I want to thank the good lord for seeing us through the whole year and, you know, letting us win the champion. And I'd like to thank all the people who was involved with Austin racing this year. Mike curb and Warner hosing. And now wrangler jeans is involved with as a sponsor and hope to, you know, we won the championship for them, and everybody included, the whole team did a good job. All my fans and family back home, I like to say hi to them. And, man, it was a tough one, but we came through it. Dale, what were you thinking in the early laps when you were a full lap down? I wasn't thinking too good of thoughts, but we just kept on running in there, and we got to running a little better and got where we could be competitive with the front cars and got our chance to get our lap back, and fortunately, we did. And then our last pit stop, we sort of messed up. The guys started to change tires, and they changed their mind. And we ran over the jack just to turn the jack over under the car. And then they brought us back in, penalized us a half a lap, and looked like it was going to be in a bind again. But it all worked out. I just can't really say how happy I am. You deserve to be. It's the toughest championship in the world. 1980 Winston cup champion, Dale earnhardt.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

It's kind of a Cinderella deal. It wasn't something that I strived for. It just happened, right? I didn't ask for it. It just happened, and I'm proud of it. I'm still the youngest creek chief to ever win a championship. The only thing I can say about the 1980 season was it shocked a lot of people because no one expected Dale Earnhardt to win the championship. Doug Richard reportedly took the car for a victory lap of his own on the way back to the garage. Well, the race was over. We won the championship. I just got in the car and I went out on pit road and I was going down pit road and lo and behold, there's some girl sitting on the wall. I said, come on, get in. Did got in the car and I just went out around. Wasn't fast. I just running around. What happened to the girl?

[Cale Yarborough]

I don't even know.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

I didn't know her. Yeah, dad. To this day remains the only driver in history to win rookie of the year and a championship in back to back years. Don't go anywhere. There's more. Becoming Earnhardt Presented by Bass Pro Shops. Up next. But first, check out what my sister Kelly has to share about the next generation of Earnhardt racers and outdoor enthusiasts.

[Kelly Earnhardt]

We spend time in the outdoors, you know, a lot of times doing stuff, right? So whether it's hunting or it's kind of a hobby or a sport. But in this particular instance, after my mom passed in 2019, a couple days after that, my family, my kids, me, Wyatt, Carson, Kennedy and lw, we went to a local state park, probably maybe about an hour and a half away, and went hiking. The outdoors can make you feel really at peace, you know, and kind of just hiking up through the trails and waterfalls and just really admiring, you know, there's so much that you can look at in the outdoors that's, that's something. Even like with hunting, I don't care as much about going out and getting an animal as I do. Just like sitting in a tree stand, you're out there at the crack of dawn and you get to see the sunrise and you get to hear the birds chirping, and then you start getting to hear animals running around, whether it's squirrels or birds or whatever it is, until the big, big book comes out or whatever that you're looking for. But, you know, I enjoy all of that just as much as I do the thrill of the activity that we're doing, it's just really kind of looking around in nature. And if you get to studying it, you know, it's a, it's complex out in nature, you know, everything that's going on and how things grow. And, you know, you look at a tree and you go, I wonder how old that tree was or is or, you know, whatever it is, you know, things that are starting from seeds to growing out in the wild. So, you know, there's just really a lot to take in. I feel like in the outdoors and it can bring a lot of peace to you. Like in that situation with my mom, I even look back at pictures And I scrapbook. So I've got like, like albums after albums, after albums made for my kids and pictures. And I look back on it sometimes and I think, wow, we stay really busy. But you know, it's, it's simple things like going camping or, you know, going fishing or going hiking or doing stuff like that. You know, there's a lot of different things. Butterfly museums. There's just so many things that are out and about that you can, that you do. And I look at that. We just do, we do a lot of things and spend a lot of time outdoors. Our plans for Wyatt are just to kind of continue to do what we're doing now. We race a lot of different types of things. We go to about 80 races with Wyatt a year, which is a lot. And just trying to get him, you know, diverse in terms of things that he's driving and what he's learning and how he can learn. But kind of the most important thing I think is just for him to be a kid. You know, he's 13, still likes to do 13 year old boy things. So he video games and he plays farm sim and hunting games on video and iracing and all kind of things and he likes to go out and ride motorcycles and four wheelers and all that kind of stuff. So he still likes just being a kid. So we'll just see where it takes him. You know, we got five years left of school, so that's important to us and there's a lot of things that are important to us. Before he actually decides if racing is going to be a career of his or not. I love watching Wyatt and Johnny Morris interact. Johnny has just been taken aback by Wyatt and his skills and the fact that he's been an 11, 12, 13 year old kid doing some of the things that he's done. Johnny, you know, he'll pick up videos, I'll send him videos of Wyatt racing or doing something and he'll pick those videos up. And at his company, a lot of times he does like daily. I mean there's nothing stopping him from just calling a quick five minute meeting across Bass pro shop and they get the video going and they get all this stuff going and then he'll, it'll, he'll show a quick video of Wyatt and he'll be like, look at this kid, look at what he's doing. You know, isn't this awesome? Da da da da. So he just enjoys it. I think that's one of the fun things to see about Johnny and whether it's, he's interacting with Wyatt or he's interacting with someone. He is passionate about racing, he's passionate obviously about the outdoors, he's passionate about our military. And it's fun to watch Wyatt's reaction to Johnny too, you know, because I don't think 13 year old kids really understand somebody like the magnitude of somebody like Johnny Morris, you know, and what he's accomplished and you know, how hard he's worked in his life to grow Bass Pro Shops and all of that. You know, that's hard for really a 13 year old to comprehend, you know, but it's been fun. It's fun to watch their relationship and watch it grow and see Wyatt's reaction to Johnny and definitely Johnny's reaction to Wyatt and what the Earnhardt family has always relied on Bass Pro Shops for our outdoor adventures. And that tradition continues with me today. I grew up shopping there and now it's a place I love sharing with my own family, gearing up together for everything from weekend getaways to fishing in the pond. I'm also incredibly grateful for the support Johnny Morris and the entire Bass Pro team have shown across our business ventures from the race team to Dirty My Media. They believe in what we're building and they've stood behind us every step of the way. They're not just great partners, they're great people. 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 bass park pro.com legendarysalute.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Folks, right now the headlines are chock full of data breaches and regulatory rollbacks, making us all vulnerable. But you can do something about it. Deleteme is here to make it easy, quick and safe to remove your personal data online. Travis Delete me is an easier way to deal with data breaches. It does all the hard work of removing your personal online data. And Deleteme isn't just a one time service. They're constantly working to ensure your personal info stays off the web. Because you don't want that stuff just out there for everybody. I kid you not. These websites, it's kind of scary because I once matched with this girl online dating app. She asked if I was married. I told her no.

[Cale Yarborough]

Why?

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Why are you asking? Well, she had searched my name and a website pulled up and said that I was married and I'm like, no, never been married, never engaged. But it's scary that these websites kind of have information, some of it, some of it not. And it's just out there for everybody. Well, I think that's Travis's way of saying that he's single. But back to Delete Me, all you gotta do is provide them with exactly the information you want deleted. Then their experts do all the hard work wiping you and your family's personal information from data broker websites. Take control of your data and keep your private life private by signing up for Delete Me now at a special discount for our listeners today. Get 20% off your Delete Me plan by texting DALE to 64000. The only way to get 20% off is to text DALE to 64000. That's DALE to 64000 message and data rates may apply. Hey, Dale. Yo. What are we doing for lunch today? I'm getting kind of hungry. Well, I'm already on it. It's actually going to be delivered soon. Arby's Angus cheesesteak with a side of curly fries is on the way. It's the ultimate meat and cheese combination for steak lovers like you and me. It's actually the perfect balance of quarter pound of Angus steak, melted American cheese fire roasted peppers and onions with a nice garlic spread to tie it all together. It's a must try. That's going to be our lunch sandwich. Sounds delicious. But there's one thing I've learned is if you're talking about food, I got to trust you on this. You've never failed me yet. I have not?

[Cale Yarborough]

No.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

You've nailed it. Well, there you go, man. This sandwich has it all. When I first tried this, I was at the shop checking on the race cars and stuff, seeing if the guys need anything. We ordered up some Arby's and when this Angus cheesesteak arrived, I was blown away by how much steak is actually on this thing. Definitely big enough to satisfy your hunger. Tastes like a true American classic. Everybody check out your nearest Arby's today to try this Angus cheesesteak. And if you want it delivered like we do, use code dale for $0 delivery when you order through the Arby's app. That's code D A L E on the app. Available for a limited time at participating US locations. While supplies last. After winning his first championship, 29 year old Dale Earnhardt is going to hop on a flight flight from California to Las Vegas with his brothers Randy and Danny. And within 30 minutes of hitting the Strip, he's gonna win $500 playing blackjack. But 18 hours later, despite the money, the moment and the excitement, homesickness kicks in. The three Earnhardt brothers from Kannapolis, North Carolina spent less than a full day in Vegas before heading back home to their cotton mill town where they felt most comfortable. So with a championship trophy in hand and a long term contract in the other, dad and his highly motivated Osterlin racing team seemed primed to go on a dynasty like run. But as history would have it, Rod is going to sell the team before all of that could be accomplished. You see, a housing crisis in California is going to cause Osterlin, who made all of his money in real estate, to sell out the team in the middle of the 1981 season. Yeah, I'm like Dale, I didn't know a thing. I mean my explanation of it was is it made it feel like we were just a herd of cattle and they just sold us off. The threat had been looming at the beginning of the 1980 season. And this was a big reason why Les Richter orchestrated the meeting between Mike Curb and Bill France to help keep Rod and Dad on the grid. Here's Mike Curb explaining how it all went down in California.

[Cale Yarborough]

We had a huge savings and loan.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Crisis in 79, 80, 81.

[Cale Yarborough]

And it really hurt people like Rod Osterlin, it really hurt people like Warner Hodge and it really a number of those guys.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

But the crisis would eventually outweigh the love for racing. And Rod would sell his successful race team to Jim Stacy, also known as JD There are very many accounts that dad did not like Jim Stacy and was really unhappy that his contract was sold to another owner. So after just four races, he would depart and link up with his new hunting buddy, a fellow named Richard Childress, to finish out the remainder of the 1981 season. I would like to say here that Neil Bonnet had actually driven for Jim Stacy in the late 70s. And I have to wonder that Neil and dad being close friends, maybe Neil got in dad's ear to pre warn him about a relationship with J.D. stacy. Now, I know what you're thinking. This is the beginning of the intimidator, right? Well, not quite. You see, Richard's race team wasn't quite the super team as we know it is today. Richard had been driving the car himself up to that point and was really just a middle of the pack independent running a modest operation. He will admit that he was in no position to field a car for a champion like dad. And despite some funding that came from Wrangler, Richard found himself in a massive amount of debt after the 1981 season from trying to step up his operation and be more competitive. He actually recommended that dad take other offers for more established teams. One of those offers would come from legendary Bud Moore. And in 1982, dad would take over the famed 15 car with Wrangler by his side. The Ford years were terrible for him. Ford was having its own problem. And then, like I said, his career plummeted and he was wrecking and mechanical problems. And a lot of the veteran reporters wrote him off that he was just that. He had had his success, and unless he changed his attitude and changed his ways, he wasn't going to have any more success. Dad would race for Budmore for two seasons, winning a few races. But ultimately, his affinity for General Motors products had him considering other opportunities. Sounds a lot like Bobby Allison's experience as well. Here is where dad and RC formed the ultimate partnership that becomes legendary. They would rejoin in 1984 with the number three car, and Richard Childers says it best. The rest is history. So what did dad learn from this season? Honestly, I think that a lot of credit needs to be given to Jake Elder because the team starts the year out relatively strong and put together a lot of great finishes. Dad is still very inexperienced and overly aggressive. There were some results probably at both Rockingham events, the first Martinsville several races where his aggressive style and sort of his inability to see the bigger picture got him in trouble. He's still young, still learning racecraft, not really understanding how to put together a full season of results to be a championship winner. And everyone else around him knew how to do that. Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough. It's really amazing that the team could be as competitive throughout the year as they were. So even though he was cantankerous and a pain in the butt at times, I'm gonna say Jake Elder played a big role and giving the team the points foundation to finish it out once Doug comes along. Now, when Doug comes in to be the crew chief, he's young. Yes, I think he's very inexperienced. He does know enough about the cars. But I think he and dad put their knowledge together and were able to be competitive enough with what they knew on how to put the cars onto the racetrack and. And set them up. Dad's pretty sharp about all this stuff. He is a mechanical mind. He understands springs and shocks, and he runs around and works on all his stuff and talks to all the other drivers. So Dad's a sponge of information. I think on paper when you just look at how strong Junior's team was with Cale, you would assume that they're gonna win this championship. But somehow dad and the team pulled it out. Guts, youth, just energy, you know, they just made it happen. Dad's gonna go on and have some tough years after this before he would eventually, you know, have this incredible career with Richard Childers. But I really love to look back on these two years, 1979 and 1980. You know, just how fast he came onto the scene once he established that full time ride. All of this is so compelling to me. A lot of credit needs to go to Rod Osterlin for giving the guy a chance. If Rod doesn't give dad the break, if Dave Marcus doesn't quit and allow dad to go from the B driver to the A driver, there's so many little things that had to happen for this whole career to pan out like it did. So pretty, pretty awesome to relive this. I learned a ton of I really appreciate everybody who's listened to this. I hope you enjoyed this look back on these specific times in Dad's career. He's going to become a household name through the late 80s and early 90s in that familiar number three behind six championships and dozens of race victories. But it's easy to forget where those first of seven championships came from. 1980. It's a gritty sophomore season that saw dad outlast some of the greatest racers of all time, but ultimately the experience he gained is going to help guide him through a career worthy of putting himself into that category of greatest racers of all time.

[Cale Yarborough]

I'm satisfied and at ease with what I do and I'm in Grand National Race basically now. It's what I've always wanted to do. So you know, I'm very much at home in it and very well pleased with it. So yeah, I'm happy.

[Dale Earnhardt 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 Silver Tribe 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. You're not just working on assignments, you're building your future with Creative Cloud Pro. The real world creative skills you gain don't just help in class, they set you up for career success. Get access to over 20 pro level apps like Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro, powerful tools to turn school projects into a standout career ready portfolio. And right now, Students save over 55%.

[Cale Yarborough]

On Creative Cloud Pro.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

Visit adobe.comstudents to learn more and start.

[Cale Yarborough]

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[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

This episode is brought to you by Huggies Little Movers. It's fun having a baby that loves to move, but it can be challenging to find a diaper that can keep up with them.

[Cale Yarborough]

Huggies Little Movers is designed to move.

[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

With your b With either the double.

[Kelly Earnhardt]

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[Cale Yarborough]

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[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

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[Cale Yarborough]

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[Dale Earnhardt Jr.]

We got you baby.