The Dale Jr. Download: Becoming Earnhardt Vol. 7 - Back In The Fight (December 20, 2025)
Host: Dale Earnhardt Jr. | Dirty Mo Media, SiriusXM

Episode Overview

This episode of "Becoming Earnhardt" dives deep into Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s pivotal return from injury during the climax of his 1979 rookie NASCAR season. As the intense battles for the NASCAR season championship and Rookie of the Year heat up, host Dale Earnhardt Jr. shares first-hand reflections, vintage audio, and candid commentary. The episode explores Earnhardt Sr.'s struggle to reclaim his place on the track, the rivalries defining the year, and the personal and professional challenges that come with making a comeback.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Weight of Watching from the Sidelines

[02:26]

• Dale Jr. opens by spotlighting a candid interview with his father, who admits watching someone else drive his car was even rougher than enduring the pain of broken collarbones.
  • Quote: Dale Earnhardt Sr.: “It was rougher than it is getting back in it and hurting... I was real uncomfortable about watching the car run and not me being in it... It just defeated me to have to sit and watch the points dwindle back down and them guys [pass] it back.” (02:39)

2. The Stretch Run for Rookie of the Year

[03:09] & [09:00]

• With just eight races left, Earnhardt Sr. is trailing Joe Milliken by a slim six-point margin in the Rookie of the Year standings. Dale Jr. paints the high-stakes picture: Earnhardt Sr.'s return could determine the season’s outcome for him.

• Earnhardt Sr.’s bi-monthly column, read live by Dale Jr., offers a rare inside look at his recovery, team spirit, and the emotional toll of being on the sidelines. The camaraderie, vulnerability, and drive for redemption shine through.

  • Quote: Dale Earnhardt Sr. (writing from Lake Norman): “It wasn’t any special miracle drug that helped me get over my injuries from the Pocono wreck. I wanted back in that race car so bad, I must have just psyched myself back to being healthy. The doctors couldn’t believe it…” (approx. 05:00)

• Dale Jr.’s Reflection: “These were a lot of fun for me to read, and I think they really added a lot to the series.” (approx. 10:12)

3. Grit, Pain Management, and Relief Drivers

Dover and Richmond Races

• Returning to competition, Earnhardt secures consecutive poles at Richmond and Dover, defying odds and medical advice. However, his physical limitations require strategic exchanges with relief drivers.

  • At Richmond, Lenny Pond steps in mid-race as Earnhardt's neck pain intensifies.

  • At Dover, Bill Elliott (future NASCAR star, then an up-and-comer) fills in for 80 laps after Earnhardt spins twice and needs a break; Earnhardt then returns for the final 100 laps.

  • Quote: Dale Earnhardt Sr.: “Well, my neck bothered me a little bit, Ned, but I got the car... spun the car out ... so they decided to pull me out of the car and give me a rest. I thought I was getting tired, but I felt pretty good.” (19:50)

4. Iconic Races and Season Drama

Dover Downs 500

[14:03]–[22:06]

• Earnhardt Wins Pole: Defies expectations (“Dad had won the pole now two weeks in a row. Quite an accomplishment, honestly, as I would not call dad one of the better qualifiers…” (15:36)).
• Early-race chaos and the physical demands of Dover test Earnhardt’s resolve and body. Relief by Bill Elliott allows Earnhardt to recover and re-enter, finishing ninth—highlighting both resilience and vulnerability.
• Petty vs. Waltrip Title Fight: Darrell Waltrip crashes, losing much of his points lead to Richard Petty, who wins the race.
  • Petty’s Post-Race Quote: “The pressure’s got to be on Darrell. He’s got to be worried about having to protect his lead. Me, I ain’t got nothing to lose.” (22:06)

Martinsville

[22:28]–[27:08]

• The die guard team bounces back, with Waltrip setting pole and expecting dominance.
• Earnhardt’s front suspension fails early, leading to a hard crash and exit from the race.
• Rookie rival Joe Milliken’s eventful race: After contact with Cecil Gordon, Gordon retaliates, leading to penalties.
• Buddy Baker wins his first Martinsville race, Richard Petty further closes the gap on Waltrip.
  • Points Margin Update: Petty is now only 48 points behind Waltrip.

Charlotte Motor Speedway

[28:36]–[41:00]

• Rain postpones North Wilkesboro race, giving teams a week to prepare for Charlotte.

• New pavement in Turns 3 and 4 creates unpredictable speeds and tire wear.

• Humpy Wheeler’s showmanship and a visit from Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker add to the star-studded crowd.

• Earnhardt qualifies eighth. The early race sees Earnhardt aggressively fighting at the front, but tire issues and a lost cylinder demote him to 10th place. Significantly, Joe Milliken’s troubles mean Earnhardt gains an edge in the rookie battle.

• The race is plagued by tire issues: 27 tire failures prompt Goodyear to waive fees for damaged tires.

• Dale Earnhardt Sr. (on his rookie confidence): “We’re gonna run it as hard as we can go. We got the equipment and the manpower, and I feel like I’m capable. And whether I’m ready or not, we’re gonna run at it.” (34:46)

• Cale Yarborough survives late-race carnage to win, with Allison 2nd, and the championship remains a tight affair.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It was rougher than it is getting back in it and hurting.” – Dale Earnhardt Sr., on watching from the sidelines (02:39)
• “If I gave everybody a ticket who asked for one, they’d have to build another grandstand. Please, guys, I just drive the race car. I don’t have any tickets.” – Dale Earnhardt Sr., from his column (approx. 08:45)
• “Taking a breather.” – Earnhardt Sr., downplaying his time out of the car at Dover (20:09)
• “We’re gonna run it as hard as we can go...whether I’m ready or not, we’re gonna run at it.” – Dale Earnhardt Sr., about his 1980 goals (34:46)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamps | Details | |-------------------------------------------|-------------------|---------| | Earnhardt Sr. on pain, missing races | 02:26–03:09 | Motor Racing Network interview | | Bi-monthly column reading | 04:40–10:12 | Recovery, team dynamics, humor | | Dover Qualifying and Race | 14:03–22:06 | Pole, relief driving, Petty closes on Waltrip | | Martinsville | 22:28–27:08 | Earnhardt’s crash; Buddy Baker’s win | | Charlotte Motor Speedway | 28:36–41:00 | New pavement chaos, tire failures, celebrity guests, Yarborough’s win | | Earnhardt’s 1980 Goals & Mindset | 34:39–34:59 | Determination and rookie bravado |

Additional Highlights

• Inside the Garage: Candid stories about legends like Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, and Richard Petty dispensing advice, and insight into the old-school team dynamics.
• Showmanship at Charlotte: Stories of NASCAR’s broader showbiz appeal, guest appearances, and the promotional prowess of figures like Humpy Wheeler.
• The Rookie Battle Tightens: Race-by-race breakdown of how Earnhardt Sr. narrows the Rookie of the Year race gap with Milliken despite setbacks.

Closing Thoughts & Teasers

• Dale Jr. closes with a reminder: four races remain, and both the championship and rookie title are still undecided. The legacy of the 1979 season is not just in the results, but in these defining personal, physical, and psychological tests.
• Next Episode Tease: “Both the season points championship and the Rookie of the Year crown are shaping up to be fights all the way to the finish. Petty versus Waltrip, Milliken versus Earnhardt...Which names will be made synonymous with the greatest season in NASCAR history?” (41:54)

For more classic content, full replays of vintage races, and bonus videos, Dale Jr. encourages fans to visit the Motor Racing Network and Dirty Mo Media’s YouTube channel.

This summary captures the heart of Volume 7: grit, insight, drama, and the enduring legend of Earnhardt’s rookie return.