The Dale Jr. Download: Episode Summary - "Bristol: We’re Talking About The Wrong Thing"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Dale Jr. Download
• Host/Author: Dirty Mo Media, SiriusXM
• Episode: Bristol: We’re Talking About The Wrong Thing
• Release Date: April 15, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Dale Jr. Download, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. hosts a solo show due to co-host T.J. Majors's absence. Dale dives deep into recent racing events, team performances, and broader discussions about the state of NASCAR, all while engaging with his studio team and special guest Kyle Larson.

CARS Tour Race at Cordele, Georgia

Overview of the Weekend: Dale recounts his experience racing in Cordele, Georgia, participating in both Pro and Late Model Stock races. Despite enjoying the improved quality of the races compared to previous weekends, Dale expresses frustration with certain aspects of the event.

Track and Facility Insights: "The facility itself… was amazing. They have put so much money into it. Everything was top notch from the bathrooms to the fence to everything." [02:10]

Practice Rates and Team Challenges: An unexpected high testing rate of $125-$150 per hour posed financial strains on teams accustomed to daily practice fees. This change, coupled with the extended distance to Cordele, led to logistical challenges and limited practice time.

Race Performance: Dale qualified 15th, a personal improvement, but faced issues with tire wear and car balance as the track tightened up, ultimately leading to a finale where a radiator collision with another car ended his race prematurely.

Conclusion: Despite the challenges, feedback from other drivers and fans was positive, highlighting the potential for future races at Cordele.

Announcement: Hickory's Throwback Classic Prize Money

Dale announces a groundbreaking increase in prize money for Hickory's Throwback Classic:

• Late Model Stocks: $50,000 for the winner
• Pro Series: $30,000 for the winner

Significance: "There is probably no other $50,000 paying late model stock race in the country in the calendar year." [09:41]

Goals: Aiming for 120 entries (60 per class), Dale emphasizes the importance of high car counts to sustain the financial viability of such events.

Junior Motorsports' Xfinity Series Performance

Season Start: Junior Motorsports has started the season strong, showcasing consistent speed and competitive performances across multiple races.

Driver Highlights:

• Connor Hall: Secured victories and solid performances, praised for his addition to the team.
• Landon Huffman: Finished third, commended for recognizing the effort despite race frustrations.

Team Dynamics: Dale expresses pride in his drivers' performances and their potential to advance within NASCAR, highlighting the team's dedication and resilience.

Discussion on NASCAR's Current State with Kyle Larson

Kyle Larson's Perspective: Dale engages in an in-depth conversation with Kyle Larson about the challenges facing NASCAR, particularly focusing on the dominance of certain drivers and the lack of competitive diversity.

Key Points:

• Dominance vs. Competition: "We all love to see that in sports… but what we see in the middle of the pack is mind boggling in terms of the lack of drama and action." [31:09]
• Short Track Package Issues: Both Dale and Kyle agree that the current car design hampers competitive racing, especially on short tracks like Bristol.
• Recommendations for Improvement: Kyle echoes Dale's sentiments on the need for NASCAR to implement changes that enhance competitiveness without imposing significant financial burdens on teams.

Notable Quote from Kyle Larson: "I feel like the way he describes things and explained his recommended changes I think would in my head anyways make a difference." [73:03]

Driver Performance Analysis

Chase Elliott:

• Current Standing: 5th in points with mixed race results.
• Dale's Take: "Chase is Chase to me, like whatever. This tells you how tough the cup series is." [56:05]

Bubba Wallace:

• Current Standing: 8th in points.
• Dale's Observation: The statistics don't fully capture Bubba's improved performance this season, noting consistent competitiveness.

Chase Briscoe:

• Current Standing: 13th in points.
• Dale's Insight: Despite talent, Briscoe and his team are still finding their groove, warranting patience before judgment.

Justin Haley:

• Current Standing: 23rd in points.
• Dale's Commentary: Haley is pressured to match his teammate's performance, highlighting internal team dynamics affecting his results.

Chris Buescher & Ryan Blaney:

• Chris Buescher: 12th in points with inconsistent performances.
• Ryan Blaney: 6th in points, showing resilience despite setbacks.

Michael McDowell:

• Current Standing: 19th in points.
• Dale's View: McDowell faces challenges in matching teammate performances, likely leading to introspection within his team.

Personal Stories and Fan Interaction

Memorable Moments: Dale shares humorous and relatable anecdotes, including a failed attempt to float a homemade raft and a surprise ketchup packet incident at a race event.

Fan Engagement: He highlights positive feedback from listeners, noting an unexpected surge in male fans enjoying the show, alongside international listeners from places like Australia and Canada.

Notable Story: "I had this brand new ketchup packet land on my suit, and it was just hilarious and embarrassing all at once." [102:51]

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content

Future Episodes: Dale previews upcoming interviews with notable personalities like Edwin McCain and Herman Schrader, promising more insights and stories from the racing world.

Community Tributes: He extends heartfelt condolences to families affected by recent losses in the NASCAR community, honoring the contributions of John Edwards and Al Pierce.

Merchandise Promotion: Listeners are encouraged to visit shop.dirtymomedia.com for the latest The Dale Jr. Download apparel, including exclusive designs inspired by the show.

Final Thoughts: Dale remains optimistic about the future of short track racing, believing that ongoing discussions and feedback will drive necessary changes within NASCAR.

Notable Quotes:

• Dale Earnhardt Jr.: "Chase Elliott would not be happy with that. Neither would his crew chief, Allen. But I am." [56:05]

• Kyle Larson: "The way he describes things and explained his recommended changes I think would in my head anyways make a difference." [73:03]

• Dale Earnhardt Jr.: "We all love to see that in sports, but what we see in the middle of the pack is mind boggling." [31:09]

• Dale Earnhardt Jr.: "If you’re not there and the rest of the teams are, you feel like you’re getting behind." [04:44]

This episode of The Dale Jr. Download offers a comprehensive look into recent NASCAR events, team dynamics, and the ongoing conversation about improving competitive racing. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s candid commentary and insightful discussions with Kyle Larson provide valuable perspectives for both avid fans and newcomers to the sport.