The Dale Jr. Download
Episode: Daytona’s About Haulin A**
Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Dale Earnhardt Jr. with co-host TJ Majors
Produced by Dirty Mo Media, SiriusXM
Episode Overview
Dale Jr. and TJ Majors launch NASCAR’s 2026 season with an energetic and in-depth preview of Daytona Speedweeks, diving into the current state of superspeedway racing, the technical and strategic issues facing NASCAR, and the season’s biggest storylines. The episode blends classic Dale Jr. storytelling—nostalgia, sharp racing insights, garage banter—with expert analysis on topics like fuel saving, manufacturer changes, and what makes Daytona special. Through it all, Dale Jr. brings candid opinions, a touch of irreverence, and a first-hand look behind the racing curtain.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Daytona 500 Qualifying & Open Car Procedures
[02:18 - 06:12]
- Simplified Process: Dale and TJ break down a now-simplified process for open cars: the top two fastest qualifiers lock in, others must race for two spots in the duels.
- Dale Jr. [03:15]: “I want it basic and simple for the open cars. Top two fastest lock in, and the others will race for a single spot in each duel.”
- Personal Stakes: The anxiety of qualifying—Junior Motorsports must qualify on speed or survive the duels. Past struggles in qualifying weigh on the team.
- Dale Jr. [04:44]: “We aren’t even in the race yet... I’m a bit superstitious about that kind of stuff.”
2. The State of Fuel-Saving, Race Strategy, and the "Problem" of Plate Racing
[06:12 - 17:56]
- Elton Sawyer’s Comments:
- NASCAR executive Elton Sawyer minimized the issue of half-throttle fuel saving at Daytona and Talladega, referencing fan excitement during chaotic finishes.
- Dale Jr. [12:08]: “Drivers want to race... not be on pit road because your fuel cell’s 13 gallons. We did that. We didn’t like it. I wouldn’t want to go back... I do not like that they go out there and run half throttle and two seconds off the pace.”
- TJ Majors [13:19]: “You’re now basically telling your hardcore fans, we’re not thinking about you.”
- Historical Perspective:
- IndyCar drivers save fuel constantly, but once everyone’s fuel-saving, the competitive edge vanishes. The same loop is happening in NASCAR, requiring someone to buck the trend.
- Dale Jr. [09:44]: “If you don’t change anything, engineer minds and crew chiefs... strategies will change—they’ll go back the other way.”
- Technical Root Cause:
- The introduction of the single lug nut increased the relative impact of fueling time during pit stops, making fuel strategy king.
- High aerodynamic drag prevents drivers from breaking away even when running full throttle.
- Dale Jr. [16:49]: “If you run wide open, you’re just sitting in front of the field running wide open, helping the guys that are saving. The car has a ton of drag... that’s a car problem.”
3. How to "Fix" Daytona Racing
[18:02 - 22:47]
- Spoiler Discussion and Nostalgia:
- Removing or drastically shortening the rear spoiler could reduce drag and make it possible for drivers to break away from the pack.
- Dale rhapsodizes about the days when Daytona was about driving “hair on fire.”
- Dale Jr. [22:14]: “Hauling ass is what Daytona... is about. When they all run half throttle... that goes against the identity of the race.”
4. What Really Makes "Good" Racing?
[21:24 - 23:43]
- Diverse Fan Expectations:
- Some love three-four-wide packs, others love handling-heavy strung-out racing with superior drivers “earning it.”
- TJ Majors [21:41]: “It is badass.”
- Dale Jr.: “There’s some who’ll see cars strung out and a guy out-handling everybody and go, that’s badass.”
- Prestige and Difficulty:
- Is it really better if anyone on the grid can win, or should it be about the best drivers and best-handling cars rising to the top?
5. Clash at Bowman Gray, Nostalgia for Speedweeks
[28:29 - 35:02]
- Successful Event Despite Weather:
- Bowman Gray delivers nostalgia and “as throwback as you can get,” but live pit stop limitations mean it’ll always be an exhibition.
- Dale Jr. [29:39]: “It is as throwback as throwback can get, man. And I love that we’re there.”
- Desire for Clash to Return to Daytona:
- Dale and TJ reminisce about the old pole-sitters-only Daytona Clash as the best way to kick off Speedweeks.
- Dale Jr. [30:22]: “The Clash was just a teaser... fine if it’s this little icebreaker that sets the table for Speedweeks.”
- The old “buzzing” atmosphere of week-long Speedweeks, fans, and racers alike is sorely missed.
6. New Venues and Most Anticipated Races
[36:14 - 41:18]
- Jeff Gluck’s Top 10 Anticipated Races List:
- San Diego’s debut, Homestead, Chicagoland, Daytona 500 top the list.
- Dale would put Daytona 500 first, considers some choices (Wilkesboro “only” 11th) strange, but recognizes everyone’s got their own excitement.
- Playoff Format Changes:
- The return of the “Chase” emphasizes celebrating each win and moment rather than always looking ahead to playoff implications.
7. Breakout Driver Stories, Silly Season & Manufacturer Shifts
[42:42 - 58:10]
- Truck and Cup Series Notes:
- “Race for the Seat” winner Mini Tyrell enters the Ram/Kaulig program—great for CARS Tour graduates.
- Kaulig’s heavy investment and driver diversity (Tony Stewart, Butterbean, Cletus, etc.) set up a fascinating truck season.
- Expectations for Rookie Connor Zillich:
- Top-20 would be baseline, but making the playoffs might be in play due to road course prowess.
- Early season points deficits (“no mulligans”) for rookies can be devastating.
- Silly Season/Contract Notes:
- Nearly 20 drivers are upcoming free agents; Carson Hocevar’s extension with Spire discussed as a smart fit for his style (and long term growth).
- Legacy, Kaulig, and Front Row teams all feeling pressure to prove investment and lineup changes are working.
8. Technical and Personnel Changes Driving Team Performance
[58:10 - 63:27]
- Front Row and McDowell’s Departure:
- Taking away McDowell’s experience and leadership may hurt hiring smart, budget-friendly talent for Front Row.
- TJ Majors: “They've got really young drivers, man... Michael [McDowell]’s detailed ...knows the areas that he wants to get better.”
- Team-by-Team Outlooks:
- Colleague’s switch to RAM, loss of data/support from Chevrolet, and the big step up expected at Legacy with Jimmie Johnson’s investment.
- RFK’s optimism despite rough starts last year; Brad Keselowski’s injury recovery seems ahead of schedule.
9. Ask Junior: Anecdotes, Personal Life & Fan Q&A
[66:40 - 86:39]
- Olympic Torch Story:
- Dale ran a leg of the torch relay in Charlotte, 2001; kept torch and outfit, called it “an honor” ([68:29]).
- Favorite Tasks to Clone Out:
- Banter about wishing to delegate tedious chores (laundry, organization, handling racing gear, or finally starting an eBay store to offload memorabilia).
- On Ryan Blaney’s Mustache:
- “Who are we to tell Ryan Blaney about his grooming habits? ...He looks like the Butcher from Gangs of New York.” ([77:00])
- Three Doors Down Singer Brad Arnold Tribute:
- Dale shares heartfelt stories and nostalgia about Brad’s humility, their friendship, and how Arnold never changed despite success. ([86:46–94:08])
10. Drafting, Plate Racing, and Daytona 500 Betting
[97:22 - 118:04]
- Handicapping the 500:
- Ford, Chevy, and Toyota performance is uncertain due to technical changes (new Chevy body, manufacturer power balance).
- Each panelist’s picks: Byron, Blaney, and Hamlin emerge as the consensus favorites, with the caveat that "anything can happen."
- Dale Jr. [104:50]: “The way the driver succeeds is all mentality. It’s all attitude. It’s all what you’re willing to do, how aggressive you’re willing to be. But you see, the same guys tend to find their way to the front, and there’s a reason.”
- What Makes an Elite Superspeedway Driver?:
- It’s not hands/feet, it’s processing power, decisiveness, and having “a feel for the flow of the race.”
- While luck plays a bigger role in the new cars, top drivers still consistently out-perform.
- Dale Jr. [107:30]: “It’s really mental, more mental than... real, raw driving ability. It is a talent that I admire.”
- Notable Underdogs:
- Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece discussed as possible strong value picks, but Dale warns that racing safely to a top-10 isn’t the same mentality as winning.
Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Fuel Saving
- Dale Jr. [12:08]: “I do not like that they go out there and run half throttle and two seconds off the pace. I don’t like it... Elton, we don’t like it.”
On the Essence of Daytona
- Dale Jr. [22:14]: “Hauling ass is what Daytona and the Daytona 500 is about. When they crank them up... and all go, alright, y’all, let’s run half throttle for the rest of the day, that’s not... that goes against the identity of the race.”
On Fan/Driver Experience at the Clash
- Dale Jr. [30:22]: “The Clash was just a teaser... a little icebreaker that sets the table for Speedweeks at Daytona.”
On Betting and Race Favorites
- Dale Jr. [104:50]: “The way the driver succeeds is all mentality. It’s all attitude. It’s all what you’re willing to do, how aggressive you’re willing to be. But you see, the same guys tend to find their way to the front, and there’s a reason.”
On Nostalgia and Memories
- Dale Jr. [86:48]: (On Brad Arnold, Three Doors Down) “He set a great example... because of his humbleness and kindness all through all of that, right?... he was as normal and humble the last day I saw him as he was the first day I met him... He left a hell of an impact.”
Key Timestamps
| Segment | Timestamps | |-------------------------------------------|---------------------| | Open Car Qualifying Process | 02:18 – 06:12 | | Fuel Saving & Racing Strategy | 06:12 – 17:56 | | Spoiler/Drag/Aero Discussion | 18:02 – 22:47 | | What Makes Good Racing? | 21:24 – 23:43 | | Clash at Bowman Gray / Speedweeks | 28:29 – 35:02 | | Most Anticipated Races | 36:14 – 41:18 | | Kaulig/Trucks/Contract News | 42:42 – 58:10 | | Team Performance, Front Row, Legacy | 58:10 – 63:27 | | RFK, Early Season, Injury Recovery | 62:20 – 64:25 | | Ask Junior Q&A/Olympics/Banters | 66:40 – 86:39 | | Brad Arnold Tribute | 86:46 – 94:08 | | Daytona 500 Bets & Strategy Discussion | 97:22 – 118:04 |
Language & Tone
- Laid-back, candid, and irreverent (“haulin ass… hair on fire”)
- Mix of deep technical analysis and accessible storytelling
- Passionate about tradition, authenticity, and what’s "right" for racing
- Real, first-person insights—always from the perspective of a racer, not just a broadcaster
For Listeners Who Missed It
This episode is a must for fans wanting to feel the pulse of NASCAR at the dawn of a new season—packed with technical takes, personal stories, sharp opinions on ongoing controversies (like fuel saving and program changes), and the characteristic blend of nostalgia, humor, and edge that defines Dale Jr. Download at its best. The deep dives into what makes Daytona unique, the tension between strategy and tradition, and the rapid-fire banter (“Hauling ass is what Daytona’s about!”) all set the tone for a season that promises a blend of the unexpected and the time-honored.
Memorable Episode Takeaway:
“Hauling ass is what Daytona and the Daytona 500 is about.” —Dale Earnhardt Jr. [22:14]