Episode Summary: "Get To Know These Fearless Female Racers"

Podcast Title: The Dale Jr. Download
Host: Dirty Mo Media, SiriusXM
Episode Title: Get To Know These Fearless Female Racers
Release Date: May 21, 2025

In this inspiring episode of The Dale Jr. Download, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. dedicates the show to highlighting the exceptional talents and journeys of three young female racers: Laney Bice, Jade Avedisian, and Isabella Robusto. Through candid conversations, Dale delves deep into their personal stories, challenges, and triumphs, offering listeners a detailed glimpse into the lives of these fearless drivers making waves in the racing world.

1. Laney Bice: From Go-Karts to Late Models

Background and Early Beginnings

Laney Bice, an 18-year-old racer from Huntersville, Georgia, shares her unexpected yet passionate entry into the world of racing. Without a family background in motorsports, Laney's fascination began with four-wheelers and a makeshift racing track her father built in their backyard. Her relentless drive led her to Lamar County Speedway, where she first fell in love with asphalt road course racing.

“I randomly got into it. None of my family had ever raced before, ever.”
— Laney Bice [04:07]

Transition and Overcoming Adversity

Laney's racing journey wasn't without setbacks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she suffered a significant injury—breaking her collarbone—which initially led her mother to discourage her from continuing racing. However, fueled by her passion, Laney swiftly transitioned to legend racing, demonstrating remarkable resilience.

“Legend Racing was when I started to figure out, like, oh, that sport is way more than just driving the thing.”
— Laney Bice [10:59]

Achievements and Growth

Despite the injury, Laney's determination saw her clinch multiple track championships and a Georgia State rookie title in legend cars. Her move to late model stock racing introduced new challenges, particularly in qualifying performances. Under the mentorship of team owner Lee Pulliam, Laney honed her skills, leading to notable finishes, including a triumphant fourth-place at Ace and a strong showing at North Wilkesboro.

“He continues to push me. And I think that's something that's big for me too, is having somebody and a team owner that I'm working with believing in me.”
— Laney Bice [21:43]

Quotes and Insights

• “I love the area racing in.”
  — Laney Bice [03:40]

• “We should really stop doing this because this isn't a good idea.”
  — Laney Bice on her mother's concerns [06:34]

2. Jade Avedisian: Navigating Dirt and Asphalt with Tenacity

Early Life and Racing Roots

Jade Avedisian, a 20-year-old from Clovis, California, grew up immersed in dirt racing, thanks to her father's involvement with dirt sprint cars. Starting with a quarter midget at four, Jade's early interactions with racing laid a strong foundation for her competitive spirit.

“I was actually at a dirt track at like six months old.”
— Isabella Robusto [28:30] (Note: Potential mislabeling in transcript; Isabella might be Jade)

Transition to Asphalt and Diversifying Skills

At twelve, Jade joined NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program, marking her shift from dirt to asphalt oval racing. Her first foray into late model stock cars was challenging but eye-opening, highlighting differences in vehicle dynamics and racing strategies.

“So I kind of took it myself.”
— Jade Avedisian [31:45]

Facing Health Challenges

Jade's racing career faced a significant hurdle when she sustained a concussion during a CARS Tour race at Kansas. This incident not only sidelined her for several months but also reaffirmed her commitment to racing. Embracing a holistic approach, Jade engaged in extensive physical therapy and expanded her knowledge by taking on roles like crew chief and spotter.

“It was the first time I was actually out of the car since I was 5 years old.”
— Isabella Robusto on concussion recovery [44:31]

Academic Pursuits and Technical Expertise

Balancing a demanding racing schedule with academic responsibilities, Jade pursues an Aerospace Engineering degree at Arizona State University. This dual focus enhances her technical understanding of race cars, allowing her to collaborate effectively with engineers at the Toyota Performance Center.

“It's something that I've always wanted was a college degree.”
— Jade Avedisian [62:36]

Quotes and Insights

• “I feel like a lot. We were built in teammates as well, so we had the same equipment.”
  — Jade Avedisian on racing with her brother [51:56]

• “Being smart about those type of things is going to give you that best opportunity.”
  — Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Jade's decision-making [45:05]

3. Isabella Robusto: Rising Through the Ranks with Resilience

Racing Heritage and Early Start

Isabella Robusto, a 23-year-old from Fort Mill, South Carolina, has carved out her niche in dirt racing before making a significant leap to the ARCA series with Venturini Racing. Growing up racing against her twin brother Will in various karting and midget car events, Isabella developed a competitive edge from an early age.

“We grew up racing against each other from five years old in go karts all the way up until we were about 12.”
— Jade Avedisian [50:45]

Achievements in Dirt Racing

Isabella boasts impressive accolades in dirt racing, including a fourth-place finish in the Tulsa Shootout and participation in the Chili Bowl main event. These accomplishments underscored her potential and commitment to advancing her racing career.

“I raced the Chili Bowl main event 13th there in 2023.”
— Jade Avedisian on Isabella's achievements [30:46]

Health Setbacks and Recovery

A severe neck injury and concussion from a crash at AB39 posed a significant challenge for Isabella. Her disciplined approach to recovery, including daily physical therapy, allowed her to return to racing stronger and more determined.

“It was like, I don't know if this is going to stick.”
— Jade Avedisian on her concussion [56:51]

Transition to ARCA and Future Aspirations

Joining the ARCA series full-time with Venturini Racing, Isabella is poised for further advancement. Her technical background in Aerospace Engineering complements her racing prowess, enabling her to understand and optimize her vehicle's performance effectively.

“I have a lot of trust in them and I know when my time comes, I'll be ready.”
— Isabella Robusto on future opportunities [42:44]

Quotes and Insights

• “It helps solidify in myself that racing is what I want to do. This is my dream.”
  — Isabella Robusto [56:51]

• “There's not a lot to fill into the weekend dive off.”
  — Isabella Robusto on balancing ARCA schedule [59:05]

Conclusion: Celebrating Female Empowerment in Racing

Dale Earnhardt Jr. concludes the episode by emphasizing the immense talent and potential of Laney Bice, Jade Avedisian, and Isabella Robusto. He shares personal anecdotes from racing alongside these drivers, highlighting their speed, strategic thinking, and fearless approach on the track. Dale expresses unwavering support for their careers, encouraging listeners to follow and cheer for these remarkable female racers as they ascend the competitive ladder of NASCAR and beyond.

“All three of them are a lot of fun to watch on the racetrack. I raced With Laney at Florence... JAD and Isabella have incredible talent and a lot of opportunities.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. [Final Paragraph]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Laney Bice on Her Passion for Racing:
  “I just want to prove that I deserve to be out there.”
  — Laney Bice [21:43]

• Jade Avedisian on Transitioning to Late Models:
  “It was an amazing opportunity just to kind of get into a full race team.”
  — Jade Avedisian [31:45]

• Isabella Robusto on Overcoming Injury:
  “It helped solidify in myself that racing is what I want to do. This is my dream.”
  — Isabella Robusto [56:51]

• Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Female Racers' Potential:
  “All three of them have incredible talent and opportunity, and I hope to follow them as they go through the ranks.”
  — Dale Earnhardt Jr. [Final Paragraph]

Key Takeaways

• Resilience and Adaptability: All three racers have demonstrated remarkable resilience in overcoming injuries and adapting to different racing disciplines.

• Mentorship and Support Systems: Strong relationships with mentors and team owners, such as Lee Pulliam for Laney and Venturini Racing for Isabella, play a crucial role in their development and success.

• Balancing Academics and Racing: Both Jade and Isabella successfully balance demanding educational pursuits with their racing careers, showcasing their dedication and time management skills.

• Future Prospects: With continued support and their unwavering passion, Laney, Jade, and Isabella are poised to make significant strides in NASCAR and other racing series, inspiring future generations of female racers.

This episode serves as a powerful testament to the courage, dedication, and talent of young female racers striving to make their mark in a predominantly male-dominated sport. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s insightful interviews provide listeners with both inspiration and a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs these women face on their racing journeys.