The Dale Jr. Download Episode: "I Don't Want Carson to Change" Release Date: June 3, 2025

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s latest episode of The Dale Jr. Download dives deep into the intricacies of NASCAR racing, team dynamics, and the evolving strategies on the track. Hosted by Dale Jr. alongside co-hosts Tim and Russell from Racing Insights, this episode offers a comprehensive analysis of recent races, driver performances, and the passionate discourse surrounding aggressive racing styles.

Opening Remarks and Team Dynamics

The episode kicks off with Dale Jr. sharing personal updates, notably his current battle with a sinus infection after the Nashville race. This candid introduction sets the tone for a relaxed but insightful discussion. Dale Jr. provides an overview of the show's schedule, mentioning the absence of TJ due to a medical issue and emphasizing the collaborative environment of the broadcast booth.

Dale Jr. (00:43): "Our remote shows, I think last year we did A ton. I was here for, I think, eight straight weeks or some. Something like that."

Broadcast Insights: Russell’s One-Sheets

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Russell’s role as the statistic guru from Racing Insights. Dale Jr. expresses both appreciation and mild frustration with the one-page driver sheets Russell provides. These sheets contain crucial stats and notes intended to aid in race commentary.

Dale Jr. (07:57): "He writes them out in such a way that you can't just say it exactly as it is on the paper in the broadcast... There's a couple, you know, seconds or so that are wasted."

Russell (09:56): "That's three different things you can get from that. You can pull three different ideas from that."

Despite the slight grumble, Dale Jr. underscores the value Russell brings to the broadcast, highlighting the importance of personalized commentary over direct reading from the sheets.

Race Analysis: Nashville Showdown

The heart of the episode centers on the contentious moment between Carson Hochevar and Ricky Stenhouse during the Nashville race. Dale Jr. delves into the implications of Carson's aggressive driving style, drawing parallels to his late father’s racing persona.

Dale Jr. (15:22): "Carson is like, wrap this up... aggressive style was something that endeared him to a lot of people and you can see that a lot of people enjoy that as well out of Carson."

Dale Jr. debates who was at fault in the rivalry, emphasizing Carson’s consistent aggressive tactics and Ricky Stenhouse’s underdog position within the playoffs. He appreciates Carson's persistence but acknowledges the challenges Ricky faces in maintaining playoff eligibility.

Russell (16:42): "He's way down the list. But his finishes are good. Exactly that."

Justin Allgaier Interview: Champion’s Perspective

The episode features an in-depth interview with Justin Allgaier, the winner of the recent Xfinity race. Justin reflects on his championship experience and how it has reshaped his approach to racing. He discusses his improved performance metrics, particularly his lower heart rate during races, signifying increased calmness and execution.

Justin Allgaier (39:13): "The championship definitely made a big difference as far as, you know, just how I feel in the race car."

Dale Jr. probes Justin about his recent decision to exit the race through the roof hatch, leading to a lighthearted exchange about racing etiquette and safety.

Dale Jr. (54:35): "Please don't come out of the roof."

Technical Talk: Horsepower in NASCAR

A substantial discussion unfolds around the potential increase in horsepower for short tracks, particularly Martinsville. Dale Jr. and Justin Allgaier explore the ramifications of boosting horsepower from the current 750 to potentially 850 or 900, debating its impact on racing dynamics and driver safety.

Dale Jr. (50:24): "I think that the change in horsepower would be minimal. It would make some small differences... probably a more entertaining experience in the car."

Justin Allgaier (51:59): "I believe in my mind, and I've had this conversation with Goodyear a lot... we have to make some changes that will, you know, hopefully open up the dialogue for what's next."

Both hosts agree that while the change is modest, it could enhance competitiveness and strategic maneuvers on the track, making races more thrilling for both drivers and fans.

Dirty Modo: Betting and Predictions

In the Dirty Modo segment, co-hosts Tim and Russell introduce their predictive model for upcoming races, focusing on Michigan International Speedway. They break down their predictions, highlighting favorite drivers and potential underdogs based on statistical analyses.

Russell (97:07): "So it's an advanced statistical model, which basically takes. We track every lap of every race... predicts a finishing order is how we do it."

Dale Jr. emphasizes responsible betting, framing their predictions as fun bets rather than financial strategies.

Dale Jr. (101:16): "If I was to place the bet, I wouldn't be betting more than that. It's just a fun bet."

Fan Engagement and Q&A

The episode also features listener interactions, where Dale Jr. answers questions about his favorite sports teams and reflects on his father’s athletic affiliations. He shares personal anecdotes about his family's support for the Atlanta Braves and his own favorites like the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Dale Jr. (84:28): "Obviously, I'm a big Commanders fan. And in college, Amy's a Wildcat, so she wants me to pull for Kentucky."

Upcoming Features and Closing Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Dale Jr. previews upcoming segments, including an interview with filmmaker Ron Howard about the Becoming Earnhardt documentary series. He also hints at future episodes focusing on his father's early career, promising deeper insights into the legendary driver’s formative years.

Dale Jr. (105:40): "Becoming Earnhardt is returning... focusing on the 1980 cup season, it's Dad's first championship."

Notable Quotes

• Dale Jr. (00:00): "If I'm Ricky Stenhouse, it's absolutely personal... determined to either get himself into the playoffs or get redemption."

• Russell (11:00): "That's three different things you can get from that. You can pull three different ideas from that."

• Justin Allgaier (39:27): "Well, if I had a few more and we don't get all those cautions, I think it works..."

• Justin Allgaier (51:59): "Some of these tire failures are big failures... we need to make some changes to make the racing better."

• Dale Jr. (83:47): "I wouldn't see myself at this age as a very valuable part of any kind of a combination of drivers to be able to go out there and compete."

Conclusion

In this episode of The Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. effectively balances technical analysis with personal stories, creating a multifaceted narrative that resonates with both hardcore NASCAR fans and casual listeners. By addressing team strategies, driver dynamics, and engaging in thoughtful discussions about the sport’s future, Dale Jr. continues to provide valuable insights and entertaining commentary that keeps listeners coming back for more.