The Dale Jr. Download
Episode: NASCAR's Biggest Anomaly
Date: September 9, 2025
Host: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Guests/Co-hosts: TJ Majors, Andrew Travis, Tim, Russell
Network: Dirty Mo Media / SiriusXM
Overview
In this engaging episode of The Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host TJ Majors tackle the theme of NASCAR's "biggest anomaly", focusing on recent extraordinary performances, playoff dynamics, and the unpredictable trajectories in stock car racing. Naturally candid and steeped in first-hand racing perspective, the conversation runs from granular analyses of up-and-coming talent, especially Connor Zillich, to broader reflections on NASCAR's evolving championship format and legendary drivers like Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano. The episode also features substantial “Ask Junior” listener Q&A, vivid Bristol night race memories, and a signature blend of humor and authenticity.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The CARS Tour & Junior Motorsports Driver Pipeline
(06:20–12:50)
- Championship Battle: The CARS Tour is nearing its season end, with Landon Lewis and Connor Hall closely contending for the championship and a few more drivers still mathematically eligible.
- Connor Zillich’s Hot Streak: Zillich’s winning pace is described as “unprecedented”—8 wins in the last 10-11 races, never finishing outside the top five since Texas.
- “What Connor's doing, man, is just unprecedented. ...the only person who’s really done what Connor’s doing...was Kyle Busch.” – Dale Jr. [12:09]
- Comparison to Past Stars: Comparison with Brad Keselowski, Carl Edwards, and especially Kyle Busch, with an emphasis that Zillich is achieving his streak pre-Cup career.
- Impact on Talent Development: The stepping-stone effect is real; Connor Hall’s move from CARS Tour to a NASCAR Truck ride is highlighted as proof the series works.
- Emotional Perspective: Dale Jr. shares his internal conflict as a team owner when one driver’s dominance overshadows others (e.g., Carson Kuopo, Jim Pullman, Sammy Smith).
2. The Anomaly: Zillich’s Trajectory & Format Frustrations
(12:55–18:30)
- Comparing Eras: Speculation whether Zillich’s feat is easier in a field without constant Cup-level drivers; TJ pushes back, but Jr. stresses the raw dominance is an outlier regardless.
- Playoff Format Critique: The possibility that Zillich could dominate the season but lose the title due to current playoff rules.
- “Denny talked about this on his podcast: I got a feeling that 88 is going to win 10 races and lose the championship ...because of the format.” – Dale Jr. [17:09]
- Momentum to Change: Growing pressure within NASCAR (including owner, fan, and driver sentiment) could drive changes if dominant drivers keep getting edged out by the format.
3. Next Steps: Zillich’s Move to Cup
(18:04–24:41)
- Expectations: How well will Zillich adapt to Cup? Realistic outlook: struggles early, target a top-20 finish in points, especially focusing on road course potential.
- “If he finishes top 20 in points, that’d be a success next year.” – TJ Majors [18:17]
- Transitions are Hard: The Next Gen car is considered uniquely difficult—different handling, aggressive competition, tight margins for error, especially in traffic.
- “You got to build up this sort of data point…an entirely new notebook.” – Dale Jr. [24:41]
- Team Factor: Zillich will benefit from Trackhouse’s up-and-down but capable road course cars, as well as SVG’s learnings.
- Long View: Both hosts predict Zillich will find his stride but advise patience through rookie struggles, DNFs, and the learning curve.
4. Cup Series Review: St. Louis, Bristol, and Playoff Cutline Analysis
(26:56–38:19)
- Larson vs. Blaney Incident: In-depth breakdown of Kyle Larson spinning out Ryan Blaney after an aggressive aero move at St. Louis.
- "He had found a tool and he was trying to use it." – TJ Majors [31:09]
- Josh Berry’s Tough Luck: Recap of Berry’s playoff struggles and missed opportunities, particularly at a track he’d have expected to excel.
- Playoff Cutline Scenarios: Quick rundown of bubble drivers—Austin Dillon, SVG, Alex Bowman, Josh Berry—all on the edge heading into Bristol. Hosts discuss who’s likely to advance and what’s at stake.
- Bristol Tire Change: Intrigue about Goodyear’s new right-side tire and whether weather or set-up could make the night unpredictable.
- “There's just a big question mark going into Bristol.” – Andrew Travis [37:40]
5. Tire Strategies, Manufacturer Strengths, and Betting Talk
(38:19–47:20; 99:32–114:06)
- Goodyear’s Soft Tire Experiment: Excitement for New Hampshire and Bristol as new tire compounds should add strategy layers.
- Team Strengths: Toyota is currently the power manufacturer, but only at certain tracks. Penske’s playoff “switch flip” and Joe Gibbs Racing’s consistency discussed in depth.
- “At this point in the season, the Toyotas are [the best].” – Dale Jr. [41:50]
- Denny Hamlin’s Anomalous Longevity:
- Detailed admiration for Hamlin’s sustained excellence in his mid-40s, comparing him to Harry Gant and Bobby Allison.
- “He’s getting better. And he's an anomaly.” – Dale Jr. [46:57]
- Championship Format Dynamics:
- Debate over whether the playoff system rewards the right drivers, especially when comparing Hamlin’s and Logano’s approaches and mindsets.
- “This format is more about being great on one singular day—be the rest of the season be damned.” – Dale Jr. [52:08]
- “I disagree. I think it definitely fits Logano better...He loves being the underdog.” – TJ Majors [51:51]
6. Classic Stories & “Ask Junior”: Nostalgia, Advice, & Hilarity
(62:36–94:56)
- Home Improvement Woes: Dale shares a faucet breakdown saga and the discovery of the “hand” towel holders—Adams Family-style.
- Bristol Night Race Memories: Multiple infield vantage points as a kid; heartbreak over Earnhardt Sr.’s ‘84 spin; the feel and lore of Bristol’s legendary asphalt era.
- “You gotta go feel the vibe.” – Dale Jr. [70:30]
- Advice for Cletus (ARCA at Bristol): Take it easy, don’t force passes, and above all—don’t wreck and have to write a second check!
- Wasp and Bee Battles:
- Dale describes a kamikaze wasp attack and admits to whacking wood-boring bees—sparking a laughter-filled tangent.
- “He flew into me wide open and ran into my nose, instantly stinging me right on the nose.” – Dale Jr. [90:15]
- Listener Q&A: Covers FOMO about skipping Bristol, whether he’ll return for one-off races (“I’d run Bristol again...I really do want to do a truck race—but can’t figure out where”), and Bristol night race favorites.
7. Betting & Predictions – White Legs’ Parlay
(99:32–114:06)
- Parlay Picks: Larson and Hamlin are top favorites; Brad Keselowski, Blaney, and dark horses like Josevar and Stenhouse discussed.
- “Everybody can pretty much run top 10 here if they just stay out of trouble. But only Larson/Hamlin can win the race.” – Tim [113:41]
- Data Nuggets: Last 8 races = different best Chevy each time; caution for prior stalwarts (Kyle Busch/Logano) as they’ve struggled at Bristol lately.
- Long-shot Odds: Ty Dillon, John Hunter Nemechek, and Eric Jones mentioned as big payout possibilities.
- Featured Matchups:
- Elliott vs. Logano: Lean Elliott.
- Cindric vs. SVG: Almost unanimous for Cindric.
- Chastain vs. Bowman: Split room, but “numbers say Bowman.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “We’re getting to hear the cool music before the rest of the world does… Now the rest of the world’s hearing that song.” – Dale Jr. on Zillich [08:02]
- “I think it’s going to be tough...these cars are much harder to drive.” – TJ Majors on Zillich’s Cup future [18:17]
- “This format is more about being great on one singular day—the rest of the season be damned.” – Dale Jr. [52:08]
- “He’s [Hamlin] like the R.E.M. of NASCAR—just making music.” – Dale Jr. [49:26]
- “He flew into me wide open...it was like a kamikaze move… That was his last heroic move for God and country.” – Dale Jr. on being stung by a wasp [90:15]
- “I’d run Bristol again. If they ever did go to Nashville Fairgrounds, I’d probably contemplate going and running that one as well. I really do want to do a truck race but can’t figure out where.” – Dale Jr. [71:37]
Timestamps of Important Segments
- Opening Banter/Health Check & Show Setup: [01:52–06:16]
- CARS Tour/Connor Zillich Dominance: [06:20–12:50]
- Zillich Among NASCAR Anomalies: [12:55–18:30]
- Cup Series Transition for Zillich/Team Factors: [18:04–24:41]
- Larson-Blaney Bristol Crash Breakdown: [26:56–31:46]
- Bristol Tire Talk & Cutline Playoff Analysis: [33:28–38:19]
- Denny Hamlin’s Longevity/Format Debate: [43:55–52:08]
- Listener Q&A / “Ask Junior”: [62:36–94:56]
- Bristol Night Race Memories: [73:51–82:25]
- Wasp Stories/DIY Defenses: [86:28–94:56]
- Betting Segment (“Dirty Bodeaux”): [99:32–114:06]
Tone and Style
The episode is lively, witty, and filled with inside jokes and industry lore. Dale Jr. balances analytical sharpness with relatable humor, never shying from poking fun at himself (and TJ). The Q&A and storytime segments lean nostalgic and personable, creating a show both for hardcore NASCAR fans and curious newcomers.
Summary for New Listeners
This episode is a quintessential blend of racing expertise, behind-the-scenes storytelling, and good-natured debate. You’ll learn why Connor Zillich is NASCAR’s “biggest anomaly,” hear a defense of changing the playoff format, and get actionable insights into the nuances of the Next Gen car and driver development. The conversations about wasp stings, childhood racetrack adventures, and “hands” towel holders make it as much about life as racing. Whether you’re in it for betting tips, driver scouting, or legendary Bristol lore, Dale Jr. and team keep it fast, funny, and full of heart.