The Dale Jr. Download

Carla Gebhart hosts a packed DJD Reloaded show this week. Rodney Childers, crew chief of the No. 4 car at Stewart-Haas Racing, joins to discuss his team's upcoming closure and how he’ll work to keep his team focused for the remainder of 2024. Plus, Indiana’s own and Speed Street host, Conor Daly, calls in fresh off his top-10 result in the Indy 500. Conor shares the ups and downs of his day and why he gets so emotional before every race. And finally, with the Denny Hamlin Bracket Challenge back for the second year, there’s nobody better to get in-depth analysis from than Dirty Mo Dough’s “Professor," Russell Wenrich. Entries for the bracket close this Sunday at 3 pm ET, so visit dirtymomedia.com/bracketchallenge to enter!

Carla Gebhart hosts a packed DJD Reloaded show this week. Rodney Childers, crew chief of the No. 4 car at Stewart-Haas Racing, joins to discuss his team's upcoming closure and how he’ll work to keep his team focused for the remainder of 2024. Plus, Indiana’s own and Speed Street host, Conor Daly, calls in fresh off his top-10 result in the Indy 500. Conor shares the ups and downs of his day and why he gets so emotional before every race. And finally, with the Denny Hamlin Bracket Challenge back for the second year, there’s nobody better to get in-depth analysis from than Dirty Mo Dough’s “Professor," Russell Wenrich. Entries for the bracket close this Sunday at 3 pm ET, so visit dirtymomedia.com/bracketchallenge to enter! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined by country music star and fellow North Carolina native Luke Combs this week on the Dale Jr. Download. On the heels of releasing his latest album “Gettin’ Old” in 2023, Luke connects with Dale via video chat in the midst of a long-running stadium tour. The two chat about Luke growing up in Huntersville, N.C., and realize that they lived about 20 minutes apart for some time. Luke also talks about his family’s decision to move to Asheville, N.C., and attending Appalachian State University, where he changed majors a couple of times and found work as a bouncer at a local bar. It was during these years that Luke found inspiration to pick up a guitar his parents had given him in the seventh grade and learn to play, a decision that would put him on a trajectory to country music stardom. Luke explains that his entry into live music and the recording industry was humble. After learning a handful of songs, he asked the owner of a local bar he frequented if he could perform, to which he easily obliged. He also found a local studio to record at and self-released his first couple of EPs, helping to build a grassroots following. When his single “Hurricane” found its way to the top of the country charts on iTunes, Luke brought in enough money to stay in pursuit of his music goals a little longer, and soon after, he made the move to Nashville. While there, participating in songwriting sessions with like-minded musicians, Luke began to take meetings with record labels, eventually finding a home with Sony. Through the strength of a string of successful records and No. 1 hit singles, Luke quickly rose from being an opening act to headlining one of the best-selling tours in country music history. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. checks in remotely from the beach house after a rainy Memorial Day weekend for a new episode of Dirty Air. Mother Nature had other plans for the “Greatest Day in Motorsports.” As a result, there was a lot to debate and unpack: During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners inquired about: To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Carla Gebhart takes the Lionel Racing stage live at JRM Fan Day to discuss Dirty Mo Media's origin, evolution, and future. Mike Davis, Dirty Mo Media's founder and executive producer, comes out of retirement, and Dale Jr.'s long-time friend and spotter, TJ Majors, shares his perspective on the early days of the Dale Jr. Download. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When news breaks, we react. Dale Earnhardt Jr. recorded an emergency bonus episode of The Download to react to Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s record-breaking $75k fine for fighting Kyle Busch after the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro. Dale discusses whether or not the penalties levied on Stenhouse are fair, if Ricky should appeal the fine, and what this means going forward. Plus, Dale compares this fight to other historic fights over the years and reacts to NASCAR's reasoning behind the biggest fine for a fight in the sport's history. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with Will Compton and Taylor Lewan of Barstool’s Bussin’ With The Boys. Dale and the boys kick things off with Will and Taylor’s early days cutting their teeth on the college football level. Since Dale never went to college, Compton and Lewan walk Dale through what the college experience looks like as a student-athlete. Taylor explains the chaos of the NFL combine and shares the roller coaster ride of NFL draft night. Will shares the origin story of the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast and the story behind finding the iconic bus. The group moves on to discuss the injuries Will and Taylor have encountered over their careers, including the injury that left Lewan heartbroken. Will shares the reason why he turned down the New York Jets late in his career and how he ended up playing alongside Taylor at the Tennessee Titans. The two share the hilarious story of the time they played each other on the football field, which is now known as “The Bussin’ Bowl.” Dale, Will, and Taylor finish the conversation by shootin’ the breeze and sharing the story of how they initially became friends. It’s the longest DJD episode so far this year and for damn good reason. You won’t want to miss this one. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the Bojangles Studio to chat about all things North Wilkesboro on this edition of Dirty Air. There were multiple grooves of racing and punches flying as the All-Stars of NASCAR graced the famed short track in Wilkes County, so obviously there was a lot to unpack: During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tonight, the lights shine brightest on the hopeful candidates vying for your vote to secure their spot in the 2024 All-Star race at North Wilkesboro. Carson Hocevar, Zane Smith, Kaz Grala, and Noah Gragson each make their pitch to voters and weigh in on hot-button issues like short-track package reform, foreign interference in NASCAR by Shane Van Gisbergen, and their economic plans for how to distribute the $1 Million winnings from the race. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Kelley Earnhardt Miller in this episode of "Business of Motorsports" as she sits down with Jeff Dickerson, co-owner of Spire Motorsports. Jeff shares insights into his NASCAR journey, revealing how Spire's formation was partly accidental. Delving into the current charter landscape, Jeff discusses the increasing value of charters, the potential for permanent charters, and the implications of a spending cap for teams. Despite teams aligning on four key charter pillars, Jeff explores whether their priorities truly align. The conversation also tackles the challenges of adapting to new changes and the need for clear regulations in the sport. Jeff shares valuable advice he's received, emphasizing the importance of listening and emotional management in the fast-paced world of NASCAR. 21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns from vacationing in London and Scotland for another edition of Dirty Air. Although he was overseas spending time with Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth and Casey Mears, it didn’t keep him from tuning into all the action at Darlington: During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: 21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So close, yet so far from victory. With Kansas providing the closest finish in the NASCAR Cup series history at 0.001 seconds, the DJD Reloaded crew decided to revisit iconic photo finishes throughout all eras of the sport. NASCAR historian Buz McKim calls in to look back at memorable finishes – plus tell us of a TIE on the record books – before he gets put to the test with photo-finish trivia. Plus, the driver of the No. 1 for JR Motorsports, Sam Mayer, stops by to share the emotions of the close win at Texas from earlier this season and how he deals with the heartbreak of being runner-up. Plus, we hear from the fans in our weekly Dale Call segment about their favorite photo finishes of all time. And lastly, we get a "surprise" visit from the only person who can give us insight into the crooked start-finish line. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with NASCAR Senior Vice President of Competition Elton Sawyer to discuss the current state of NASCAR officiating, the NextGen car, tires, and more - while also taking a deep dive into Sawyer’s own career as a driver. The conversation begins with Sawyer’s early days behind the wheel and the story behind meeting Elton’s now wife and former race car driver, Patty Moise. The two discuss his time racing in the Busch Series, along with his short-run racing in Cup. Sawyer breaks down the end of his racing career, and his transition to working on the competition side of the sport. Sawyer then provides a “peek behind the curtain” and shares what his day-to-day looks like as the SVP of Competition. Sawyer explains the role of a race director, how NASCAR evaluates penalties, and how the appeals process works. He also breaks down what caused the tires at Bristol to react the way he did, shares what they hope to achieve with multiple tire compounds at the All-Star Race, and reveals the potential of Hybrids breaking into the sport. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the Bojangles Studio to break down the closest finish in NASCAR Cup history. While the finish at Kansas between Kyle Larson and Chris Buescher had viewers on the edge of their seats, it sparked a debate on how photo finishes are governed and more: During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who is the best trash talker in NASCAR today? That’s a question Dale Jr. asked on The Dale Jr. Download this week. Well, we’re taking it one step further. We wonder if today’s NASCAR drivers can even hold a candle to the previous generations of smack-talkers – guys like Tony Stewart, Darrell Waltrip, Donnie Allison, Cale Yarborough – the list goes on and on. We’ve got the perfect people to debate this topic in studio – the driver of the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series, Carson Hocevar, and spotter for Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 team, Freddie Kraft. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with Chocolate Myers and Kirk Shelmerdine, both of whom were members of Dale Earnhardt’s legendary pit crew ‘The Flying Aces,’ to swap stories and discuss the current state of NASCAR. The group reflects on the early years working on Dale Earnhardt’s team. They share stories of Chocolate’s persona on the team, the time the pit crew saved a stranded #3 car stuck on the race track, and why you had to let Dale Earnhardt win in a game of cards. The group then discusses the current state of the sport and provides insight into what is in store for Richard Childress Racing's future. Chocolate also opens up about his recent health struggles and shares his perspective on staying positive through difficult days. Plus, Chocolate gives Dale Jr. a legendary gift that once belonged to his father. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. checks in to the Bojangles Studio for this week’s episode of Dirty Air. In a weekend that saw a near-rookie upset in the Xfinity race, aero blocking and Denny Hamlin’s return to Victory Lane in the Cup race, there was a lot to unpack: During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week's DJD Reloaded, Carla Gebhart is joined by T.J. Majors, Brad Keselowski's spotter and co-host of DBC, to talk all about the art of blocking. We call up Michael McDowell to get his thoughts on how the final lap at Talladega played out and what, if anything, he could have done differently to hang on and secure the win. Plus, Jamie McMurray calls in and shares his perspective on McDowell's move and which drivers are the best drafting-track blockers in NASCAR today. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with a driver from NASCAR’s past, Tennessee’s own Casey Atwood. After rapidly making a name for himself in the late model stock division at Nashville Fairgrounds, Atwood made a big splash in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, becoming one of the youngest winners in history. Casey explains that while his family grew up watching racing, he would become the first driver in his lineage after convincing his father to buy him a go-kart. The father-son team would start out at the Nashville Fairgrounds before entering the World Karting Association ranks and finding championship success. Upon graduating from the karting world, Casey entered into the four-cylinder ranks at Highland Rim Speedway in Greenbrier, TN. It was there he forged a friendship with Bobby Hamilton, a relationship that would help pave his entryway into NASCAR. A successful season in late model stock competition propelled his name into the NASCAR garage, and after turning heads in 1999 by becoming the youngest winner in Xfinity Series history at the time, Casey was sure he would have a spot in the sport for many years to come. Unfortunately though, a career gamble on a new team and a year of rookie struggles in the Cup Series would leave Casey Atwood in the “what could have been” category of NASCAR’s past drivers. 21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns to the Bojangles Studio after a thrilling Talladega Cup race for a new edition of Dirty Air. From scoring pylons to saving fuel, there was a lot to unpack in this episode: During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: 21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices