He has finished in the top 10 in eight of his last 10 starts at the track. He said that wasnt enough. EDITORS NOTE: NBC Sports will take a look at the life, legacy, and long-lasting impact of Dale Earnhardt, who died on the last lap of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18, 2001. Jeffrey Earnhardt is the son of Kerry Earnhardt, Dale Jr.'s half-brother. Although they talked a bit about the future, the two Earnhardts also dove into the past when Jeffrey was "young and stupid" -- his words. And she just bawled like crazy when I walked up and hugged her, and she did the same thing this weekend. These will set the field from spots three through 40. CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Jeffrey Earnhardt took one punch. He got both his laps back and finished 11th. His priorities weren't where they needed to be, and that was the most frustrating part because that really was his chance. Jeffrey is currently racing part-time in the second-tier XFINITY Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, and the 29-year-old driver stopped by his uncles podcast, the Dale Jr. Download, this week. Jacuzzi said the engine panel strakes are metal pieces that sweep outward behind the front tires and make front downforce. I think the fans are pretty pumped about it.". Earnhardt Jr. drove the last decade of his racing career with Hendrick Motorsports, where he became teammates with Jeff Gordon. He has finished in the top 10 in eight of his last 10 starts at the track. While he was a part-time driver in. 1, Past at Las Vegas: Finished top three in both races last year, Past as Las Vegas: Has a win and two top 10s in past five races, Past at Las Vegas: Won in March 2021 and was runner-up last March, Past at Las Vegas: Three consecutive finishes of seventh or better, Past at Las Vegas: Best career finish is fifth, Past at Las Vegas: Five consecutive finishes of 16th or worse. In retirement, Dale Jr. remains jealous of Gordon for a singular reason. "Over the years, Ive tried getting help here or help there from other manufacturers and Im not knocking them but you know, I asked for help whether it was sim time or whatever, and never would get it. The rules will not be in place at Bristol or Dover, which is not included in the wet weather package. "Obviously, I have a lot of work to do as a driver," Jeffrey says. No, no, no, I dont compare him to Jesus. "That was not where I wanted to be in life. Gordons duties have squarely laid with taking the first half of the seasons schedule, while Earnhardt Jr. has taken over the second half. "That's helped me to understand what it takes to do this.". At the gate, this man gets out and is standing at the gate looking, and Earnhardt says, Huh. He didnt tiptoe in. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker. Jeffrey Earnhardt is the nephew of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jeffrey also matured while training four hours daily in jiu-jitsu and other disciplines for two months before his MMA debut last May. Dale Jr. asked his nephew a question he often faces and has always wanted to ask someone else: Whats it like to carry the Earnhardt name in NASCAR? Listen to this episode from The Dale Jr. Download on Spotify. Jeffrey Earnhardtcommonly known as J Earnhardt to fans and NASCAR followersis an heir to NASCAR's most beloved racing dynasty. Allen was there the day Jeffrey had his first sparring practice. "I definitely didn't appreciate the opportunity I had enough. NASCAR Roundtable: Did the aero package live up to the hype? Its kind of mind-blowing really., As for people at the other end of the spectrum who believe he didn't earn his way and say he's only here because of his name, Jeffrey says that he hears those criticisms "every day" before later adding, "at the end of the day, that dont matter.. I definitely think had I worked a little harder for it, I definitely would have went about it differently. In a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr was joined by his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller and their nephew, Jeffrey Earnhardt, and they talked about the familys unique dynamics. Its been 44 years since NASCAR opened a racing season without an Earnhardt behind the wheel in one of its national divisions. Jeffrey Earnhardt, the grandson of NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt, appeared on the Dale Jr. Download this past week with his famous uncle to discuss his current season, what lies ahead and the Earnhardt name. He was so proud of it. Our goal is to have the best racing possible everywhere we race, so during the offseason, we went to work on adjustments to strengthen the racing on short tracks and road courses. Jeffrey Earnhardt, the grandsonofseven-time, Speedway Motorsports finalizes deal to purchase Nashville Superspeedway, Why Nashville Superspeedway NASCAR Cup Series race will be 1 of 3 aired on NBC outside playoffs, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Jeffrey can't help but feel sad every time he drives past the empire his grandfather built off Highway 3 just outside of Mooresville, N.C. "It sucks to see something my grandfather built kind of be destroyed by the wrong people running it," he says of DEI. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices, Recapping the Daytona 500 with Steve Letarte, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined by his fellow NBC commentator and host of Dirty Mo Dough, Steve Letarte this week for episode 415 of the Dale Jr. Download. Sasahara replaces injured Yamashita for Super Formula test, Supercars decides on Gen3 weights The NASCAR Hall of Famer developed a strong bond early in life after a devastating house fire. It didn't hurt that Dale Jr. had top equipment and the full support from his dad at the time. Its great to have an Earnhardt back in one of our cars, said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of RCR, in a statement from the team. Im jealous that you get to do the Daytona 500, Earnhardt Jr. said. "That kid is a brick. Nevada and Utah are two of my favorite states to ride motorcycles in, Petty said in a statement. And I feel like Ive been able to handle that pretty well and know that Im cutting my own path. Jeffrey Earnhardt explains why he doesn't drive for Dale Earnhardt Jr. at JR Motorsports | FOX Sports Jeffrey Earnhardt explains why he doesn't drive for Dale Earnhardt Jr. at JR. In his first Nationwide race after the fight last year at Daytona, he was running fourth before being caught in a late crash. The annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is scheduled April 29 May 5 in Nevada and Utah. Felix Sabates (former car owner in a 2006 interview): In a way, Dale dying did a lot for the sport. "That's what you want to see," Dale Jr. says. "I'm also going to have to have the right opportunity. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices, Dale Jr & Kelley React to Jeffreys Visit & Dale Gets Quizzed By Amy, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is once again joined in the studio by his sister Kelley Earnhardt-Miller where they react to the episode 416 chat with their nephew Jeffrey Earnhardt. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. 5 Nationwide Series car for his uncle, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Thats where he had a heart of gold. NASCAR's 15-time Most Popular Driver and winner of two Daytona 500s, Dale Earnhardt Jr., hosts his very own podcast, The Dale Jr Download on Dirty Mo Media. Open the gate. I said, Dale, I dont know who it is. He said, I know who it is, I cant believe it. "You never know when it's going to be taken away.". As the two continue their journeys in the broadcast booth, Earnhardt Jr. revealed there is one thing he has become jealous of concerning Gordon. He is a real good guy.". Thats tied for his longest streak of top-10 finishes. Its not easy to get a ride out there. Many people said the same thing about Dale Jr. early in his career. "That was really what got me really interested to know him better," Dale Earnhardt Jr. told USA TODAY Sports. (She broke down crying) big time. Since the 2018 season, Earnhardt Jr. has been in the booth covering races in the second half of the season for NBC Sports. Im here, you gotta make room. Thats kind of the way Darrell came in. Jeffrey would like nothing more than to advance someday to the Cup level, where his grandfather won seven titles, and be good enough to carry the Earnhardt name in the sport long after Dale Jr. retires. The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car, How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style, How Cindric won the Daytona 500 Kelley opened up about their familys background, We Never Talked About It Afterwards Dale Earnhardt Jr Reveals He Never Talked About Death Threats Again With Sterling Marlin After Doing Him an Initial Favor. His grandfather, Dale Earnhardt, and uncle each have six wins at Richmond. In retirement, Dale Jr. remains jealous of Gordon for a singular reason. He wasnt letting anything get in his way. Jacuzzi said the engine panel strakes are metal pieces that sweep outward behind the front tires and make front downforce. He said that NASCAR will remove three of the five diffuser strakes. 1, MORE: Kyle Petty Charity Ride to visit Utah, Nevada. He left both races after accidents. Its incredible to see fans. The man proceeds to explain to him, Dale, I know the last time you saw me was over 15 years ago, and I was a drunk. I didnt understand what I had. Jeff Gordon (in 2006 interview): A Babe Ruth figure, thats the way I look at him. But the biggest challenge for Jeffrey? He still felt the pressure. They . Copyright 2013-2021 Dirty Mo Media, LLC - All rights reserved. After ranking fifth as a K&N rookie in 2007, Jeffrey finished 15th in 2008, the final year for DEI, and his career stalled out. The 30-minute discussion touches many topics including how Jeffrey has learned to utilize social media of late in order to connect with the fans, represent his sponsors better and show Earnhardt nation who he is. He didnt give you an inch off the track or an inch on the track. Kelley opened up about their family's background and how they grew up with step-parents and half-siblings. "But he was able to back it up on the track while partying. So that speaks volumes and thats cool to see, and that, to me, is what makes our last name so special and knowing what it means to other people. I like to think those days are past. Petty, a retired Cup Series driver and an NBC Sports NASCAR analyst, will lead more than 125 motorcyclists on a seven-day, 1,500-mile ride, a journey that raises funds for Victory Junction Gang Camp, a camp for children with chronic illnesses. Kelley opened up about their familys background and how they grew up with step-parents and half-siblings. John Probst, NASCAR Senior Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer said of the rule changes: We saw incredible racing throughout the 2022 season, especially at the intermediate racetracks. Transfer Talk: Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes on Real Madrid's radar, Disputed loan at center of Commanders probe, Everything you need to know about F1's 2023 season, F1 season preview: Who's hot and who's not. Richard Childress: Not only did he impress me on the race track, he impressed me with so many things that hed done for people away from the track that people would never ever know about. Team did an outstanding job with the broadcast with Steve. In retirement, he has extended himself even further into other avenues involved with the sport. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window). He credited her with keeping him straight and being the mentor he needed. You know, I know Burt Reynolds, that probably is a good comparison. As his parents had already mortgaged their home to support his racing endeavors, his father and some local businessmen started an investment corporation that would sell shares of Scotts potential career earnings to help keep him on track. He just walked over the next week to the truck and said, I got these for you, and that was the end of the conversation. The passion wasn't in Jeffrey, either. Had Dale Earnhardt Inc. not folded soon after Dale Jr. left for Hendrick Motorsports following the 2007 season, Jeffrey might have had some of those advantages, too. ' he said. The rules will not be in place at Bristol or Dover, which is not included in the wet weather package. Im looking forward to putting on that bow-tie and leading this team to their first victory next season., HAILIE DEEGAN:Hailie Deegan got the votes, but now she needs a ride; Ford Performance looks for a fit, NEW ERA:NASCAR's little bother IMSA delivers a French kiss to hybrid auto power | KEN WILLIS, 75th anniversary:NASCAR hit the road 75 years ago with Big Bill France at the wheel | KEN WILLIS. Earnhardt Jr.'s journey has seen him develop a strong friendship with fellow Hall of fame driver Jeff Gordon. Just five years ago, Rajah Caruth had zero racing experience. It was a big character-builder knowing how deep in the water you're willing to go to make something happen.". The adjustments will be in place at: Charlotte Roval, Chicago Street Course, Circuit of the Americas, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, Martinsville, New Hampshire, North Wilkesboro, Phoenix, Richmond, Sonoma and Watkins Glen. Obviously the Cup opportunities just werent there and I said alright, what better place than Gibbs? He provides great insight to listeners on the differences between top-dollar teams and smaller operations in NASCAR, and what hes learned from his time spent with both. There were those who viewed Earnhardt as NASCARs Elvis for the fervor his fans showed. Bill Malcolm (He told the News & Record in 2010 that he often stopped at a gas station for coffee on his way to work in the mid-1980s. It was just like, OK, theres another guy that we got to race against that is good that we got to beat.. Theyll be eligible to return March 19 at Atlanta. Let me feel it out first. . Earnhardt didnt tiptoe in. I compare him to Elvis. Remembering Alan Kulwicki: NASCAR's tragic maverick champion, Dale Jr. on Next Gen's 'surgical' steering and the challenge it presents, Dale Jr. tests Next Gen at Daytona If it got in my leg, Id still be in the hospital. (Photo by Brian Cleary/Getty Images) His father Kerry made 13 career starts at Daytona, with a 14th-place Xfinity Series finish being his best showing. Dale Jr. certainly understands that feeling. The pressure of living up to your last name when youre the descendant of a GOAT athlete is unimaginable for most people in large part because most of us are not, in fact, related to legends. So to me, that meant a lot. When DEI merged with Chip Ganassi Racing late in 2008, the organization released him. Dale, to me, has never forgotten where hes come from. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Teresa have had a contentious relationship for years. I can remember him telling me, One more payment, Bill, and Ill have this farm paid off.. Jeffrey made headlines in the stock car rac. "Coming over here, you have every chance of running in the top five. 1, MORE: Kyle Petty Charity Ride to visit Utah, Nevada. Ravens GM says he covets QBs, 'Unbelievable night': ND wins Brey's home finale, Montana SB jersey breaks Brady's auction record, Colts GM pins moving up to 'guy worthy of it', Spring batting averages, runs up amid shift limits, The triumph of Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors in Creed III, 5 things to know as Antoine Davis is set to pass 'Pistol' Pete's scoring record. So I know inside him he has that discipline. Dale Earnhardt Jr. goes ballistic and yells at Teresa about a breach of contract While the company had found success and sustained it through 2004, Junior saw signs of trouble at the end of 2003. Jeffrey Earnhardt's 2023 season will start at Daytona, where the family name is practically on the mailbox in Victory Lane. During a 2019 episode on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Junior asked him what it was like to carry on the Earnhardt name. More than 25 years experience covering NFL, college football and NASCAR. Last night all 42 cars that are entered in the race did one full turn at full speed to determine the two front-row spots with Chase Briscoe and Alex Bowman claiming the top spots for Sunday's race. Were so excited to have Jeffrey with us next season, Martins said. Dale Jarrett: The superstars dont take no for an answer in their quest to be the best, and Dale was exactly that. Earnhardt Jr. saw nephew%27s potential during MMA event in Charlotte Jeffrey Earnhardt will run JR Motorsports%27 No. Its incredible to see fans hell, this past weekend, I was just hanging out at the (Las Vegas Motor Speedway) track, but I ran into a lady that I ran into last year. Truex served a two-lap penalty during the race since the wheel came off after he exited pit road. We could see out, they couldnt see in. Hes proved that by coming to see us. 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