Dale Earnhardt Jr: Crash that ended my career

Dale Earnhardt Jr. recalls a few major crashes during his NASCAR career, including a 2012 crash at Kansas Speedway, which he attributes to increasing susceptibility to future concussions and eventually cutting his career short. Dale Jr. also reflects on internal struggles coping with prolonged effects of concussions.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s book - Racing to the Finish: My Story - is available on Amazon.com now - www.amazon.com/Racing-Finish-....
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Episode debuted nationwide in 2018.
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[@KoJo-qh9od]

The more I see Dale Jr. and his transparency makes me like him more. Just a genuinely good guy.

[@AmericanAbsolute]

My sentiments exactly. He's just another one of us born into stardom. Other than that? He's just a regular guy. There is nothing pompous or self entitled about him. Truthfully speaking I wasn't a Dale Earnhardt or Dale Earnhardt jr. Fan but I've learned to appreciate him and the things that he has and hasn't accomplished. The same goes for Jeff Gordon. But that's an opinion for another day. Thank you Dale Earnhardt jr. For being Who You Are

[@jackcarder8827]

He's got 100% credibility. He's telling his truth. He's not soured on racing, just realized it was time to get out. What an interview!

[@vasily2022]

He is saying THE truth. Not HIS truth.

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

5:50 In a way, it is his truth. When I was 18, I suffered such a massive midline brain shift from getting hit by a drunk driver, my doctor was shocked the spinal cord was still attached to my brain. From that day forward, it's like you have a new computer operating system. I experienced exactly what he talked about, but for years after. You're not quite sure, since you feel detached from your body and if you see events the way others do. I wish NASCAR would do more to make the public aware of concussions and what to do if you experience one.

[@pyrotek40]

AndyFromBeaverton I agree with you, people need to take concussions seriously and why not take precautions when you can without ruining sports... I'm sorry about your head injury, I know what it's like also, I had a early morning / late night drunk driver doing 90 run into my jeep rolling me several times in 2004 while I was on my way to work at 5:30am causing a head injury leading to something called Drug Resistant Epilepsy and seizures multiple times a week two times leaving me in a coma, my record was 17 seizures in one day... it's a whole different mind after the accident, I ended up fighting for my life until just about a year ago when I received a mechanical implant to take care of the seizures.. it's a long road no one should take if it can be prevented....

[@stevebell7250]

Jack Carder 7

[@jackcarder8827]

@@stevebell7250 Email me sometime.

[@1drumsmoke]

I am having similar problems from a car wreck, even lost my job because of it, a friend told me about Dales problems and I talked to a neurologist and sure enough they discovered my injury, so actually because of Dale going public it helped me , Thanks dale for doing that.

[@indycustommade3568]

I'm a big Earnhardt fan and when he died I jumped on the Jr. bandwagon out of loss. I madly respect Jr. for understanding when it's time to go. I ended up being a big Jr. fan in the end because of him and not his dad. Thanks for all the good times. wish him well.

[@justbecause9645]

That is ALL of his fans!

[@bmann792]

Same

[@Beer-can_full_of_toes]

I feel him on the concussion thing too. I’ve had many minor and a couple big ones then last year I got a really bad one when I was hit by a car on my motorcycle and man he is not exaggerating one bit about the feeling a concussion brings into your life and it is hell. I was constantly nauseous with a haze in my mind and mean as a damn snake. I still feel off a bit and get motion sickness easily but for the most part I’m ok as long as nothing more happens to my head.

[@indycustommade3568]

@@Beer-can_full_of_toes I'm Happy you're doing better. I can only imagine what it's like. Stay safe.

[@slags83]

You can just see the anxiety when he's talking about it. Good for you Jr, you got out of this while you still could.

[@joewilson1279]

Mike Slagley weather channel

[@prairiefarmer5994]

Him, Gordon, and Kahne all left on their own terms and I respect each one of them for that.

[@TrebleWoofer1]

This folks is an example of a great interviewer. Very smart, open-ended questions and he just let's Dale speak. Interviewer understands that the attention is on Dale, not himself.

[@optimistichorizon]

TrebleWoofer *We need more of this.*

[@Rootwally]

True

[@LeonardoCostaUSA]

TrebleWoofer and Dale toke advantage to lie a lot !! He better accept its too dangerous to his stage of life but not being BS to the people, ok?

[@hawaiianf1504]

I totally like the respectful and honest comments about this interview and the way the host and Dale Jr. communicated through a very tough moment in time. I especially thank Dale Jr. for talking about the horrible time he has had, is currently having and the time he will have in the future. It has to be one the defining moments in his life. Dale Jr. was born from the stock of greatness. Dale Jr has had hard choices and he will face more ... Just imagine Dale dealing with his new baby and the Terrible Three's ;) If those things don't grab your melon and give it a shake or two then " wait for it --- Just wait for it ... cuz it's a comin ;) Gob Bless the Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the whole family for 10x10 generations to come.

[@MUNOZSK8CHANNEL]

Just beautiful they done did this people interview great. The excellence that manifest through this interview is stupidly outrageous.

[@randybobandy9243]

Say what ya want about Junior, But he’s a warrior.. Smart move he retired when he did. He’s a hell of a business man.

[@acrock21]

well his dad was set to retire in 2002 or 2003 ... the thing is its still possible for a nascar driver to be killed.

[@MrGaryGG48]

Jr. is probably more aware of the risks that most just due to his family history but it's hard to take personally the risk when it's your life. Not the risk to your life but it's the life you have lived from childhood and it is your "normal." Hitting a concrete wall at 190 mph is not an incident that the normal person can even fathom, but stock car drivers deal with it routinely around them. One becomes numb to the danger when you are constantly exposed to it. These guys (and a few women) are not stupid but if they constantly worry about these risks they just cannot function in this line of work... then it happens to them personally and it yanks them up short! Jr. was smart enough soon enough, to take stock of his new wife and a whole new set of responsibilities in his new future. He knew it was not going to get any easier as his career progressed along that path. What a choice for a man at the top of his career to have to make. He has been to most popular driver for several years with no sign of that diminishing any time soon and his record is doing really well... then he is faced with this life changing choice that he must make... now! Knowing the typical attitude of many of the "old time guys" that he grew up with including his dad, being able to consciously make that choice and stepping away from what he has lived with from childhood must have been so difficult but it was the only chance that would give him a long term chance for a healthy future with his family. How many people have been able to consciously face that kind of a decision head on and deal with it??? I greatly admire the strength that Jr. displayed when he faced that choice and made that decision. I'll look forward to watching him and listening to his commentary in the booth in the future. I know he will do an excellent job.

[@jacobgeary9811]

Lmao why would people give him shit for retiring? He probably saved his life with that decision

[@jeffreyhutchins6527]

Isn't Jr. going to race again in Richmond this month ?

[@RB3Author]

Jeffrey Hutchins Xfinity Series race at Richmond, yes.

[@nevetslegasi5686]

Dale, we all would rather have you HERE, and well, than taking that chance racing and not being here. Thank you.

[@timothyhowell7047]

His eyes tell so much emotion while he's talking it's unreal. You can tell he's replaying these events in his mind while he's talking.

[@josephsleight2634]

Graham is such a good interviewer. He asks good questions and just let's his guests talk and answer them without interrupting them. Only sometimes interjecting with another question to gain further information.

[@kgot7436]

I actually enjoy his interviews. I can’t say that about too many people who conduct interviews.

[@jackcarder8827]

Yeah he is a good interviewer. I like everything he's done. He has talked to all the heavy hitters.

[@nbt3663]

Glad you said that. He is allowing him to get it all out! Don't know much about race'n but I have a great respect for Jr. on this. Not looking back, knows he made the right decision. Glad he is able to talk about it. Good stuff.

[@scotthall8698]

I admire dale for talking about his injury and all honesty.

[@georgebanks4360]

I really just love this guy. He’s so real, and transparent, not afraid to show he’s human and not superhuman. Dale Jr. is somebody I’d love to just sit down with, have a couple beers, and just let him talk.

[@jerryashlock5519]

Dale Jr is an all-time warrior... and this interviewer is the best in the business... Great technique!

[@austinpatrick2682]

After this I have even more respect than before for Jr. I can totally forgive him not being so successful his last few years knowing that he was so scared of reinjury. Just getting out on the track after that experience makes him tougher than I could ever be, perhaps even stubborn. And we know where he gets stubborn from... All in all, I return to my former view of his early retirement when I say this. I'm glad he had the wisdom to end his career on his terms instead of the wall's terms. One Earnhardt was enough for the wall to win.

[@hfr8343]

You forgive him for not being successful lol oh god

[@austinpatrick2682]

@T G Not arguing with that. We all hoped things would pick up for his last few years though. Especially when I didn't know about all this.

[@roguelead72]

He has 3 wins apiece at Richmond and Phoenix, 2 each at Michigan and Pocono, only 10 of his 26 wins were plate wins.

[@ryanrushlow1654]

He got the fear in the corvette fire, was never the same after.

[@rookcifer1238]

The way I see it, if you are racing "just to finish the race" and not to win, it's time to get out. That goes for any sport. And when the injury is a potential brain injury, that's the scariest of all. I can't blame him for getting out. Just look at all the CTE in former NFL players. Your brain can only take so much trauma.

[@Eric-tq3vn]

The way Dale talked about concussions affecting him and the anxiety about how you come off to others can be crippling

[@ant1985ish]

he nails the explanation of that feeling perfectly. ive been there after a snowboarding accident and I felt in a fog for over a month

[@joedavis8498]

Yep... the concussion bin was what got me... I remember telling my girlfriend that it felt like huge neuralyzer scene in men in black 3... I was like "baby, I dont know if I dont know nothing." We made that joke but it was a real concern. Was i forgetting because I'm forgetful or was I still messed up?

[@ForeverNeverwhere1]

Yes, I had a car wreck 15 years ago, hit a Armco, flew through the air and hit a stone building head on 10 feet off the ground, probably doing just 50mph by that point, my memory is shot and I have difficulties focussing even today. Intensive care for 6 weeks, broke bones all over my body, I was a total zombie, even after I was off the drugs I still feel partially stoned and disconected all the time.

[@josephfahler8483]

For me it was the “staring right through people as they talk to you” it’s such a strange feeling that I’ve never been able describe before until now

[@ant1985ish]

its scary stuff when your brain isnt working right

[@JoeMtMan]

Same way I got mine. Snowboarding and I had a helmet on.

[@thomaspartin191]

Wow! Finally a person that explains what symptoms and the severity of a concussion feels like. 100% respect for Dale Jr and Graham for this interview.

[@matthewguilford9340]

I'm glad that Earnhardt Jr became the voice for this, it made it go it's okay to go to the doctor when this happens. I had a injury at work and forgetting what and who I was scared me. So to Dale Earnhardt Jr thank you for being a voice and saying it's okay to get help and its okay to see doctors and there not evil.

[@twitchosx]

Nobody thinks doctors are evil. It's the shitty health care options in this country that are evil. I can't go to a doctor or a hospital because they are gonna charge me $40 for one pill of Tylenol. Fuck that.

[@larrywalden626]

Praying for you Dale Jr. It takes a real man to step down when he knows he has had enough

[@NASCAR_Diecast_Addict]

Being a Jr fan from 2008-2012 was horrible as my favorite driver wasn’t winning. When he decided to retire in 2017 I was heartbroken. Now hearing this stuff, I understand why Jr didn’t do as well as we expected or as he would expect himself to do. We miss you Jr, and when you race the one time in Xfinity I watch and root for my favorite driver. Glad to see he is doing better and managing his symptoms.

[@311DaveR]

I am glad I came across this interview. Jr. has been my favorite, and this just reinforces the fact that when it is time to retire follow your gut and be proud. I am so glad to see him in a better place physically. #1 standup guy in my book.

[@kristybryant4914]

I agree 100% with you there. I'm glad he decided to retire, even though him and his Dad has always been my favorites. Bad concussions aren't things to mess with, especially in that kind of sport. He's an awesome guy and I'm glad he thought of his health more than just racing. He's an awesome guy.

[@MrShagnasty18]

Much Respect for Dale Jr. ! !

[@askwhy2030]

One of the best interviews I've ever seen. The open ended questions allowed jr to tell a story not simply answer questions. Wonderful job on the interview.

[@brandonkahuna1251]

Sure miss JR racing. He was such a great driver. Between the loss of his dad and concussions derailing his career at times, yet he still had a good career. I enjoy his shows nowadays, even though I don't really watch nascar anymore. Glad he got out when he did though.

[@jennifursun3303]

thank God for safer barriers. as much i wish Dale still had his dad, i don't think NASCAR would be as safe as it is now, if Senior had not passed away

[@brettcoyle2399]

It wouldn't even dirt rack racing as well changed their barriers

[@derekv8534]

@@brettcoyle2399 I agree, but most dirt tracks bring in just enough money to keep the lights on. No way they can drop millions of dollars to re-engineer and rebuild the walls.

[@passionfly1]

One of the most riveting interviews I have ever witnessed. Some of my car crashes in my life came back after listening to his story. I can not believe that his experience was so similar to mine, though not as severe as his obviously. What a warrior!

[@sing1792]

He articulates the feeling so well, this is exactly how i felt . It was extremely scary. You feel like you are constantly drunk , at one point to drunk to even walk.

[@COLETHORN10]

What an interview from one of the most honest people you will ever meet. Glad you got out Junior. I remember in 2006 at Talladega you were leading on the last lap and Brian Vickers and Jimmie Johnson wreck you on purpose. You lost the race but you won my respect saying Brian made a rookie mistake. You a class act Junior. I wish you the best.

[@calebfaircloth7473]

Cole Thornton Jimmie didn’t wreck him, it was all buckets 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@calebfaircloth7473]

*vickers

[@73optimusprime]

That was on Vickers and Vickers alone; a young dumbass who couldn’t be patient

[@kingbradentucky]

I just had a concussion two weeks ago from an on ice collision in adult non contact rec hockey. I pulled myself from the game (it was the championship) because I knew concussions aren't a joke from stories like these. Glad to see Dale talk about this.

[@nazcarcup]

I've had this possibly happen to me in a non contact hockey league in the semifinals this year. My team won that game, but got taken out of the championship for a roster violation. That was a blessing.

[@nazcarcup]

Hope you're doing better now

[@bbdl7042]

25 years old I’m at 11 concussions, 4 surgery’s, and 19 broken bones. If you do a sport you go for the win no matter what it does to you

[@dougconner95]

I used to get that feeling in hockey when I was younger and didn’t want to tell anyone because I wanted to keep Playing. I wish I was a little smarter back then

[@feedguygaming]

@@bbdl7042 tell me how you feel in another 25 years if you're still alive I've beat the shit out of myself luckily not to many head traumas but most days my knees and ankles fuckin hate me and I'm only 34

[@danialbrown4417]

this series is super useful and has helped improve my life. Thank you Graham Bensinger!

[@russpottenger4674]

I love your interview style Graham. You ask the questions and you allow the interviewee the time to fully develop his thoughts and answers.

[@Ken-op7sg]

I can see how hard it is for him to talk about that and the blowout and just that day and I just want to say thank you thank you Dale for being so open and honest as hard as it is for you to talk about I appreciate it and I just want to say thank you

[@maxpuppy96]

Why end up like Neil Bonnett and his Dad, Neil Bonnett suffered many concussion's and was told to quit racing and he got back in a car in 94 and that was that.

[@jacobmyler7689]

Everything he's saying is so accurate. I cracked my skull in a skateboarding accident in the back of my head, impacting the temporal lobe and I had a seizure. Dale hurt the same part of his head and I feel like my personality has flipped and everything Dale's saying is spot on. Even the difficulty in articulating thoughts and emotions feels like he's doing an imitation of how I sound.

[@TheBushRanger.]

How you going now man?

[@xXShadowRejectsXx]

05:40 man you can just see and hear the emotion in his voice when he explains that. Truly saddening

[@Aegirak]

Junior is such a student and expert of the sport of NASCAR. I think he is also very good at interviewing and just talking NASCAR like in his podcast. Great sense of humor and truly honest about his stories. He’s going to still see his legend rise. God bless you Dale Earnhardt Jr.

[@Anthony-bg2pe]

Hits wall at 190 mph. Goes and eats bbq.

[@dennyhamlinfan1148]

antho R just Dale things

[@Ratfink820]

That’s a true North Carolinian thing!

[@mattgoodwin953]

Murica

[@billgatesleavingyamomshous8177]

LIKE A BOSS

[@WilbanksUSMC]

Murica

[@katsquirrel3955]

What I realized the days and weeks after Dale Sr died, I remembered thinking how bad I felt for Jr and how this was the last person on the planet you would want to be after his dad's death. The weight that he carried and the spotlight cast upon what was already overwhelming to virtually anyone, just impossible to imagine.

[@hughbo52]

Super great interview. Love this guy. Sorry it had to happen to him, may his awareness warn others.

[@MikeBrown-go1pc]

Damn, I never knew this. I wondered why he started hanging back at Daytona and Dega the last couple years. Must be horrifying to worry about getting in a crash and this feeling coming back when you race cars for a living. DON'T get the itch and come back Jr. Remember Neil Bonnet.

[@s33kfirsttkog57]

Thank you Dale Jr for all the Sundays I looked forward to watching you race! Hated to see you go but you did what was best for your health. I wish you and your family all The best in the future. Thanks again Jr!!!

[@ieronimo18]

Jr. is a solid, humble guy. Glad he has recovered. Amazing how well he's doing as a broadcaster!

[@stanlojewski6761]

Thanks for the memories, Dale. Just glad that you can speak about this issue, today....Godspeed.

[@iiTsFaded_]

I hate that I was such a big fan of Jeff Gordon as a kid, because Dale really is a nice guy. I never really got to appreciate him as a driver now looking back on it, and now I wish I had. Congrats on a great career, Dale. NBC is even more fun now with you on commentary.

[@joshuabarlow3467]

I can relate so much, I was in a bad car accident with a friend but didn’t tell anybody I got a concussion because I was afraid they would make me sit out of football. About 3 weeks later I was knocked unconscious in a football game and didn’t regain consciousness until about 2 hours later in the hospital. After that I would forget things quickly and get made fun of a lot in high school, woke up one day pissed off at the world about a week after the football incident and pulled out of my house without looking and got t-boned and knocked out again but didn’t say anything because I didn’t want our Athletic Trainer to know. I’ve always wondered if it’s the cause of my anger and depression, I used to be an extrovert but now I don’t talk to anybody.

[@g-money7652]

Hope things get better 4 u soon brother!

[@haroldbenton979]

As someone that has also been thru multiple concussions himself every single thing he is describing about how they feel and what you feel afterwards is 100% correct. People that have never have suffered a concussion have no clue what it means to feel like he does.

[@deaf2819]

harold Benton obviously, people who have never been shot have no clue how it feels to be shot as well. Any other duh statements you’d like to make as if being concussed puts you in some elite group 😂.

[@koraanderson7765]

You know Dale you're helping out a lot of people talking about this because as a child I had to head injuries and I could never explain them you're awesome a fan of the Earnhardt's all of you are wonderful much love to you and your family

[@AcesnEights698]

Tough to watch but much respect for Jr. for talking about it. Few are willing to talk about their condition despite all the recent coverage.

[@stargazer7876]

Jr is such a great guy. He is a terrific human being. This man has been thru so much and has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He has felt every emotion there is. He is a remarkable person. He is a family man. He is an amazing husband. If u dont know Dale Jr than you should know he is a remarkable human being. Dale Jr has my respect till the end of time. He has been thru so so much. He is a champion of men. His daddy would be so proud just for the man he has become. Dale Jr has become of of my modern day heroes.

[@rcracer8872]

I agree he is. i have been a fan of him and his dad for a long time I get to meet Jr last year there isn't many people I would wait in line to meet for almost 2 hours

[@ShawnaGraham50]

I wonder if he thought about his dad and dying like him. He had to think that I mean I would, it would be hard not too.

[@obs.vanness1604]

Shawna Graham Not anytime recently. The cars have gotten so much safer over time. Nowadays the only thing to worry about is if your body can take the hit.

[@ReallyBrotha]

190 mph into a wall is exactly how his father died so I guarantee that spooked him.

[@JPascal61]

Absolutely...

[@mattorey5816]

Elijah Self his father had a seat belt failure and wasn’t wearing a HANS device or even a full face shield. He didn’t quit because he was scared to die, he quit because he was scared to live with even worse brain damage for the rest of his life, and the fear of that damage affected his effectiveness as a racer. You could tell he lost his aggressiveness and drive to win once he realized how at risk he was.

[@JarthenGreenmeadow]

There are worse things than dying. People often forget that.

[@ericynot]

Jr. is smart, funny, kind, honest, and reflective -- a true gentleman. He's one of those rare people you feel like is a friend even if you never meet them in person.

[@jaymaster2215]

I just wanted to say thank you to Dale Jr. for having the courage to talk about this. I was in a car accident in 2005, and for years afterwards, I had similar issues. My son, I suspect, may have been injured in Football, he had negative scans, but those were months later trying to figure out what was wrong. I've had a hard time convincing the medical community my suspicions. They have treated him as primarily mental health and behavioral issues, and I've tried to voice my hesitancy not to overlook his possible head injuries. The good news is he's finally improving over a year later. Thank you for bringing attention to this and the seriousness of it. It's helped me to make sense of things.

[@drewjacobsracing]

I've had that disconnected feeling my whole life

[@obs.vanness1604]

drewjacobsracing Not my whole life but I completely understand when Dale describes it. Just spaced out and feeling like shit

[@jenniferkbowman]

raced sprint cars and super modified`s flip in both. THREE concussions I know what he is talking about. that anger, confusion, ya still have headaches. I`m glad he walked away.

[@wingracer1614]

Fortunately, he seems to have found a new calling. He is a fantastic storyteller and interviewer and his podcast is doing well.

[@jenniferkbowman]

@@wingracer1614 yes he is.

[@josephgunter7830]

Outstanding interview....! Dale jr..is a true champion..! He made it in racing on his own..in the end...his father would be very proud of how his son ran his career in racing..and how and why he retired from racing....!

[@richardhjones5576]

I think he explained what he went through very clearly and and earned my total respect and admiration for what he and others who have been through with this kind of injury. I admire his courage as a new father and family man to decide to make changes in his life to be around for them for a long time to come. I think he sets a good example for other drivers to look and and learn from. Well done Dale. Not only a good race driver but a smart clear thinking gentleman of good character. Even more reason to be the fans most popular driver.

[@ralphbillick1210]

Great interview & shows how to interview the guest -ask the question & get out of the way, let the guest do the talking , that IS the reason we tune in.

[@robinreece920]

Excellent interview. Gave me a better understanding of what Dale went through and how difficult and frustrating it had to be. God bless him for making the right decision. He has my total respect.

[@optimistichorizon]

*Thank you for sharing your story.*

[@mariocestra1156]

Excellent interview. Much respect.

[@michaelprice7005]

I was never a fan of Senior for multiple reasons, but I always liked Junior and still do. As sad as it was to see him stop racing I'm glad he did. There are more important things...even if you can't see them sometimes.

[@jormatakala8321]

Dale Earnhardt Jr you and I need to talk. My skull fracture and traumatic brain injury happened in 1964, I learned of my injury 50 years after it happened. I studied from 2005 till today, in fact I am still learning things today, I even learned a couple things from this video! Get a hold of me, I have information that will absolutely help you and anyone else who has suffered any kind of brain injury! No BS!!!

[@TheBushRanger.]

Help me

[@jarredwalker9919]

Man what a captivating interview.

[@victorpalamar8769]

I know that exact feeling------40 years after my near fatal MVA I still feel like I'm in another world when I want to avoid any situation I can't get out of! It just doesn't go away.

[@breanastrickland2657]

he did the right thing i miss him and his dad forever a earnhardt fan

[@joecucch8261]

I saw his level of intensity deteriorate after the concussion and it took years to get back to the level needed to win a few races. Smart move JR !! Life's too short not to be able to function,

[@3dland874]

Sure u did jackass

[@joecucch8261]

@@3dland874 zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[@starlessaeon3972]

I could keep watching this interview for another 4hrs

[@motomoto986]

Amazing interview!!!!! I had no idea he had that many concussions.

[@CountryBoyShane]

Congrats to Dale for getting out and putting his health and family over racing!

[@justbecause9645]

BUT still races???????

[@weathp]

It’s been said a million times. Graham is a fantastic interviewer. Another great video.

[@JpOcDenver]

Patrick O'Keelean how many KZbin accounts do you have graham? Jesus.

[@tommack8650]

Wow! What a Man to even attempt to follow in his father's footsteps. And even wiser to acknowledge a concussion. BTDT. When you start forgetting shit, that is Scary. Add in some emotional or mental health issues and all hell breaks loose. Thanks for sharing your experience. You are not alone!

[@georgerosier622]

Thank you for being so open about the concussion. I have Ménière’s Disease and an on disability because of it. This is the best description of my symptoms I’ve ever heard. There is no definitive cause of Ménière’s, but they think some cases can be caused by head injuries, especially during developmental years. I had several bicycle wrecks as kid, in the 70’s, prior to helmets.

[@trainman1209]

I'm glad you got out of that racecar.

[@ryanrushlow1654]

As much as I love him. His career ended in the corvette fire. He got the fear. He was never the same after that.

[@abtwopoint0]

I'm sure you know more about why he called it quits than even the man himself does, right...

[@mortimerbrewster3671]

@@abtwopoint0 There was definitely a change in his driving style after the corvette crash. He may have still had the ability and skill and didn't have the health issue but he went from a 2-3 wins a year to one every few years. I wouldn't say it ended his career because there are lots of drivers that never win even one every few years but it ended that level racing he had before the crash.

[@sfrebel8]

The wins went down when that fool Tony Jr. took over for Tony Sr.

[@slyguythreeonetwonine3172]

Hey Dale Junior. Thanks for talking about this! Us fellas need to take better care of ourselves, and learn to understand what our bodies are telling us, and in ways and words men understand. Glad you are better. Miss you in the car, but I've got plenty of awesome memories thanks to you, and your father. Thank you for those!

[@catesg]

That is an amazing story. JR, we watch to see the carnage but NEVER want to see someone hurt. That is probably the most brave interview I have ever seen. As a fan I am sorry to hear what you went through. It certainly explains how your promising career was ended like it was. I have one question, what effect did the Corvette fire in the ALMS series have on you. I feel like that was a career changing moment as well

[@minnipearls3633]

OMG Dale. I’m buying your book I had no idea what you have been through. I never thought you quit because of your wife. Always knew it was your injury. But didn’t know the severity of it.

[@1320crusier]

I think everyone knew. Even Richard Petty begged him to retire once he learned about Jr's injury

[@minnipearls3633]

1320crusier I had no Idea I’m glad he did before someone said you can’t be in a race car. Like he said when he retired.

[@keithmccants504]

True that s***

[@94nolo]

He's more than a race car driver. Much more.

[@wesleybuckland5206]

@@personofthefield lmao

[@CamaroAmx]

After that 1st crash he talks about with those symptoms (feeling better by lowering his head. Feeling disconnected) are the exact symptoms I had after I hit a pole at 60mph Head-on 13 years ago. It took a lot longer for me to recover. In fact they really don’t completely go away.

[@brianbossaer2049]

I was really sad to see him leave NASCAR, but truthfully he made a great decision and now we have him for a lot longer. I was a fan of Dale Sr. Since I was 7 years old and became a fan of Jr. when he was driving Busch series. He made the right decision and I am glad.

[@branon6565]

I really like his input when he's in the booth callin races now, he still gets excited during a race like he's drivin the car, which is way cool, but ya gotta admit, he's the Tony Romo of NASCAR..... #GoFordRacing

[@justindewoody]

I love Junior! He is the real deal. And just a great guy.

[@captraykelly]

Very interesting interview. I always liked Dale Jr. Very sad about his injuries after the crash. He really gives us insight about it. He's going to be a great broadcaster. All the Best to him.

[@mildredmelanson130]

Saw his dads crash, devastating! So glad you’re ok, and got out!🙏

[@mikebultema2536]

Sr. was no doubt my driver. After he passed it took me almost the whole next season to find my new driver. Jr. won me over on and off the track. A genuine and classy guy. In sports nowadays that is becoming harder to find.

[@fearlesspatrriotMcKanna]

Dale Jr. Trust what I say, Your father is very proud of the man you have become.

[@chrisrobinson2180]

The way he describes anxiety is spot on.

[@LM-ly1dx]

242 people who don't know what it feels like to suffer from a Concussion/PTSD/Depression ... etc. Thankful that Dale did the interview and answered questions he didn't want to talk about, while not holding back!

[@driverslqqk7940]

I enjoyed watching this video.

[@BadAssEngineering]

My Favorite Jr.s Quote: *"It Dont Mean Shit"* LOL

[@billgatesleavingyamomshous8177]

LIKE A BOSS

[@nycsongman9758]

BadAssEngineering Yes. Some context, though: Was that when the TV guy was congratulating him on winning ‘Dega, or Darlington, and then Junior followed up the immortal line you’ve quoted with the further-endearing “Daddy’s won TEN !” ? Am I referencing the correct incident ? THATS when I allowed myself to become a huge fan of this down-to-earth, humble, gentleman.

[@BadAssEngineering]

NYC exactly why it’s my favorite “you win a lot? Don’t mean shit, I’m still not at his level”

[@hunterk6187]

Sad thing is that cost him his cup I’ll never forget that , I was at talladega last time he won I’m still pissed nascar docked his points when they do and say far more shit these days and they say oh well that’s racing

[@letterswhy1]

@@nycsongman9758 I believe it was Dega.

[@robertrockwell7581]

love Jr. wish him all the success that comes his way he deserves it.

[@McRocket]

Wow...that was amazingly vivid. He did a fantastic job of describing that whole thing, IMO. It made me feel like I had done it with him (and I have had mind concussions). And it was creepy.

[@LasVegas68]

Makes you wonder how many other drivers with concussions that are still driving, what will their lives be like down the road.

[@mrmidnight32]

I can just hear it in his voice from experience. He suffers from extreme anxiety. I still suffer panic attacks to this day after my last concussion. I wish him well. This shit is terrible on daily life. I’ve been getting better slowly, but I’m still not the man I was.

[@thewalkingmonkey3170]

CK_32 bro, this video really makes me feel like I’m not alone and what you said resonates with me a lot

[@francisschweitzer8431]

I got his book in audiobook form. I have had my bell rung... starting at 15... riding my bike and a lady ran a red light. I am 57 now and I can still remember that feeling as my head hit the pavement... I can still remember the weeks after. I went straight to ANGRY ... light and sound ... you name it I was mad at it. Dale Jr did a MAJOR SERVICE by telling his story. To this day I can not remember a huge portion of my life prior to that accident

[@charliebrown6590]

WHAT A GREAT INTERVIEW!!!

[@slit4659]

I hit the wall and got my Bell Rang......But I still want to thank the guys back at the Shop......You know.....🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@Nickearl1]

He’s lost a step or two, you can tell, just like kasey kahne. I’m glad they got out when they did.

[@leighallen9255]

great interview

[@tommym669]

I had post concussion syndrome and the spacey disconnected feeling is exactly what I felt it’s a weird feeling and it was non stop for about a month just like he said