Dale Jr. Defended Sterling Marlin From Death Threats After 2001 Daytona 500 | The Dale Jr. Download

Dale Jr. and Sterling Marlin open up about Dale Earnhardt's crash on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 and its aftermath, which included death threats.
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[@dwphillips42]

You never have to question Dale Jr's sincerity. He's such a personable, respectful person. What a good man he has become. Dale Sr. would be so very proud of his son.

[@stricknine8623]

That is just the absolute truth...

[@QuiteTheRhino]

I'm just getting into NASCAR, and I can't even begin to appreciate just how GOOD a human Jr is. I'm really glad he's doing this podcast.

[@donaldcornwell1151]

actually a better version honestly

[@TherosSoultaker]

@@donaldcornwell1151 that's what we hope for all of our children, that they will do better and be better than we were.

[@Sceneyour]

Except that he's said he's "not one of those flag waiving Americans"

[@AeroGuy07]

I hope Sterling is doing OK. He's one of those good old boys that we thought indestructible. Hurts me to see him in this condition.

[@nicholasmaynard2309]

Parkinson’s is no joke

[@TanDawg58]

He seems to be doing better. I've seen video where the tremors are really, really bad. There's one where he's at Bristol in the media center and he's twitching so badly that he rips the cord out of the microphone

[@FormerlyYBMT]

I always loved Sterling. A class act, and a good man.

[@alanluscombe8a553]

I came to the comments section to see if anyone knew what was going on with him and I see he has Parkinson’s. That’s very sad I had no idea

[@marknoble5495]

@@alanluscombe8a553 same. In a weird way I’m glad that’s what it is, because my first thought was a chemical dependency.

[@ramosel]

Parkinson's has whittled him down physically, but he's still here and in public. Sterling gets big respect from me.

[@g.l.williams1178]

Ron Hornaday spun Jr out early on and took him out of the race!

[@mikegrey5663]

@@g.l.williams1178?

[@gradyruben3783]

My dad side of the family has the same thing Im no stranger to this and it's always good to see him

[@Deerslayer3000]

@@g.l.williams1178 wtf does that got to do with anything

[@g.l.williams1178]

@@Deerslayer3000 it means what I said , Hornaday raced trucks for Sr back in the day and knew that Jr was tore up so he spun him ! Simple ! You obviously seem like someone who can understand ? He did him a favor that day !

[@Devil3R]

Man that was tough to watch. God Bless you Sterling. Thanks Dale for all the kind words of one of the Best.

[@robthornton9129]

You’re right, that was hard to watch

[@chriscarter9264]

I just watched this video, 10 days after putting it on the watch later list. I'm shocked and basically stunned at Sterling's condition. Him getting out of his car to pull the fender off his tire during a red flag at Daytona was priceless. Sterling was a good racecar driver, but was great at the restrictor plate races, his era of drivers was arguably the pinnacle of Nascar.

[@troyclardy4067]

Amen brother that absolutely broke my heart

[@savedin87ify]

Sterling had nothing to do with the Death of Sr. It was a racing accident. Thank you for standing up for him. Jr you are a class act.

[@steventweed3599]

Facts!

[@Ozark-nq9uu]

As much as I don't think he had anything to do with it, but if he did he sure would never admit it, nor would nascar. Same with Kenny Schrader

[@tatechasers2393]

I remember that and Jr put that story to rest, loved it. Dale was racing against all his buddies that he had raced against for 20 years and it just happened.

[@RichieWilliams97]

@@Ozark-nq9uu I mean it’s obvious that the crash wasn’t his fault

[@steventweed3599]

@Ozark1987 , I've watched the replay a thousand times. Dale was up off the bottom trying to block two lanes, forcing the highline route. I'd never seen him do this before. It wasn't Sterlin or Kenny's fault either one. Speaking strictly as a Daddy, my PRIDE would have made me do anything and everything humanly possible. That's what Dale did.

[@stephenfink4695]

It hurts my heart to see Sterling looks like his health is failing. He’s one of the bigger reasons the sport is what it is today. Thank you Sterling for having made our lives richer. I say this from the bottom of my heart.

[@TheOfficialRandomGuy]

He’s actually still racing and winning with his condition.

[@anthonyprater7734]

He's actually doing a lot better. He had a couple surgeries and seems to have helped. He's still working around his farm and still tooling around with racecars. Racing still. He said it helps take the edge off.

[@ginganinjaracing]

@@TheOfficialRandomGuy he hasn't raced since 2019.

[@TheOfficialRandomGuy]

@@ginganinjaracing well he was in the same shape he is now regardless.

[@SaltyChip]

@@TheOfficialRandomGuy you can’t really tell how well he is doing based off how he is in the public. With Parkinson’s, there is medicine that one can take that gives your short term relief and dials down the shaking and other visible symptoms. Michael j Fox has discussed this in many interviews whenever the host would comment on how well he looks. It’s a real SOB of an illness and you can only fight your butt off for more time, but in the long run, the Parkinsons has no plan to take a vacation or to dial it down.

[@mcr2124]

Sterling was definitely hurt. You can see it. He does what he can to act tough, but it’s still with him. Thank you Mike for sharing this. It’s true, you had to see him say it.

[@CDeese39]

You can see it in his eyes the pain it look like he went through during that time.

[@iankhan4614]

Exactly 💯. Not to mention, he lost his teammate Kenny Irwin Jr in 2000 at Loudon, New Hampshire.

[@andybearden5137]

@@CDeese39 😅😅😅

[@MrNobody91]

@@andybearden5137 what’s funny bout thst?

[@brfam1977]

He wrecked him on purpose. Of course he didn't mean to kill him but it happened.

[@TanDawg58]

The procedures that Sterling had on his brain seem to have really helped his Parkinsons. He doesn't have the shakes and tremors nearly as bad as he has had in the past. Glad he got to be on here.

[@albertmcfry6322]

My brother passed of Parkinson’s in 2010. That disease takes a toll on you. God bless you Sterling,you were always one of the good guys. You were also one hell of a racer.

[@derricknichols179]

I didn’t know that Sterling was sick. Breaks my heart to see him that way. I’m glad he’s still around doing his thing though.

[@DLT704]

I didn’t either. It sucks 😢

[@windycityassassin1122]

Same here. Difficult to watch.

[@jennifursun3303]

lost a friend to Parkinsons

[@pattywikle8051]

I didn't know it either....my heart goes out to Sterling.....bless his heart....I sure loved to see him race and also loved hearing him aggravating some of his driver friends.

[@johnieslape-qg3sy]

I'm with you all that hurts to see Stirling!!! It actually broke my heart !!! He is one of the tough guys !!! 😓😢

[@Hooijnbvn]

11 Poles, 216 Top Ten finishes, 83 Top Five finishes, 4,298 laps led, 10 wins One of only five back to back Daytona 500 winners. This man needs to be in the NASCAR Hall Of Fame! Sterling was a great representative of NASCAR.

[@davidwilcox7241]

You betcha

[@skidoorulz4914]

Absolutely!!!!!!!!!

[@trevorrogers8092]

Good ole Tennessee boy don't make em like this anymore

[@winnerwinnerbuymedinner9425]

They will never put him in bc of what happened

[@musicsnob4226]

Dale Jr is by far the nicest most genuine down home country boy and a great human being. Someone we all should aspire to emulate in our day to day. We miss you on the track but happy you still include us in your life. 3 cheers for Dale jr

[@DixytheGoat9]

Just like his dad though Dale(Sr) was only nice off the race track

[@GoodOlRoll]

Sterling Marlin is a national treasure and must be protected at all costs.

[@bryonkidder6199]

Remember when Donald Trump made fun of people with Parkinson's?

[@bobjones7965]

Thank you so much for this podcast with Sterling Marlin. Had the pleasure to meet Sterling at a auto parts store in Kinston N.C. back in the 80's. Great guy and a true racer. My God bless and keep him safe.

[@GoodOlRoll]

@@bryonkidder6199 k

[@DivisionStreetDrums]

@@bryonkidder6199 f.o.s.

[@bryonkidder6199]

@@DivisionStreetDrums f.a.c.t.s ...lol

[@psinclairjr]

Thank you Jr, Mike, and Dirty MO staff, thank you Sterling for coming on during such a difficult health battle. This is a rare gift to us fans to see Sterling (most likely for the last tine publicly) and share this and other stories. I never blamed Sterling, Kenny, Nascar, Bill Simpson, or Dale for what happened. I am a man of God and believe it was God who took Dale that day. Crass as it may sound, Dale passed doing what he loved, seeing Michael and Jr ahead racing for the win doing something Dale rarely did, falling back and blocking. Prayers for Sterling, man what a special podcast.

[@teresagoodwin7458]

Very well said 💞🤗💞 GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR PRECIOUS FAMILY NOW AND ALWAYS 🙏🙏🏁🏆🏁 We who love THE INTIMIDATOR AND DALE JR(Iwas fortunately BLESSED to get to meet and watch Dale Jr's Granddaddy Ralph at The Old Columbia Speedway in Cayce South Carolina when I was young and Nascar was literally in it's infancy)can't believe some people can be so ignorant and mean at a time when we were all shocked to the core and in complete disbelief at the loss of the greatest race car driver ever!!!! Not to mention the pain and grief 💔

[@psinclairjr]

@@teresagoodwin7458 very well said to you as well. I hardly ever get emotional, but this, and your comments really softened this old man tonight

[@beerrun1550]

Well said. As a true Die Hard Earnhardt fan with a 3 flag and memorable still flying in my garage man cave it was just a sad racing accident. Kind of a Sterling fan as I’m putting back a Cold Coors Light right now. Hope the best him. Thanks Jr for a Great Show.

[@QuickBoomerang]

damn I had no clue

[@codycalton]

Very well said.

[@sprenky72]

Dale’s words like this teach me how to be a better person.

[@SkippyThorson]

Perfectly well said.

[@jamesmcallister8124]

Hurts to see Sterling like that. He’s a legend in this sport

[@pattywikle8051]

yes, it bothered me also@

[@mattw3103]

As a diehard Earnhardt fan, I love Sterling marlin. A beautiful soul. Much love to him and his family.

[@chrisp3913]

Love him in the Sunoco car

[@BaumannJA]

He was a GIANT of his time. Aggressive, Fearless. He could put his car anywhere. Thanks for the Memories Sterling. Sure good to see you again.

[@iankhan4614]

I still remembered Sterling winning back to back Daytona 500's in 1994 and 1995. He became the 3rd driver to have done so. Not only that, those were his first and second career wins.

[@tonysimeone3018]

Hey Dale, you are truly first class. To not have any animosity towards Sterling all these years after what was an unfortunate racing accident, you truly have a heart of gold!

[@bradwilson5552]

A heart of gold & common sense ......

[@chriswebster24]

He has no reason to have animosity towards Sterling, though. I mean, Jr. is definitely a class act, and he does seem to have a heart of gold, but I don’t see how that has anything to do with it, honestly. To me, that just means he has common sense (like the person above me mentioned). It would be ridiculous for him to have something against Sterling, just because he was involved in that tragic racing accident. Jr. isn’t crazy or anything. The maniacs who made the death threats weren’t normal human beings, obviously. They had no point, and no one in their right mind ever agreed with them.

[@frederalbacon]

I am sure that Jr being in the very same race, just in front of the accident, helps with the understanding. He had just dealt with the whole race as well, he knows that Sterling didn't do anything intentional.

[@ethanweeter2732]

Why would he have animosity towards Sterling, he was one of the first drivers to publicly defend Sterling against deaths threats.

[@parkerbeard6170]

Dale JR, definitely stepped up like his father would by defending Sterling. I know Sterling feels bad about the crash, but as JR said it was just an unfortunate Racing Accident. Nobody deserves the blame for it.

[@wayfastxr]

Hey Jr , Mike everybody involved with this one. Thank You so much. What a class act Sterling is. Back in the Day it was a thing to show up with Beer and just sit and share. People today have forgotten or are to young to understand that whole deal. But I'm going to tell you this old guy has not. Brought a tear to my eye. Love this and Thank You again ...

[@TheRouschmustang]

Seeing sterling smile at 4:47 was just so refreshing. He obviously remembers doing what Dale recalls and it must be a fond memory of his as well. Best wishes to sterling.

[@hoyle7780]

I lived in Culleoka TN for a few years & got to meet sterling a few times, he could not have been nicer, so down to earth. So glad you guys had him on

[@Jeff.3]

It was tough to watch this, not just referring to the subject matter but also referring to sterling. Loved watching the silver bullet in the early 2000s, seeing sterling in this condition was the toughest part about this whole thing and I know he can't really control that. Stay safe sterling. And FYI, it was just a racing incident, nobody is at fault for what happened at Daytona in 01

[@mikegrey5663]

It really is. Marlin was always one of my favorites

[@DDD-us6uu]

What a great man, enjoyed watching him race, wondered what happened to him, so sorry for his health problems, but he's a trooper, always was, love ya man.

[@philliplangley9302]

That interview brought tears to my eyes for several reasons. Thanks .

[@Ticona2]

Thank you Sterling for coming on the show. I was a HUGE fan of you! You always put the 4 car up front and did amazing things in that 40 Coors light car.

[@claymorrow7356]

I remember all the ridiculous things that were said & I specifically remember when JR responded in the manner he did. My biggest memory of Marlin is when he got out to fix a tire rub under a red flag at the end of a 500 that he would have won but was sent to the back for working on the car himself under the red flag

[@jonburke7925]

Sterling was my dad's favorite driver and Dale was mine and my grandparents favorite. We lost my grandpa in 2000 and we lost Dale on what would of been my grandpa's birthday. Our whole family had gotten together to celebrate and watch Daytona like we had for years. I'll never forget that day. Definitely just a racing deal. Sure is good to see Sterling!

[@KevinJStoll]

That was a hard year for me as well my friend. I lost my father-in-law and my Grandma Parsons as well that year. Dales death was the death that really brought me down. It took a long time for me to watch a NASCAR race after that.

[@teresagoodwin7458]

GOD BLESS YOU DALE FOR HAVING STERLING ON YOUR PODCAST!! BLESS HIS HEART AND I'M PRAYING FOR HIS HEALTH AND HEALING 🙏 THAT WAS AWESOME FOR YOU TO SPEAK UP WHEN YOU WERE HURTING AND GRIEVING TO SHUT UP THE HATERS. EVERY PERSON WAS IN COMPLETE SHOCK AND DISBELIEF AND HURTING AND GRIEVING WITH YOU AND YOUR PRECIOUS FAMILY AND IT TAKES A STRONG INDIVIDUAL TO BE ABLE TO SPEAK WHEN SUFFERING SUCH A DEVASTATING LOSS. YOU'RE A GREAT MAN AND I KNOW THAT YOUR PRECIOUS DAD AND GRANDDADDY RALPH(who I was fortunate and BLESSED to meet at The Old Columbia Speedway in Cayce South Carolina way back when. He and your Dad were a lot alike. It always amazed me when Ralph pulled in and unloaded his car, NO BODY TOUCHED HIS CAR OR EVEN CAME CLOSE TO IT BECAUSE IT WAS RACE READY!!! LOL 🤣 Other driver's were tweaking their cars trying to find just a tick more speed but not Ralph. We always parked in the infield and we could always wander around and talk to all the driver's and crew members as long as we weren't disrupting them working on the car. This podcast was super special. Love you ALL at Dirty Mo and all it's components and also your precious family 💞🤗💞🏁🏆🏁

[@lransom-youmayberight7109]

Wow! Watch this video again and pay close attention to Sterling's body language, especially his eyes. He communicates everything you need to know, through the windows of his soul. This episode brought tears to my eyes. You can see the roller-coaster of emotions that he still rides. God bless Sterling Marlin.

[@jamesyarbrough1517]

God bless him

[@suehurwitz1444]

💝🎚

[@shannonbunch1003]

Yeah... he doesn't have to say anything.... but you can certainly see it.

[@vincentalesi7488]

I noticed that right away...

[@stricknine8623]

Noticed it big time...He needs to lean on God and his people of he isn't already. This hurts to see.

[@oldguywritesbooks]

I love that Sterling's condition hasn't stopped him from being him.....a good man willing to be seen. It saddens me deeply to see him in this condition, yet proud that he is standing tall. I also am deeply, deeply appreciative of Dale for doing this segment. I am sure that this wasn't one of the easier interviews to do on many, mostly personal, levels and my hat is off to him, his integrity, and his realness. Both of those men are priceless gems of society.

[@sandiegotrafficlightstrain354]

What happened to him?

[@DennyThePanther]

​@@sandiegotrafficlightstrain354Parkinson's Disease

[@CatManDeww]

Brought tears to my eyes to see this man like that. I grew up watching and loving racing in this era and kinda drifted away from the sport after Dale passed. Just didn’t have an interest after all that it was like your super hero had just disappeared. Never once did I hold any kind of disrespect towards sterling for what happened, it’s racing and in the worst case scenario that’s what happens. I’m glad Dale jr is bringing these old boys back into the light in such a behind the scenes way. Makes me feel like we’re back in those good old days. Good for you jr

[@georgetincher7859]

I always liked Sterling Marlin. He was one of the last true old school guys in the sport, just a good old southern farm boy who worked his way to the top through the ranks. I cannot tell you how much I miss those kinds of drivers. They were the heart and soul of this sport. But they have mostly disappeared, unfortunately, replaced by kids from rich families who basically buy their seats.

[@vicpackard4405]

I am glad you finally had him on. Great interview. I liked him way back in the day.

[@DCRNLV]

Seeing S.M. like that literally brought tears to my eyes; but him showing up proves his bravery, honesty & the fact that he's a STUD!

[@rodneydeflumeri1180]

Sterling was one of the most friendliest drivers and was nothing but a class act. Prayers to him and his family.

[@sandradowney7928]

Thank you so much for this touching show with Sterling. He still has that twinkle in his eye when talking about his racing days. Kudos to Sterling for coming to the Download and sharing as he could only do on your show. Loved it.

[@_NoDrinkTheBleach]

I remember being angry at the time, but I was always more upset at the outcome and not the circumstances. Ken Schrader and Sterling had so much of a personal burden to bear from the aftermath of that day. I hate to think that anyone would be stupid enough to threaten the life of someone who was involved a one in a million crash at a race known for big crashes. But I know the world we live in.

[@glennanderson3511]

Dale Jr is just a good dude. It shows by the way he treats people and loves and promotes the sport and the respect he shows to the ones that paved the way. He seems to have a kind soul.

[@PaulBoss351]

Thank you for everything, Sterling. Such a fantastic superspeedway driver from the very beginning. All those great runs in the 94 car, the 22 car and the 4 car. Two-time Daytona 500 winner. Amazing human being. Thank you and God Bless you.

[@jallen5860]

Damn…. I was in tears throughout this whole thing. Sterling’s health is taking a toll, he obviously still hurts due to Sr’s death. Junior, thanks for doing this. It’s been many years, but for race fans it’s almost as it it were yesterday.

[@tommyyancy3902]

Sterling Marlin is truly missed in the sport. There aren’t anymore like him left now.

[@TheEgg185]

What about Danica Patrick?

[@ToddyTurnsLeftRBCSPORTEarth44]

@@TheEgg185do not remind her ever again.

[@NotSteveCook]

Common man doing uncommon things.

[@andrewwagner7992]

I can still picture Sterling climbing out of that car at Michigan 2001 as the rain poured down giving Dodge their first Winston Cup win since 1977, and his first win in cup personally since 1996. The joy in his face was unforgettable.

[@GeoffiNaw]

My cousin and I both used to be huge fans of NASCAR back in the early 2000s. I pulled for Rudd, him Marlin, tough ole drivers.. miss all those older guys. Back then we were riding around race shops in Mooresville and happened to run into Sterlin as he randomly came out a door from his race team's shop; took some pictures with him.. down to earth guy.

[@Buschwick]

omg I had no idea Sterling was in this shape. And Jr is such a freaking class act.

[@greghicks8575]

As I stated, I met him at his house in November 2008. He welcomed me and my friend with open Arms.. spent a hour or so with him at his shop those cool moments mean the world to me ..

[@braydenfletcher8159]

This whole episode was a rollercoaster ride. Partially sad because someone like Sterling, with as nice and gracious as he is, doesn't deserve any of the threats sent to him after Seniors passing. But it fills my heart seeing him again! Some of these guys like Marlin, Marcis and Gant just got out of the limelight after retiring. It sucks that he has to deal with such a horrific disease but you can tell Sterling is still on the ball eith some of the stories he told! Love ya Sterling and keep up the great work DJD team!

[@siltstridersftw]

I really hate that Sterling got treated so horribly after that race, he didn't deserve it at all. Prayers for Sterling to get better, I feel so bad for him.

[@drivedb7]

His condition aside, it’s always good to see the should-have-been 2002 Winston Cup champion again. Be it in the Kodak car or in the Silver Bullet, he was a staple of what were perhaps the greatest days of NASCAR. Hang in there, Sterling! We’re pullin’ for ya!

[@Rocker3829]

One of the rare times that we can truly say an injury took a title from someone. You're 100% correct. 02 was his year but that neck injury kept him out. Probably the best year of equipment for Chip as well (especially after Jamie won the fall Charlotte race in only his 2nd start).

[@justinkrizenesky]

I don't think this is a fair assessment in regards to Tony Stewart and Mark. They were both phenomenal at the end of '02, and even tho Marlin led the points all year, he wasn't the leader at the time of his Kansas crash. Common misconception.

[@drivedb7]

@@justinkrizenesky - It’s more than fair. If you listed to the interview, Sterling mentioned that the Richmond crash a few weeks prior was what really messed him up. He hit hard at Richmond, had two below average finishes right after that, and the wreck at Kansas did him in. He had a phenomenal year up until Richmond and was certainly deserving of the title, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

[@justinkrizenesky]

@@drivedb7 Yep, I'm well aware, and I know what you're saying, but I don't think if the Kansas crash doesn't happen that he wins the title. Wrecks unfortunately happen, I think it was just one of those deals.

[@drivedb7]

@@justinkrizenesky - It’s impossible to say that, but if his performance prior to Richmond was any indicator, he would have been the one to beat.

[@SR-cz5sp]

I can't help but say something I've said before on this platform. I lost the full taste for Nascar years ago when Dale Jarrett retired and even then, never was a hardcore fan, but i certainly wanted the Ford Quality Care 88 to win every week. Hardcore fan or not, if you were watching the 2001 Daytona 500 and watched that accident, you likely had the breath knocked out of you when you realized that wreck took Dales life. I did. Almost immediately, you had to be concerned and care for this "kid." Ironically, although not a hardcore fan I went to my second and last race ever... Rockingham, the very next week. To say it was emotional would be saying it lightly. Fast forward to me finding this podcast and listening to Junior. This dude is down to earth, sounds honest, appreciative and he loves his family and the sport. He wants others to know that he's thankful for them. Man...that's what I call refreshing. Im thankful I've "gotten to know" Dale Earnhardt Jr., the man through this outlet. The kid I felt heartache for, is now and has been a man that I respect and can't help but be proud of, as best I can without knowing him personally. (It don't hurt that we're both North Carolina guys) We need more guys like Junior, not just in sports, but more importantly in life....and we need them fast.

[@therealnynetynyne360]

I'll admit I was pissed never made any threats but it took me years to get over it. Over the years the more I've looked at it and thought about it, I don't blame him, I don't blame anyone. He didn't want to hurt anyone and he was a hell of a good driver, I hope he is doin OK and he has peace. He didn't deserve the hate.

[@plaporte1457]

I was pissed too. Sterling had a great car that day. I assumed Earnhardt was blocking and he finally pushed him out of the way. But it was racing. Heck Earnhardt would have done it. Just a horrible day. After seeing this episode I'm going to pray for Sterling tonight before bed.

[@gregoryoliff7887]

@@plaporte1457 great point. TBF to Sterling, Dale was literally body blocking 3 lanes of traffic for the last however many laps of that race, and was having to save it everytime he ran his car across someone's bumper. Dale eventually was going to not save it or get moved, and he knew that was the case and accepted that role as the DEI member holding off the field anyway. Dale just happened to finally not stop his car from wrecking at the absolute worst time. It's not Rusty's or Ken's or Sterling's fault in anyway, if it's anyone's it's Dale's for blocking like he did, but even then you can't classify it as fault. It's just him doing everything in his power to get his best friend his first win, and his son a great finish, can't fault a man for that, especially when it, for all intents and purposes, "worked". The only thing you can call it is the most unfortunate thing NASCAR and it's fans will ever experience.

[@ethanweeter2732]

@@gregoryoliff7887And Dale was to blame for that package maybe because he hated the 2000 Daytona 500 package and they went to the package that got him killed in the October Talladega race I believe.

[@rgarrison1819]

​@Easy E Network That October Race at Talladega was Dale's Last Checker Flag Win!!!,of His Hall of Fame Career !!!,I Remember Him Storming to The Front, mainly right down the middle!,from 18th Position to 1st with 3 Laps to Go to Take The Checkers!!!,it was Masterful Restrictor Plate Super Speedway Racing!!!Bobby Hamilton Won the Following Spring Race at Talladega after Dale's Death,and When The Race Reporter asked Him how He did it,coming from way back in the pack with just a hand full of laps left,He Said, I Watched that 3 Car do what He did last October!!!,That's How I did it!!!

[@matthewhicks1725]

This brings me to tears. My bday is Feb 18th. Im so Glad that Dale Jr. is saying what he has to say now. And Sterling is here to hear it. While there is still time.

[@papadavewatson]

Been a fan of Sterling's since his days at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. He is among the last of the real racers imo. A few years ago after his Nascar retirement, Sterling was still racing at the Fairgrounds. My son and I were in the pits one Saturday afternoon before that nights race, and there was Sterling on a creeper up under his car on jack stands working on it in 102 degree weather. I told my son to look at that and remember it. It was possibly one of the greatest examples of passion for anything I have ever witnessed. A two time Daytona 500 winner busting his knuckles in that heat so he could compete in a local short track race. Oh, and he won!! God bless you Sterling, and you as well Dale Jr.

[@828Cave]

God Bless you Jr!! Sterling needed that. I felt his pain, your compassion. Thanks for being real Jr.

[@BFDT1LT]

It's hard to see Sterling going through his health issues. Many years ago, by happen chance, I found myself eating lunch sitting next to him. We never even spoke of racing. We had a genuine conversation about nothing more than small talk. I always respected him in his career and knew him to be a racer's racer. After that small encounter, I found him to be a gentleman's gentleman.

[@patrickhoock2291]

Sterling was my favorite driver. Hard to see him like this. I appreciate Dale for his gentle and forgiving nature.

[@lieghmarkwald839]

Just the sweetest podcast. Touched my heart and shows what a wonderful man jr. Has grown to be. Sterling is funny and his mischievous ways has given us great stories to hear. We pray for your health.

[@Slinger43]

My heart went out to Sterlin on that terrible day in 01 and it went out to him again today 🙏 Obviously he's in the iron grip of Parkinson's, but there he sat, at Junior's biggass table, on nothing but guts! 💪🥺 Don't you know Coo-Coo & Senior are looking down with such pride for both their boy's.

[@chettwettman6892]

You can see in his eyes that it is something he will carry with him forever.

[@markwitkowski6418]

Sterling was a really good racecar driver,him and the Kodak and Silver Bullet racecar,were in contention every Sunday.Good to see Sterling,and thaks for inviting him on,it was good for all of us.Sterling raced against the best and the best raced against him.The coolest thing to watch is when during the red flag,Sterling unstraps gets out of his racecar and begins to tweak the front right fender,against the rules,went to the back for restart,that move very well might have cost him the race,so damn funny.And his Daddy Coo Coo was also a great racecar driver.

[@hawk6dm7]

When we ran Late Models at Nashville, Sterling was always a good guy to have around. I still remember "Hey Buddy, What you doin?" I considered him a friend at the time. I don't think I ever heard him say anything hateful toward anyone. I hope he does well. I pains me to see old friends have health issues such as he has going on. Love ya Brother!!

[@MTigers006]

If you talk to Sterling can you do me a favor and tell him I am sorry he had to deal with the threats he ad to deal with. What happened was totally not his fault. Please give him my love and let him know I love him and he will be in my prayers.

[@brockstar1461]

Earnhardt fans crucified this man for absolutely no reason over a freak accident. Dale was blocking for his team and came down. Nobody did anything wrong. The fans are the best and worst part of this sport. It is sickening what sterling went through and really deserves an apology from the fans who treated him like that.

[@therealnynetynyne360]

Amen

[@joeshelton1077]

I used to be an Earnhardt fan, but I've nevered said anything negative about Sterling Marlin causing that fatal crash of Dale Earnhardt. I was just a 9 year-old kid at the time. That was racing in my words.

[@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606]

No one is to blame, however in hind sight I wish that the drivers would’ve accepted their positions at the end and never pushed the surge of traffic up around Dale, but that’s racing and everyone was doing their job racing hard

[@fatpatlives1998]

​@loganbaileysfunwithtrains606 I think dale thought he was clearing Sterling and was going to get down to block but cut him off too soon . Then over corrected and cane back across the track

[@spconrad9612]

Earnhardt fan here, and I never blamed Sterling. Dale drifted down into him, he had nowhere to go.

[@klstearmer]

i watched the race, saw the crash, when it didn't look good, follow the news that night, cried when word came out that Dale Sr. passed away, and never at once thought Sterling Marlin had anything to do with Dale's death. Mad respect for Sterling Marlin as he has always been a fair racer and is on my list of the good ol' boys of NASCAR. It was unfortunate what happened, but it happened and because of that crash and Dale's death, additional safety measures have been put in place which have probably saved more lives.

[@chuckcarton4418]

That was one of the best and nicest interviews Dale. I was a Sterling Marlin fan in his run for a championship. I think it was a big help for him asking you to cool the angery fans lashing out at Sterling. I watched many replays and everyone was bumpin n banging going into the turn. It's Daytona and wrecks happen every time. Those drivers back then never gave an inch. They were racing against one of the best in the business. It's unfortunate that we lost the heart and soul of Nascar that day but no way it was Sterlings fault, it was just racing. Stay well Sterling.

[@souless08]

You can see it in his face and eyes as soon as JR mentions it that its still haunting and still just as fresh in his memory. Have always felt bad for him and for the crap he got after the accident.

[@MrTerryh252002]

My dad has Parkinson’s disease and it’s so hard and heart breaking seeing a big strong man like my dad was growing up. Was a hunter, played hockey, was in the military. It’s hard seeing my dad who is 75 looking like 105.

[@jennifursun3303]

lost a pastor friend to it God bless

[@rayhendrickson6031]

Jr what a class act you are, and so much respect for you. I remember that day like it was yesterday. That was racing doing what Dale Sr. Loved what he was doing. Kenny Shrader, Sterling Martin are a big part of what Nascar had become. Sterling that you so much for doing the pod cast. GODS SPEED STERLING MARTIN

[@MarkGarner-ik6xd]

Sterlin, I've been a Dale Earnhardt fan since I was a little boy. Im 53, only watched nascar 2 years after because of Dale jr, but that was racing no one should have ever threatened you in anyway, shape or form. You've always been a hell of a driver and have all the respect for you. I pray for you and god bless you.

[@BeeHatGuy]

I was always a Sterling fan, and the horrible death threats killed the interest I had. Dale Jr was a great man for speaking out, but...

[@parkerbeard6170]

My best friend was a huge Dale Earnhardt fan and was completely devastated when he heard his favorite driver died. He had a hard time being a fan of Racing for awhile without his favorite driver. Not once did he ever lay the blame on Sterling and said it was unfortunately a freak Racing accident. Dale got a little too careless in trying to block both Sterling and Kenny Schrader at the same time. B/c he bumped Sterling, that's what caused him to go into the wall and his seatbelt broke on the collision

[@ronstowe8898]

There are class acts, and then there is Junior. I am more impressed by this guy ever time I see these videos.

[@Zoomer30_]

Anyone with eyes should be able to tell that the wreck had nothing to do with Sterling Marlin and everything to do with Earnhardt trying to block 3 lanes of traffic.

[@RacingfanNoah98]

Sterlings a freak. He definitely did it.

[@allabouthewaves4354]

@@RacingfanNoah98He didn’t. Earnhardts spotter told him inside, inside, inside, and Earnhardt still went down. He could’ve backed off going into 3 and they wouldn’t have caught the 15 and 8. They were too far ahead.

[@WheelerMotorsports49]

@@RacingfanNoah98get a life.

[@FastDaddy33]

'.Dale, thanks for sharing this part of the podcast here. It's important we know this part of the story, your roll in helping Sterling as well get to understand and appreciate that "it was a racing deal". God bless Sterling!!

[@stewpuddy4161]

This was so good. Loved hearing Sterling. Great job by Mike and Jr helping the audience understand what he was saying without treating him bad. He always talked a little different! I hope Sterling is doing ok. We sure do love him!

[@MeettheCreatives]

Absolutely! Well said

[@tnwhiskey68]

I get that you want to keep bigger audiences on other platforms but damn it, I wish you could put whole shows on KZbin!

[@kurtracer43]

I can still remember Sterling getting out of his car on red flag and pulling on his front fender loved watching him and hearing his stories

[@kaycallis3776]

My favorite racing moment EVER!

[@fearandloathingmedia2051]

Awesome interview!

[@mlt3820]

So thankful this conversation happened. Thank Y'all!

[@garyszewc3339]

Once they showed the replay, it was obvious senior just lost control trying to cut Marlin off. At the time the commentators were saying Marlin hit him. They just couldn't believe Dale did it to himself.

[@number1musichater430]

Even during the pre-race at Rockingham, during the interview, Marlin even said that he went on the apron to avoid Earnhardt. It really was nothing but a racing accident.

[@garyszewc3339]

@@number1musichater430 it was Dale senior dirty driving like he always did but this time he lost it.

[@mikegrey5663]

@@garyszewc3339wasn’t dirty driving. Earnhardt was in the middle and Marlin was passing down low and Dale went to block him and got around

[@garyszewc3339]

@@mikegrey5663 Dale always drove dirty. I forget who the other driver he was trying to block was, but he was swerving back and forth trying to block them so Junior would win. They were way faster, and could have both won the race if Dale wasn't blocking them. He went down to block Marlin then cut too hard to go back up the block the other driver, and lost control hitting the wall. I remember it vividly because I hated Dale senior because of how dirty he drove, and actually cheered when he hit the wall, before finding out it was fatal.

[@thumperjohnson1698]

That was mostly Darrell Waltrip repeating that line over and over on the broadcast that engrained it into people’s heads that Sterling hit Dale. Pretty aggravating.

[@dannyruckert9359]

Sterling is a great guy. Hell of a driver. Made the most of the cars he had. With all my memories, I can't remember one that he complained. A true racer.

[@drewferd2720]

That was the first full race I ever watched with my Dad. Thanks for sharing yours with all of us Jr.

[@lucky-rowe2623]

Wow I have tears running down my face. Remembering that day/week/month and now to see Sterling aging this was truly hard to watch..On top of everything my Dad passed away in December of 2001 and it made me think of him as well.

[@FUELBandicoot]

Damn it hurts to see Sterling go through what he’s going through. I’m glad he’s still doing life as normal as can be expected.

[@the8jrfan]

"Done got spun out by a bug eyed dummy"

[@Moser739]

"Various degrees of unfortunate..." Jr. Is a class act.

[@mattchildress1460]

Had a chance to meet Sterling at a restaurant right up the road from Talladega back in 08. He was one of the most genuine and nicest people I’d ever met. Stood around 30 min outside the restaurant after he’d finished eating just talking and having general conversation with anybody who wanted to talk. Absolute class act. It’s tough watching him struggle with his health.

[@cynthiadye1679]

I've always liked Sterling. I hope he's doing okay I really hated to see him in such bad health. He is one of the true original good old boys.

[@BlahKDubstep]

Good to see he is doing well. I am almost certain Sr. would say that’s racing

[@nadimsabbagh1394]

OMG that was awesome Thank you Dale and God bless Sterling prayers to him and all in this podcast 🙏

[@666superhater]

Me and my dad finally went to a Daytona 500 infield in 1994 because we usually went to the Firecracker 400 because the Daytona 500 tickets were sold out years in advanced. That was an AWESOME race, I was 21, drinking a beer with some good old boys rooting & watching Marlin do his Daytona 2nd win in the Kodak #4, and Dale Sr. charging up to the front quickly at the end. I remember back in the days just waiting for a Sterling Marlin pre or post-race interview, always seemed happy and energetic. When Dale Sr. died & I heard of the "death threats" toward Marlin, I got SO SAD for him & the crew members were even told not to wear their uniforms at Rockingham. It made a tragic situation WORSE. I just now found out about his illness & I am sad for him again, but glad to see him here at this interview. GREAT show, brings a lot of emotions out from the driver point of view, and us sad #3 fans. God Bless you Sterling Marlin. And thank you Mike & Dale Jr for sharing this, I wish my dad was around for these great shows. I LOVE the family involvement in Nascar, from the drivers/crew/owners and from the fans. 😥

[@Hootch1904]

I feel so bad for him. I'm sure he has always carried with him a lot of guilt, thinking he was the one that killed Dale. If the Rusty Wallace in the 2 hadn't push Dale forward, if Ken Schrader was another foot or so forward Dale would have hit more of Shrader's car instead of the wall. There were a million things that could have been slightly different and it would have / could have changed the outcome. I was in the stands that day on the front stretch and will never forget it. Truly a sad day in American motorsports.

[@andy-ti9zf]

miss you on the track sterling! you were one of the old school drivers i grew up watching.

[@carlnoble7895]

I felt so bad for what Sterling went through with the death threats and the guilt he put on himself. It was a racing accident and unfortunately, we lost the best in the business. I hate to see sterling struggling with his health issues as well. Sterling, my prayers go out to you!!

[@jeffsavage4486]

If I may tell quick story about Sterling Marlin, i’m from Speedway Indiana down the street from the 500 track and they were up here testing in the 90s sometime and it rained all that test out and he was in the liquor store getting a box of beer next to my work and we got to talking to him and he said well what are you gonna do and he said hell we’re going to get beer and race around the hotel room because right nothing else to do I always got a kick out of that ! Super guy

[@ghettostreamlabs5724]

Breaks my heart and makes me smile all at the same time. Been watching Sterling for damn near 40 years at local tracks here in Alabama and Tennessee. I couldn't believe folks were blaming him back then. I guess I should believe it, ive seen where college FG kickers get death threats from idiot fans too.

[@rogerriggs6055]

STerling Marlin IS ONE OF THE BEST DRIVERS THAT nascar ever had, i remember his dad was a great driver to

[@NCSRFSH]

Thank you for having Sterling on your pod cast and treating him with the respect he deserves. I know that wasn't an easy interview and you handled it with class,

[@mattsmotolife8906]

Made me misty eyed listening to Sterling, and was even harder to see him in this clip. What an outstanding episode with a legend from the best days of NASCAR. God bless him and his family. He's One Tough Customer for SURE!

[@shirleywilliams7027]

God bless him

[@davidtoups4684]

I remember hearing about the death threats back then and it still pisses me off to this day. The fact that folks would stoop to that level makes me incredibly sad. When Jr said on the follow-up show that he was told that Sterling still watches the last 10 laps of that race made me tear up. Obviously he's still carrying the events of that day with him.

[@joshcollins9119]

I’ve been waiting on this!!! I loved watching sterling at Nashville!!

[@MegaMr46]

I remember at my job, I met one of his friends. We talked about NASCAR and Sterling Marlin, and I felt sorry about the hell he went through with death threats he gets but Dale Jr stood by him was the greatest moment.

[@jOHNB8Y]

God Bless you Sterling!