Dale Jr. Download: '98 Daytona 500 Tell-All with Larry McReynolds

From the process of building the car to testing it in preparation for the big race, America’s Crew Chief Larry McReynolds details everything the team went through leading up to the 1998 Daytona 500.
What did Earnhardt Sr. admit to McReynolds after winning his duel race that changed their approach just days before the event? And what happened as the No. 3 car pulled onto the track for happy hour that made the team nervous heading into the race the next day?
Plus, hear the story of the infamous lucky penny and what was happening as Earnhardt received it.
Who dialed the No. 3 car’s radio during the race that nearly made McReynolds lose it? You’ll be surprised. Then, find out why the team held their breath as Earnhardt completed the final few laps under caution.
Lastly, McReynolds reflects on the scene in victory lane and compares it to watching kids open presents on Christmas morning.
Listen to the interview in its entirety on dirtymomedia.com or any podcasting platform.

[@gbird153]

My cousin, Matt Fenstermaker was the other Make A Wish kid there that day w/Miss Miller. Wessa and Matt told Dale he was going to win. My cousin knew every single stat, race won, how many laps led, everything you could imagine, and owned every Dale Sr Action car there is. I'll never forget hearing him talk of his time with Dale, and his rendition of the Lucky Penny. There's no doubt in any of our minds that by simply meeting and spending a few minutes with his hero bought Matthew some extra time with us. Unfortunately, we lost Matthew a few years after that right around his 13th birthday, but to this day, my aunt and uncle remain Earnhardt fans and hold that family in such high regard.

[@006bloody]

That's a neat little bit of history you shared there sir. The impact Dale Sr had on folks was/is an undefined force of nature. Thank you and RIP to Matt!

[@supreme3-6-94]

AWESOME Lifelong EARNHARDT Fan Of DALE SR. JR. AND KERRY Great Stories.

[@KMHrock89]

Now Matt and Dale are able to celebrate that Daytona 500 win together. :)

[@addisonbook8812]

@Gregg Bird amazing but a sad story as well deeply sorry

[@KMHrock89]

@@jorgeemiliano5089 You probably have 423,827 viruses now and your compy is going to pee on your carpet.

[@michaelwhalen4072]

Makes you think how many more stories we could hear if Dale was still here.

[@mikeznel6048]

I don't think Dale would really want to be part of all that though. The whole podcast thing.

[@chrisrogers3175]

He might not even have the podcast or Jr motorsports if his dad was still around

[@theonionman]

❤❤❤😞

[@justinstotler2432]

That would be awesome.

[@djhixson88]

@@mikeznel6048 He had a ton of charisma, was a natural on a mic IMO, I think he'd like the idea of it. We can only wonder.

[@jeffpatton2866]

I cried when he won in 1998, I cried when he lost his life in 2001, and I cried hearing these stories. The greatest I have ever seen in a stock car in my 40 years of being a NASCAR fan. RIP Dale Earnhardt.

[@sharonwolfe9600]

Me too. #3 forever

[@leesayers8316]

It's been 23 years. I still cry because I miss him and I know Nascar would be different because he wouldn't let it become what it is now. I stopped watching in 2013. Because the intimidator wasn't there to save the sport. He was Nascar, he was the best there ever will be. No one will ever take his place. No one will make nascar what Earnhardt did. He was Nascar. When he died, he took Nascar with him. I will always miss him and there will never be another intimidator ever again. The man was super human behind the wheel of a race car. God took him from us because he built a racecar only dale could drive.

[@tacoenvy]

Man I will never ever get tired of hearing these old Nascar stories. Anything with Larry is always good.

[@deuce9624]

I agree

[@noahthomas4341]

69 likes. I’ll be back. Edit. We good

[@DupontandLowesWarrior]

Brad Keselowski won this Race

[@chrisrice2083]

So much history here, these stories we need to hear before we can't

[@masterbates7016]

The good days of real racing

[@sahholsteins1]

Larry Mac, almost cussing out Bill France Jr. And having to be stopped is Gold!!! 🤣🤣

[@jacobandmore3915]

“Hey Sunday Money this is Captain Jack” “WHO THE HELL IS CAPTAIN JACK!?” 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@teresagoodwin7458]

AMEN 🙏🏻🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@teresagoodwin7458]

​@jacobandmore391 TOO FUNNY 🤣🤣🤣🤣PRICELESS GOLD🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@user-ij6xs4ut7j]

I was a fan of Dale Sr. because of my dad, I developed my own admiration for Jr. I am not a fan of today’s product that NASCAR puts out. I am extremely fascinated to learn and listen about how the cars were put together and how they ran. Hearing these old stories is priceless in my opinion. I miss the NASCAR of my youth and watching races with my dad. I love this podcast!

[@rebelsoul5980]

Try watching Nascar again brother! I agree, nothing will match the amazing 90s and early 2000s of the Nascar Era. But there are some good drivers in the sport now, even with all the BS Nascar does(schedule and stage racing, and all the other BS with the car). Don't let negative people keep you from the great sport of racing! God bless

[@deannakitchen5568]

At that the truth. This crap they have now is awful. Dale is rolling in his grave about this s**t today. I couldn’t watch NASCAR until this year and I can’t believe what this has turned into. God love those days when rubbing’ was racing. I knew immediately that my hero was gone. I had a pit pass and was behind the wall at Michigan when all the people mugged him but I didn’t although I regret it now. Also had the opportunity to get Davey Allison’s autograph but wasn’t going to. Wish we could still see him as an owner and being a family man with his kids.

[@dennisharold9342]

​@deannakitchen5568 you were very fortunate to have saw that. I saw Teresa Earnhardt up close at a Dale Earnhardt Day at the old DEI shop once and couldn't believe how tiny she was. But such a classy woman. People talk trash about her, but I don't know if they really put themselves in her shoes and critically think about the decisions that she had to make under absolutely heartbreaking circumstances the way she had to do it. Some people call her the Wicked Witch of the South? The very few precious couple of minutes I got to shake her hand and talk to her, that's not the impression I got from her. Take a second look at her and her actions, yeah things probably could have been handled differently looking back on it now, but at the time she was only look after her husband.

[@jeremyburri6984]

What don't you like some of these new drivers are getting really good

[@Brandon-youtube]

Probably a lot of us in that same not, dad was a Sr fan, we are Jr fans, and interested in the glory days.

[@bassosgarage3900]

The most amazing thing to me is how clearly people can speak about Dale, even the details. 1998 was 23 years ago and these guys still remember things like it was yesterday. Larry Mac is a helluva guy.

[@maryrose7864]

Hello

[@bradklingensmith]

It's amazing. Pro golfers are the exact same way. Well, in 2001 on the 14th hole 2nd shot I did this...

[@gloriaannopperman2734]

I am the same age as Dale would have been.72 years for me in September, Dale reached it in Heaven on April 29th of this year. Dale Earnhardt Sr was our fave of all time and was a very compassionate person. The Oppermans from Texas will always love and miss you Dale Earnhardt Sr, your fans forever and our devotion to Dale has stood the test of time. Jerry and Sugar Bear and Dale are having a grand time in Heaven with Neil and all together. Thank you. Gloria

[@jimgillett1184]

#3 Forever! I remember everything thing about that day! Had been partying with a group all night and my buddy Charlie was a huge Big E fan as well. We were at him and his new wife's house. This guy is the funniest mother trucker you ever met lol 😂 He was standing up screaming play by play action the last 50 laps! Good times! I left right after the race and did like 10 doughnuts in front of his house in my Camaro lol

[@redneckfantasyguy1696]

LARRY MAC , “remember folks,...: this is just between me and you “

[@hoyle7780]

Hey I thought that was just between me & him :(

[@SingerDinger]

@@hoyle7780 no I’m pretty sure that’s what Larry Mac told only me

[@mid.life.crisis2955]

Dya remember when he told us to practise the practice race practise in the race practise practice race? God bless him. Hope you guys are good.

[@harrymonster3321]

I remember watching this race on tv, I was bouncing off the walls! My wife thought I lost my mind, but to hear what was happening behind the scenes and the effort everyone put in to that win, makes it that much sweeter!

[@jasonoconnor5085]

I could listen to Larry talk all day, miss him in the Fox booth

[@richdiscoveries]

It was really cool watching him on the cleetus McFarland Channel calling that race. Brought back a lot of good memories hearing him in the booth. Extremely surprised he did it, but it was amazing

[@noahthomas4341]

He’s still kinda there...

[@scottlosey4978]

Agreed brother....its hard to watch NASCAR these days

[@jasonoconnor5085]

@@scottlosey4978 Not the same NASCAR I grew up watching for sure

[@DupontandLowesWarrior]

Talladega 2009

[@mcgovernoutdoors33]

Man I remember watching the race and leaving my dads house and he called me 1 hr later to tell me Sr was gone and I cried like a lil baby. Forever 3

[@tmcorey1]

Him climbing back into that car and finishing the race in ‘97 was real life John Wayne putting the reins in his teeth, a winchester in one hand, a colt in the other, and spurring his horse into battle against impossible odds. I mean, who does that?! Dale Earnhardt. That’s who. 😎

[@corym4749]

I'm pretty sure that was the same race/wreck that Ray Evernham was talking about in the Refuse to Lose documentary and Earnhardt came down pit road and gave him the finger lol. What a legend

[@corym4749]

@@tmcorey1 ummmm I was never a Gordon fan. Always an Earnhardt fan. I was just saying when he hoped back in the car after that wreck he came down pit road and was giving Ray Evernham (Jeff Gordon's crew chief) the finger as he came down pit road. Just adding on to your comment about how badass Dale was

[@maryrose7864]

Hello

[@teresagoodwin7458]

Nobody but Dale "THE INTIMIDATOR " Earnhardt Sr could pull that off.. No driver has the balls or stamina to race the way they raced back from the 50's onward until Nascar began screwing everything up with stupid stages and taking dates away from tracks that the fans loved such as North Wilkesboro and PRAISE GOD FOR DALE JR AND HIS IDEA FOR iRacing and it turned into North Wilkesboro being resurrected for which I'm thrilled because I love North Wilkesboro 💞🤗💞🏁🏆🏁

[@carlsheerin3410]

I was there when your father won the Daytona 500, Dale had a strong motor in qualifying and won the Twins 125 race, I could see your father different this year? He knew and I knew that he had more HP than any car in the 1998 Daytona 500. Your father and I had a love/hate relationship? Can’t count how many times I tried to get Dale’s signature, finally I said no more!! I have so many pictures of your father and the race team. Only at the 1998 Daytona 500, I saw your father walking to the driver’s introduction trailer signing autographs and this was one of the only time’s I didn’t have a sharpie. To be honest I didn’t deserve your father’s autograph, because I wasn’t a Dale Earnhardt fan,so many times I said that I hated your father but when he won the race at Talladega, he was 20+ positions back with five laps to go and your father came around and won that race. That’s when I made my peace with your father, I never hated your father, I hated how good your father was. The next year at Daytona I saw you and Michael battling on the last lap, I saw the wreck on turn four, but to me it didn’t look bad? Then all my focus went to Michael and you. Michael won the Daytona 500 and I was so happy and having one of the greatest times ever at the Daytona 500. Two hours after the race I learned that your father had passed away in the wreck off turn 4, I was devastated, truly crushed, I started crying at a Japanese steakhouse in Daytona. The death of your father affected me for over six months because I knew how important he was to NASCAR and how many Earnhardt fans there were in the stands. Dale Junior you always have my love and respect.

[@timg2088]

"Dale was right there along with Ernie Irvin, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett and that bunch." That's the NASCAR I loved!

[@ryanralph7494]

That's the Nascar I grew up on and loved. Born in 88. Dad was a huge Dale fan and that's was always our sundays. Everyone watched the race in our house. Some of the greatest memories I have in life

[@81millionvotes]

Absolutely, I just cant hardly watch it now, I was Die hard Gordon fan but have come to really like Jr.and this channel..damn I miss those days though!

[@yankee_tango]

I have been to the RCR facility and the Museum, the day my wife and I were there Danny "Chocolate" Meyers was working in the the museum, he took my wife and I on a tour of the place and lowered the ropes for us to get a close look at the Daytona '98 car, and that penny is still on the dash. Being that close to that car brought a swarm of emotions to me that i will never be able to truly explain. I was not a huge fan of Dale when he raced but after he was gone, I heard about the things he did for others and changed my view of him completely.

[@zlinedavid]

No better guy than Chocolate Meyers to be running a place like that.

[@jdgindustries2734]

For anyone interested, MRN has the 98 500 race on KZbin, as is the CBS broadcast. It's still just as much fun watching him take the white and yellow and listening to the announcers... "Dale Earnhardt will come to the caution flag to win the Daytona 500!"

[@taco472]

I remember that wreck where Dale was in the ambulance then got back in the car and finished the race and remember him talking about it. He said he was setting in the am-ba-lance looking at the car and it didn’t look that bad . He said “I jumped out of that am-ba-lance and told that track guy see if that thing will fire......l told him get out of there and let we back in there”. That cracked me up the way he pronounced ambulance and from that day on I always say ‘am ba lance’ . And that was the the day I became started to become ‘AFan of the Man’ even though I bleed Ford Blue. 💜

[@krisknower7635]

I love listening to this bright god fearing son, father and sibling. Thank you Dale Jr. what would be a good book to read. I was on 95 leaving Hilton head the day he passed and followed this fan base all the way to your place. Couldn’t stop in Raleigh. Home. Had to pay tribute. Thank you son!

[@terid2401]

I was at Daytona in 98 when Dale won the Daytona 500 it was a great day and I was a Gordon fan but my husband at the time was an Earnhart fan that was so exciting Dale was bigger than life itself, I'll never forget how happy my husband was he passed away later in that year but he died a happy man 💜

[@kjprodouctions9050]

I'm sorry that he passed

[@wattsun7946]

The soul of NASCAR died with Dale Sr. Love Jr, but it was just never the same.

[@allen8263]

I was at the Daytona 500 for this race, my only 500 I have attended. It was a special NASCAR moment then and now more than 20 years later hearing this podcast has made my day. Thanks Dale Jr.!

[@Architectureguy]

This is what I wanted to see! Dale Sr. winning the Daytona 500 was awesome! My family and I were on the way back from Disney World that day, and I heard the news at a gas station we stopped at in Florida coming up I-75. Can't believe it's been nearly 25 years!

[@nikolaskipp769]

I grew up watching Dale Sr. Race while listening to this man's voice with my grandpa. This video brought be back to the good days!

[@davehalm7362]

Thanks for the memories Jr. Tears of joy are flowing again. I could listen to stories about your Dad all day long.

[@lewiskemp5893]

I agree

[@maryrose7864]

Hello

[@jkj43racing]

Dale Earnhardt was truly my hero. After he died my mom would put on racing for me and I'd tell her it's ok there's no point. I felt bad for grieving like it was wrong, but now I realize the gravity of the situation and its ok to grieve this man even though I technically did not know him because he still meant the world to me.

[@larrylucas5731]

This podcast sure brings back a lot of memories. I just turned 64 and Nascar runs deep. Thanks guys!

[@kimberlyokeeffe5360]

I've watched and listened to Larry Mac tell this story many times since it first came out and I will never get tired of hearing it. I always get a little more out of it every time. And for the record I will be using 'come apart' the next time I have to describe a situation where I would normally use conniption.

[@timeversman9804]

I've just started watching the older podcasts. I was a Elliot fan my whole life. But when Sr. Won that race I was smiling because that's the way racing was done right. I haven't had that feeling alot since. Thanks for reminding me these podcasts just bring me back.

[@tatertots5625]

Literally Dale Sr should've won so many 500's. Way more than anyone. Just insane bad luck. Aside from all that he absolutely dominated Daytona in all ways possible. Many times with a car that wasn't the best. They just had the best driver! Truly was a blessing watching that man every weekend. I didn't have a great relationship with my father growing up. The best memories I have with him were watching Dale Sr on the weekends!

[@tyleracimovic823]

That penny is still on the car at the RCR Museum. I saw the car in 2019, and it was CLEAN.

[@rlh4331]

As a lifelong NASCAR fan - listening to these stories is magical ! Thanks.

[@ateddybear1392]

“WHO THE HELL IS CAPTAIN JACK?!?” Lmao I can imagine the reaction

[@coreyforshey3812]

Can you imagine hearing that on radio? Hahahaha!

[@JJA1987]

That was a funny story when Larry mentioned that

[@richdiscoveries]

You can imagine his blood pressure boiling up towards his head when he's hearing that LOL

[@davesmith8265]

Captain Jack will get you high tonight. And take you to your special island. BILLY JOEL!!!

[@x21gokartracing]

Great story from Larry Mac

[@easttnlawncare6740]

I will never get tired of hearing about the three car with Dale behind the wheel

[@sharonwolfe9600]

Never ever!

[@donatherton9228]

I remember watching that race. I always was a Dale Earnhardt fan. We raced dirt track with bikes. I felt like I lost my best friend when Dale passed. Our family cried for days. Dale Jr is awesome and kept up the family legacy thankyou Jr. Sending you our respect from Ohio.

[@muffman8469]

damn son that was so heart felt with the penny and captain jack thing I sure miss the man I LOVE THIS SHOW been watching for along ass time and love everyone

[@coreyforshey3812]

I was jumping and screaming, go go go! I thought Bobby was gonna catch us. We got the win and I ran outside screaming and jumping and cheering for Dale. Literally the 3rd happiest day of my lifetime. And on Monday morning, several of my co workers patted me on the back and gave me cigars. ( Everyone knows how much I love Dale). Truly a memory I’ll cherish for life. I miss my Hero. But damn it: WE WON THE DAYTONA 500!! #3 FOREVER

[@maryrose7864]

Hello

[@SomeUsernameSomeoneElseTookIt]

what was the 2nd happiest day

[@kennethsheriff1659]

Who is we? Was you a rat in his pocket?

[@sharonwolfe9600]

Thank you Dale Jr. for letting those that were there tell the stories. In the history of NASCAR, as in real life, the story tellers are passing away. Now we have them for posterity. Kids listen to your grandparents. One day, you will cherish them. Love Larry Mac's stories.

[@kimma508]

The way Larry tells these stories about Sr it makes you feel as if you were right there with them. Fascinating to listen to.

[@joelhatt1879]

He is a great story teller

[@danielverduin3359]

Indeed one of the specialist day's in racing history. I was lucky enough to watch it on tv. Thank you Dale, Larry for sharing this story. Dale Sr. was a major influence in my motorsports enthusiasm.

[@tnwhiskey68]

Larry Mcreynolds is such a dang professional! So important to Nascar and I hope he stays around forever!

[@brandonbarker6009]

The simple respect Larry Mac has for Jr is incredible. Gems, both of them. Blessings guys

[@cordelianoelle3644]

One week will be 20 years since we heard "This is undoubtedly one of the toughest announcements that I've ever personally had to make, but after the accident in turn four at the end of the Daytona 500, we've lost Dale Earnhardt." It's like the bottom fell out and so many of us here never met him. We all have our own stories about that time. Reflect and remember The Intimidator for how he loved racing. God Speed.

[@piedpiper8355]

Worst birthday ever. My 25th. Old fart now. On a lighter note, on my 18th birthday, in a dry county in Bama, got caught by the law with several cases of adult beverages among us. The one thing I remember most- had my 6 time Dale Earnhardt jacket on and didn't want it messed up!

[@cordelianoelle3644]

@@piedpiper8355 Happy early Birthday. I don't have a known tragedy associated with my birthday, just share(d) it with a tyrant. Saddam. Fun 18th bday memory. I probably just went to the beach.

[@jayski8987]

I didn’t believe it was true at first. The wreck didn’t even look that bad compared to some of the accidents Earnhardt had in his career. Definitely the saddest day in NASCAR history.

[@ryanralph7494]

Everytime I hear that, even reading that line. My throat trembles. I'll never forget that day

[@johndavis2270]

I CRY EVERYTIME!!

[@montybarbee8128]

I love hearing all the things we would’ve never known otherwise. Thanks to all three#3 for sharing.

[@petecastle5762]

The penny and the captain jack moments gave me chills, gosh I miss dale earnhardt

[@randyheath8566]

Got them Goosebumps again. Make a Wish Story. 🕶🙏 REST IN PEACE DALE EARNHARDT SR🙏🕶 RIGHT HE IS THE GUY FOR DALE. Awesome time in my life and miss REAL Racing and Dale E S

[@2ndchancenomad212]

Still to this day, I have never watched a Nascar car race since that day. Dale will always be to me the heart of Nascar.

[@DennyDeliversYT]

YES! Larry Mac is back! He’s got so many great story to tell... Glad you guys brought him back on!

[@alanluscombe8a553]

Man your boy denny was fast during speedweeks and while im not a huge bubba fan denny and micheal seem to have put together a wicked fast car for him and i wish him the best of luck.

[@jessejames2546]

My little brother and I have our picture with Dale in bristol infield maybe 89- 90, he’s in the middle, leather jacket, arm around each of us. I remember watching him pull up to the driver check in, driving a black blazer and Dale jr was looking out the back window at us.

[@maryrose7864]

Hello

[@maryrose7864]

hello

[@codystutting3410]

Man there isnt a day that I don’t miss watching dale race and everything still wish he was around

[@Beserker3737]

Think about him every day. Can’t believe it’s been 20yrs

[@jaywilliams1291]

Man Larry Mac, America’s crew chief. Another great podcast. I listen to several podcasts but the djd is definitely the best. Haven’t heard a bad one yet. Thanks Dale,Mike & Larry Mac. Just made my day better.

[@maryrose7864]

Hello

[@chrisanthony579]

For me the '98 Daytona 500 was one of the greatest sporting events of all time. Not the race, not the win but what took place on pit road.

[@scottw.thaggard-ul6rw]

Hold on there Mr. Mc Renolds your comment about fans thanking you for your AWESOME job as Dale Earnhardt's Crew Chief and the WIN for the 1998 Daytona 500. Thanks for being so humble but you rightfully EARNED that one buddy. I know I'm not the only one who knows what high success you had as Davey Allison's Crew Chief in the #28 Texaco/Havaline car, MANY VICTORY'S, leading the points, you are a Crew Chief "Einstein" and Gear-Heads like me witnessed you in action and appreciated your wise and clever calls during a race. Unfortunately the world never got to see the outcome of you and Davey that year, me and my crowd believe you and Davey would have won the championship. God Bless Davey and his entire family. I remember when he would race at B.I.R. then ARCA with Red Farmer,we ran an ARCA car too. You got what it takes, Thank You Larry 🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@81casperflip]

Glad we still have a presence of Dale Earnhardt through these stories

[@hamartime17]

I love Larry Mac. He can be as humble as he wants, but the good Lord pointed him to RCR and Sr for a reason. God Bless ya LMc

[@travishanner9970]

Dale was always the "bad ass in the black car", the Intimidator!!! Love hearing stories like him with the Make A Wish kid. He was definitely one in a million. Got to meet him at the 2001 Rolex 24. Hell of a guy!!!

[@Toddfather88]

Thank you Dale Jr for finishing a race and not taking the DNF when possible. I remember you driving Kyle’s car when he left the track and his crew worked to get his car back on the track. Classic proud Jr Nation moment!

[@kidwave1]

Dale Jr does a phenomenal job on these podcasts. I have always felt we got robbed of all the insight, knowledge, memories and entertainment we would have gotten from Dale Sr after he wouldve finished racing. He is THE ONE GUY, who would have been awesome to have around to share his experiences and life of racing. How amazing would it be if this was the Dale Sr show? At least we have Dale Jr, and this show, which is, again, PHENOMENAL! Thank you Jr!

[@DaveMcLain]

You're right. Dale Jr is great at this sort of stuff. He knows how to ask the right questions and it would have been great for him to have his dad on an episode. I wonder what he would ask him about?

[@spence7985]

Turn 4 Dale’s spotter “ COME ON BABAAAY!!!!” Unforgettable call for an unforgettable win

[@alanluscombe8a553]

Its hard for me to listen to larry mac. I love him and always have but he reminds me of my grandfather who was also named larry, looked similar and sounded the same and was the biggest nascar fan i have ever met. He had a shop from floor to ceiling with nascar stuff from old diecast cars to a signed richard petty helmet to a body off of a 2000 bobby labonte 18 car to firesuits from indy car drivers and dozens of pictures with him and f1 drivers in the 60s. He passed away last year and his brother, my uncle broke into his shop and all that stuff dissapeared. I guess you find out who people really are when someone dies and peoples greed comes out. Rip grandpa thanks for the memories and giving me the love of auto racing that will stay with me forever.

[@aLaN12810]

I knew Larry Mac was with Davy Allison, I was so happy Larry could share the win with Dale Sr. As is was with Davy Allison. I still to this day miss your Dad and Davy Allison. You did great too Dale Jr. You are a living legend just like your Dad and in your own way.Thank you for your podcast. It's great as always.

[@johndavis2270]

LARRY should write a book about all his experiences in racing!!

[@pjdurkin8582]

#3 car set up for the 98, 500. Was perfect. Great job Larry Mac. Dale in victory lane. "this car did everything"

[@elvisowens7137]

Thank u fer these stories.. Love hearing about your dad.. He was an always will be my hero... Never got to see him race live.. But man I lost something that day too..

[@dwtrksvc]

Just watched a video on good sportsmanship and the congratulation line from all of the other teams and crew members for your dad when he won was THE NUMBER ONE moment. Forever gone too soon, but the brightest stars always burn twice as fast. Thank you for this episode.

[@jackthorton10]

I see it as a sense of human compassion, of respect for pushing the envelope to accomplish one of your biggest feats that you have tried so hard to make come to fruition, and when that accomplishment comes out right in front of you.... for a brief moment... everything feels right with the world.

[@piedpiper8355]

@@jackthorton10 oh it felt right. Those were the days...

[@chrisminton8563]

Thank You @DirtyMoMedia and @DaleJr for having @LarryMcReynolds back on the Download! i could spend days listening to his stories. Larry is a true Legand of the Sport.

[@craigparrish3582]

So glad I was able to see dale Sr race. Cool to hear Larry tell of him and dale Sr. Winning 500 .

[@lewiskemp5893]

Best win I saw was Atl 95. He was on rails

[@JJA1987]

I saw him race in Loudon 3 times between 98-2000

[@craigparrish3582]

Saw him before he made in big in cup. Alot of grit and determination.

[@richdiscoveries]

I have watched countless episodes on this channel, but this was by far one of my favorites

[@JJA1987]

Long Live The Intimidator - Larry is the man

[@jfraz3570]

My best years of car races just loved watching Dale Sr

[@thebear3589]

I remember it like it was yesterday...FINALLY getting that 500 win just how sweet it was as a fan...cant begin to even phantom how Big E and RC musta been feeling 3 Da Man...4 LIFE!!!!!

[@jackthorton10]

And a huge sigh of relief swept through the stadium... Finally

[@alanluscombe8a553]

Yep i was 8 and i remember it. I remember i was in the same seat as a 10 year old when he died. I remember dale winning the 500, dale passing away at the 500, and 9 11 clear as day.

[@rtopp1]

I was a truck driver at the time and wanted to watch the Daytona 500. I had a load from Janesville, Wi going to Jackson, Ms. I should have left that Saturday afternoon but stayed home to watch the race. I left after the race and drove straight thru to my delivery appointment, making it there 45 minutes before my 7 AM appointment. I was glad I watched the race to see Dale Sr. win the Daytona 500.

[@joeking9800]

I love the stories from Larry and Andy. I wish we could get some Ray Evernham and Chad Knaus stories.

[@bhaywood77]

Great stories about Sr. I remember where I was when Dale Sr won Daytona and Talladega the last time. Juniors Podcast is still the best thing going in NASCAR. More Dale Sr stories please. Thanks for the great content.

[@piedpiper8355]

We had a weekly race pool. That last win of Dale's the bet was $20 as usual. I think we had 50 people or so in that pool. I won it and bought a new set of super swampers for my truck. Had no idea of the gravity of that win.

[@maryrose7864]

Hello

[@bretloy4565]

"Hey Sunday Money, this is Captain Jack." This was an awesome session with Larry Mac! I am so grateful that I experienced the 90s era of NASCAR racing. It was the best!!

[@benjaminrizzo6573]

Remember when he was on the motorcycle...showing up at the ESPN studio..just showed up!! Dale was funny saying!! HEY!! I WON THE DAYTONA 500!!!

[@TheJer1963]

Yep, there was Dale on the back of a police motorcycle. He was like 12 year year old having the day of his life.

[@stuartsmith4657]

This man's a national treasure. Thanks y'all for putting these amazing interviews together!

[@leebritt1434]

Could listen to these stories forever...get cold chills to this day thinking about it...Legends Never Die

[@tnrodgers]

Larry Mac is awesome. Best crew chief, superb announcer. And he tells it so well.

[@crittershotrods3691]

The hardest she’ll protects the softest center. What a good heart and a good human being. The most imperfect people make the most mistakes because success comes from multiple failures. This episode really touched my heart

[@jesuschristislord6790]

Always kills me how people consider 1997-98 "down years" I get it, he's a champion and all that. But he finished 5th in points in 97, 8th in 98. Average finish 12.1 in 97. Thats pretty good for "down" years.

[@AJOmega2]

And let's be honest, those years were the rise of Jeff Gordon. In 1998 in particular, if you weren't named Jeff Gordon or Mark Martin, you may as well have not shown up to the track. They won 20 out of 33 races that year between them. And hey, no season where you finally win the biggest race in the sport can really be *that* bad a season, huh?

[@JJA1987]

When Dale wasn't 1st or 2nd in the points it was definitely not good enough being The Face Of The Sport at the time and yeah with Jeff coming along definitely didn't help

[@oonojoe]

Great Interview. Thanks. Larry Mac! HE IS THE GUY, Humble or Not !! After 20 years and especially after 97' that Ole Dale had that win coming.

[@aaronsalais3477]

I am Forever a Fan of the Earnhardts. Dale Jr you Kerry And Your Dad best ever. On and Off track. Kelly your Sister. I have much respect for you and your family on and off Track in many aspects.

[@ClamSword]

I love Larry Mac. He’s a national treasure.

[@Chrystal_Hendrix]

Something Dale Sr. would’ve never spoke publicly about or seek recognition for was the wonderful things he did for people. I’m from the same town where Wessa Miller lives. We live in a rural Appalachian Coal Town where most live payday to payday. Wessa is in a wheelchair and her family was in need of handicapped equipped transportation for her…..After he won the race Dale found out about the family’s need of transportation he arranged for them to get a brand new handicapped equipped van…..Wessa being a huge Sr. Fan made sure it had a huge number 3 sticker on it. His kindness made a huge difference in their lives and it made taking her places easier and safer. He may have been intimidating, but he had a heart of gold.

[@aidanmurray3704]

I listen to this almost all the time now that I've discovered it, it's very calming to listen to as it shows how intense it was mentally and physically and it gives background.

[@MassageTimeSpa]

Take the credit, Larry, you deserve it.

[@VicarOfMayhem]

Amazing story, Larry! I'll never forget that day either. I was at the 500 until 1995 when the frustration got the better of me and I just couldn't go anymore. So I was at my buddy's house watching in 1998, he's as big of fan of Dale Sr as I am. That last 20 laps we couldn't even sit! We were pacing in front of his tv, lol! When that last yellow came out we knew it was over but our eyes never left the screen! until he got the checkered flag and we celebrated along with everyone else. I think the heavy breathing subsided at that point and we sat back down. The receiving line on pit road was one of the most awesome sights I've ever seen and I still get choked up when I see a replay of it.

[@toddwhittaker4418]

I have watched this video a few times and it never gets old always brings a tear to my eye r.i.p. Dale 3

[@r.c.3372]

Enjoy the old days with Dale racing it's just not the same without Dale. Enjoyed Larry talking about the day's he spend with Dale. Enjoyed the walk down memory lane. God Bless.

[@MrGunPilot]

One of the best interviews you've hosted. Story book for sure.

[@FlowStateEnergy]

I consider myself lucky to grow up watching from the late 80’s on. Pops and I wouldn’t miss a race. Daytona was the only day I was allowed to miss church. I still have all my cards of Dale Sr from back in the day. And a ton of Dale Jr. pretty much all his rookie cards. NASCAR was never the same for me after Senior died. Still to this day I’ll watch but I’m not as invested. I cried the day Senior died and I was a Junior in HS.

[@ThaddMcNamara]

So VERY glad, you had Larry on to share that EPIC moment recreated for us to experience! It was just SO SATISFYING to be able to relive the days and hours leading up to the final stanza! Thank You!!!

[@RodimusPrime]

I really enjoyed hearing about how that car was built. Larry Mac thank you for delivering a flawless machine.

[@EricCox4848]

It's like Earnhardt was so close so many times but couldn't get it. 1998 was when it finally happened. In some ways Daytona was cruel to Earnhardt. But I'm sure it was one of the happiest days of his life.

[@bradklingensmith]

Flat tire, bird strike...so close so many times..

[@thangknowa3288]

Larry is a quality, jam up, top notch guy. Thanks for sharing.

[@nedflora1154]

I was there in '98 saw Jr crash going down the back stretch saw Sr win. Was an awesome week to be in daytona

[@MichaelThomas-dr6xy]

I was there in 98 when Dale won the Daytona 500, I was pissed being a Gordon fan but have massive respect for Dale Sr now, and I wasn’t a Dale Jr fan but I absolutely love the guy and his videos now!

[@johnfullmer7659]

That’s an awesome interview with Larry!!!!! Great job all of you!!!!!! Thank you

[@TheArchangel38401]

One of your best Jr., am Larry will always be revered as getting your dad to his 1st 500. I don't care what he thinks.... Thanks for this one!

[@larsbambi1575]

In 1997/98 ish..I lived in Concord with my cousin. He was a rear tire changer for an A list bush team. Larry Mac would call the apartment literally every day trying to recruit my cousin. My cousin told him he's not ready to be on Dale Earnhardt's team. Larry Mack was so offended and said I don't get to be a crew chief on a seven-time Winston Cup champion car cuz I don't know who too hire and who not too. My cousin still refused the job..... WOW , BIG MISTAKE

[@danielk6485]

To this day(currently 26yrs ago) I still get chills on my neck hearing Mike Joy say, “Twenty years of trying, twenty years of frustration. Dale Earnhardt will come to the caution flag to WIN the Daytona 500! Finally!” Still chills. I remember exactly where I was. And remember it vividly like it was yesterday!

[@sammylacks4937]

Larry can say what he wants about just happening to be that guy when nothing.crazy happened. I've listened to him and how meticulous he was making sure everything was as good as he knew how to make it. Not taking any chances on an engine that had a prob and even though that little problem was fixed he still wanted to change that engine. Not trying to take anything away from Shelmerdine or Andy Petrie but when I heard Larry was going to be the crew chief on the 3 car I felt good and knew Richard had made a great decision hiring him. When the race was down to the final laps there's no one I would have been more confident that Dale was going to lead the one lap that's eluded him in the past. The last lap. Thank you Larry for being there.