Dale Jr. on NASCAR rivalries and his itch to race again | Around the Track with Jeff Gordon

In the second installment of his interview with Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr. talks about his "unhealthy" rivalry with Kyle Busch, whether he has the itch to race again and how his perspective on racing has changed since becoming a broadcaster.
Watch Part 1 of their conversation here: • NASCAR icons Jeff Gord...
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[@DEDBRD-di4yj]

Bring back something like the Iroc series where its not every week racing but maybe 10 races a year. Run a 100 laps at Martinsville or Bristol.Go to Daytona and run 60 laps. Make it where Jeff and Dale Jr, Tony and 22 other drivers can get in the cars and put on a show. Have the races mid week in primetime . Let the cars be setup the same and have a 1 hour practice bf the race. This is something I would make sure I was in front of the TV for .

[@michaelgilbert4736]

Ya miss the IROC series

[@RearEngineShop]

Man I would love to see IROC back!

[@RAID3R63]

I got mark Martin 5 time iroc champion

[@Big88Country]

Man, that's a great idea! NASCAR should do something to let the retired drivers compete on the track for a few hours. Those shows would sell out every time, guaranteed.

[@sirnickels9979]

You have it at short tracks the afternoon before the cup race that night

[@Patmanx1]

Formula 1 has heritage races every year. They're just friendly competition races at monaco every year. IF NASCAR did the same, just era races 50-100 laps each, I'm sure that'd scratch his itch.

[@RubyWithCamera]

I'd like to see them do that. It would be cool!

[@GiovanniTiradoGT]

At Daytona! That would be amazing!

[@jamesdb7115]

Daytona. Bristol. Glen/Roval, Phoenix, Iowa/Nash Fairgrounds and Charlotte (oval). Would be my pics for tracks. 5 unique tracks that are fun to see, the / represents either or of those two options.

[@heidikoster8352]

masterpd85 well family come first

[@mikejoerger3333]

Listening to junior talk he is such an honest open guy since he left racing I really enjoy listening to him tell stories of what he was thinking or doing throughout his career

[@DewkChronic]

I raced Dale jr last week on iracing. William Byron Jr. races there too. NBC2 showed a few iraces on TV last year and they had a set up rig and I think dale Junior my be the guy in it for the races.

[@kylewagoner]

I want a retired drivers league. Like 3 or 4 short races a year.

[@bhuff4748]

Kyle Wagoner I like it 👍

[@smello76]

Yes! Sponsored by Axalta?

[@Zinberry]

Sometime in the 90s there was a racing series on ESPN with retired drivers in Jaguars on a short track. It was really fun to watch but they wrecked the cars. When there were two races in consecutive weeks some of the cars weren’t ready; they had primer and bondo all over. Somebody most of lost a ton of $ on that series.

[@MisterTwister88]

Kyle Wagoner Like?

[@PMGF]

@@Zinberry Fastmasters? It was fun to watch, made for TV instead of being a serious championship.

[@hermangoetter8821]

A big fan of both of these guys during all of their careers , and am so glad to view a video like this.

[@b3j8]

kyle's got a rivalry thing w/anybody who gets in his way! He thrives on it! Be willing to bet Jeff and Jr get paired up in the broadcast booth some day! Both have different styles that really compliment the other.

[@Johnny5]

Two Awesome Drivers that made NASCAR fun!!

[@coldark9972]

Don’t care what anyone says I miss these boys driving

[@watchgoose]

me too but Dale Jr. did the right thing by quitting while he was ahead. CTE is REAL.

[@sirnickels9979]

I miss hearing the random shit dale would say on the radio

[@HyperInflation2020]

Nobody cares what you dont care about.

[@MisterTwister88]

Mr. B But you cared enough to reply? hmmm 🤔

[@brianwinston8627]

I was a hard core NASCAR fan for 20 years. The last time i watched a race was the second season of "the chase". I used to plan my day around both races, and unless somebody, or something was on fire, people knew to just leave me alone and DON"T bother me while i am watching the race. I lost interest when it seemed like the rules changed at each race. I still have a lot of Jeff Gordon cars, etc. amongst other drivers that i was into. Imo, go back to the old fashion way- just points. Whomever has the most points at the end of the season, WINS. No chase, no segments, just frigging race like they used to. I don't see myself ever watching a race the way it is now.

[@BlackSmokeDMax]

I agree! Think I may have outlasted you by one season, but haven't seen a race since.

[@denisstitt9413]

Do what y’all got to do to be happy it’s nice to get away from the stress of it, but y’all will always be missed, love y’all.

[@donnafoster5404]

Love them. Our family of 4 used to show up at the track in our gear. Husband was a Jeff Gordan fan, I was a Rusty Wallace fan, my oldest son a Dale jr. Fan and the youngest a Kyle Busch fan. A lot of talks during the races. Blaming each other’s driver. Lol!!

[@wilson4328]

I love watching these interviews more than I like watching today's races.

[@KillyJoe]

Dale speaks so intelligently for as long as any interview lasts he’s almost better at his new job than his old job. If it wasn’t for plate tracks he would be for sure lol

[@larrywt656]

Jr's dad was my favorite driver of all time. In the early years, I couldn't stand Gordon, but I started liking him later in his career. I was not a big Jr fan as a driver (there were other drivers I rooted for more), but I didn't dislike him by any means. But I think they have BOTH become really good broadcasters. Jr needs to get Gordon on the JR Download. These two would be awesome to listen to for an hour.

[@hacksawjimthuggin7411]

Hes already been on there in older episodes.

[@kalebdavis9166]

He has been on Dale's podcast before

[@HeritageFarmsTexas]

You guys are awesome. Glad you’re both heavily engaged.

[@bigrig9749]

Boy I miss watching these two race along with Stewart

[@amypardue4986]

I WOULD MUCH RATHER SEE IRON MAN GORDON BACK ON TRACK HE IS A LIVING LEGEND BABY .

[@wallystewart1979]

lol really now dont forget about mark martin being a legend lol

[@vivianmoreland797]

♥️♥️ to see Dale race Jeff in a warm up race for nascar.

[@mikef6307]

Would love to see these two guys in the booth together...

[@jarredwalker9919]

I was skeptical of how Dale would do as a broadcaster/T.V. personality after retirement, but he sure has proven himself to be great at it.

[@kevincook8632]

He has gotten even better. He is finally becoming completely comfortable with his personality and who he is.

[@evanneal7604]

They should also form LEGENDS DRIVER Races.

[@x-man5056]

They can't. I might be more popular than the regular racing.

[@skeezix8156]

Evan Neal they used to have a legends series, it was called NASCAR.

[@heidikoster8352]

Evan Neal to put on heat 5 lol

[@evanneal7604]

Another thought how about a DREAM RACE TEAM Tony Stewart, Dale Jr,Jeff Gordon,etc. On one team, Special Crew Chief,they wouldn't have to race full time also Kasey Kane,Carl what's his name, Greg Biffle,etc.

[@heidikoster8352]

Evan Neal carl edwards

[@jeffschwartz5199]

Lol , now I see you guys talking about the old days for you and all I can see is you as kids . Jeff you were a young punk , that stole the spotlight and Dale following the footsteps . Yeah , those were good days .👍 I still remember watching David , Richard , Cale and Bobby , plus many others . I'm sure glad that NASCAR became a thing .

[@gregmahone1815]

I actually agree with it and I miss dale jr being on the track and I will always be a dale jr fan I like chase Elliott

[@peterkulick1407]

Great interview. Both my favorite drivers

[@talesofanasphaltjockey]

Jeff was always the driver I followed but can't help but love Jr.

[@DS-gd1xw]

I would love to see Jr run another Talladega or Daytona!

[@sirnickels9979]

That will probably never happen again. Only places you'll see him are tracks he knows he can handle

[@DS-gd1xw]

@@sirnickels9979 how many wins combined wins does he have at both of those tracks, he can handle them.

[@zachwelch2191]

@@sirnickels9979 wtf are you talking about he has 5 wins and Daytona and 6 at Talladega what are you talking

[@lifewithlani2637]

"Every athlete dies twice. Once when they take their last breath, and the other when they hang it up." I can't find who said this but I think every athlete who retires faces this. Dales Jr. still has an itch to drive.

[@BlackSmokeDMax]

Except for the people who do both at once... Dale Sr., Scott Kalitta, Aryton Senna, Adam Petty, the list goes on...

[@jasonballou30]

Loved it great job and glad to see Jr on another interview!

[@WillsWheels]

I like the mirror finish and would love to see it in person. I bet you could almost make it look like Gold Chrome..polish and ceramic coat with an Sio2 top coat.

[@jackdickey6015]

I agree I think both Jeff an Dale need to race again they should start a senior circuit not that these two guys are old by any means but both have been in the sport a long time !! Hope they race on occasion

[@ronniewilliams6097]

You both said you would love to drive in any type of races. I have always wondered why Nascar doesn't have a senior league so you guys could continue to please the fans. Look at all the old golfers that no longer play on the PGA tour, but are still in front of their fans every weekend on TV or live. Nascar could do the same thing and run it the along with another division or even better, run it on the Indy car circuit. They need a much better weekend attraction to bring to the fans. It would also be a much shorter season, which I am sure would be good for you. I as a 60 year Nascar and all racing fan, would love to see all you guys race for another championship. It would be awesome. I think I wrote to Nascar many years ago and made the suggestion, but today there are so many well known retired drivers that it would be no problem getting a good size field together.

[@lananavan1885]

Everyone are pals now in every sport on tv

[@btsheaves]

Didn't understand what a sponsor or network wanted until after he stopped driving. That is some next level stupid. but that was the word that went with dale jr.

[@chrisatkins3073]

JR I loved to watch you race and I watch your podcast all of the time. I like it when you do broadcasting. Please don't race full time and get hurt again. I sent one of your #8 Looney Tunes car to you and you signed it for me. I will treasure it forever. I couldn't bring it because I have cancer and am taking chemo. I want to thank you for doing that for me. That tells me a lot about you. Good luck in all that you do.

[@lilolme69]

My boy Rick 'Allen'! Known him since the Eagle Raceway days. He was so much better At Eagle...... Nascar groomed him in to something he wasn't.

[@robertcharles1026]

I think it would be a great idea for Dale jr and Jeff to do the 3 endurance races in V8 Supercars in Australia. Could have a wild card car for them and maybe a ford wildcard for Tony Stewart and another former ford driver. Maybe they should speak to Andretti and Penske about it.

[@mchristr]

I can see Dale doing some endurance road racing, both on the professional lever and the vintage stuff. If it's fun he'll do well.

[@ralo4265]

Good stuff guys! 💯

[@Dethmegadeth]

Maybe a small field 10 cars 30 laps 5 former drivers 5 up and comers race most of the time where the cup cars are and when not possible where the trucks are racing

[@petermachek6678]

Great to see you both do this interview . Good to have some fun !

[@jasonrobbins7143]

please race again, please race again, please race again... Just do a limited schedule at the best tracks... Get Jr. Motorsports to make him some cup cars for Daytona, Talladega & short tracks like Richmond or Martinsville... Do like an 8 race season & have fun with it... He will make so much $ through sponsors coming back no matter if he finishes last every race... Hes still by far the biggest fan favorite... The pressure is off to win... No championship pressure... If he really did retire early because of Concussions they its been a couple yrs to let the brain heal... Plus racing a limited schedule lessens the risk of injury... All of his fans would love him back... Nascar would love to have him back... Sponsors would love him back... If he had the right car I think he could still win at his best tracks like Daytona & Talladega...

[@sirnickels9979]

Jr motorsports will never be in cup as long as Hendrick is a affiliate with the team

[@jasonrobbins7143]

@@sirnickels9979 That's most likely true... But he so valuable to Hendrick which is why they are partners... If he really decided to go back to the Cup series for a limited schedule I don't think Hendrick would force him to do it for his team... I think they could work a deal to take a Jr. Motorsports car built by both teams & have Hendrick sponsored on the car & they could make it work out $ wise... Or vice versa he could race for Hendrick for a handful of races & have Jr. Motorsports sponsored on the car... Im sure it will never happen as hes probably happy chilling doing broadcasting & doing his podcast... Yet there is nothing like racing...

[@afri1414]

Great video!

[@sj4632]

If nascar is smart they'd start trying to convince the old super stars like Jr., Gordon and others to come back. Offer large salaries or whatever it takes, that would revive nascar.

[@JohnnyUtah13]

Jr retired because he doesn't want his brain to be scrambled in a nothing crash. No amount of money is worth that.

[@sj4632]

@@JohnnyUtah13 The cars are as safe as they're ever gonna be. What's the problem? Also this stages crap, is also harming nascar. And don't push SJW CRAP either.

[@JohnnyUtah13]

@@sj4632 SJW crap? The fuck you talking about...

[@batsonelectronics]

@@sj4632 you don't know much about concussions then, once you are damaged , it happens much easier every time after that. He had 4 or 5 in the span of a few years ( when nascar was safe ) and doesn't want to do more damage. This comes from Jr himself. He has stated why he left.

[@sirnickels9979]

@@sj4632 the same safe cars that are running today are the exact same car that caused jrs retirement concussion

[@nazcarcup]

Dale Jr reminds me of Neil Bonnett...especially in his retirement speech and in this video when talking about that "itch"

[@lilolme69]

I hope it doesn't end the same.....

[@marshalljimduncan]

@@lilolme69 Same here, Neil got killed in practice...

[@unknowenname1613]

Actually Dale Jr and Jeff Gordon. In the good day's this sport is for the COUNTRY guy's that have good intentions for driving and the sport. Jeff is a city boy that brought to much of people that don't understand what the sport is all about. Dale Sr was what the sport was all about. NASCAR changed the drivers and the fan's it's not what it was anymore. Don't go back to it Dale Earnhardt Jr they sucked the life out of it just walk away from it we don't want anything to happen to you and if the sport has become what it is now they should just shut it down. To many Hollywood boy's on it now. Hug your mom. We love you Dale Sr. God bless you.

[@tylercochran902]

Peter like a rock In our Lord Jesus stop it. Gordon made NASCAR a national thing

[@jamesfarmer3759]

2:29 in and I can tell it’s let’s talk about how we can save nascar cause it sucks that’s why we’re not driving anymore

[@ccvair]

Once a racer always a racer.

[@x-man5056]

I'm with Jr. I used to race on dirt. I don't miss sitting the car burning up from the heat. Don't miss thrashing on the car between heats. Don't miss burning up a credit card to get the car back together so I don't miss a points race, etc. I just want to go out and burn some hot laps on a damp, sticky track and get that "Yeeeeehawwww!!!, damn this is fun", feeling again.

[@lifeofallen4442]

Yes please come back to racing Jr

[@kevinvioletto2002]

Pls race again at least Daytona and Talladega ,Michigan would be great also !!!! I miss your style of racing ,even if you dont win!!!!!!

[@RAID3R63]

hes running Darlington Xfinity

[@kevinvioletto2002]

@@RAID3R63 how do you know that why there?

[@kylebuschhasover200winsinn5]

Kevin Violetto are you fucking stupid?

[@JasonNation72]

4:01 Does Earnhardt not have his trademark 'stache in that pic? I don't think I've ever seen him clean shaven.

[@ronframe387]

Jason Heavner: Sr was vacationing at an island with some other drivers and they tried snorkeling. Sr said he was "drowning " . So he shaved the stash so he could hang with them.

[@jimmyjolly4184]

Both of you should get into dirt Super Latemodel racing

[@TheEgg185]

Jimmy Jolly - No, they should come race online with us at tnadzracing.blogspot.com. We are the only NR2003 that includes AI cars. We race Wendsday evenings and it's a lot of fun. NR2003 is a free game. Reply to this comment for instructions on how to join.

[@bayareaadventures4432]

Dale ask Jeff if he had a Vans Checkered hat with the mullet flaps in the back when he was 13 years old?

[@bayareaadventures4432]

I couldn’t have sworn it was yellow

[@evanneal7604]

They should also Race Real Cars that the public are familiar with as well as trucks,This would increase RACING FANS Around the World across any DYNAMICS.

[@bobbydevine2154]

Legends Series Reborn??

[@FastasFox35]

Give me a opportunity!

[@evanneal7604]

They should form a DREAM TEAM ,TONY STEWART, DALE JR.,JEFF GORDAN,ETC.

[@rudfil]

I'm just wondering why Dale never mentions a desire of testing an open wheel race car.

[@rodenranch6291]

1 race a year, gotta hit Daytona one year, night or day race Dale!

[@geoffreyblack5982]

Why don't the commentary teams do a iroc like race? And actual nascar driver's do some commentary. Turn the tables so to say.

[@sirnickels9979]

They have the drivers only broadcast in Xfinity so basically they already have a crew to do it

[@MisterTwister88]

Looks like Jeff could stand for a Gillette sponsorship

[@aramondehasashi3324]

6:27 Wait old Bill still races?

[@chipwhite7170]

He does a lot of dirt late model stuff

[@TheEgg185]

@Dale Jr. - If you like driving, come race with us at tnadzracing.blogspot.com. We are the only NR2003 that uses AI to have full fields of cars. We are currently racing one of the sports car mods on road courses. NR2003 is a fun and FREE game. We race Wendsday evenings. Reply to this comment for details on how to join.

[@rnrmeier1983]

You should do a aluminium race. Kenseth Edward's Gordon Stewart and Dale Jr at Martinsville

[@The.Real.Timmii]

strange to see these guys with grey hair and beards

[@marshalljimduncan]

You must not be familiar with the silver fox...

[@The.Real.Timmii]

@@marshalljimduncan I'm not

[@chevdad1566]

@@The.Real.Timmii look up David Pearson. His nickname was the silver fox. Way back in the 70s.

[@SDRacing88]

A red camaro at Talladega please....

[@MrONELAST8]

I am glad to hear both of describing the itch or taste just like a junkie and I understand what you are saying but I bet you're wives will beat that ass. I liked how you also talked about something no one thinks about ( content ) for the viewers we want more, more and more information but do we really need more to point where the drivers become reclusive. NASCAR needs both of you but not in the car go where you can help the drivers and impact safety remember the things you thought of when you were driving make those changes now.

[@sirnickels9979]

I would love to see dale run a truck race

[@master335]

why? so he can drive in circles in 15th place?

[@mikejohns3104]

Bring on a "Retirement Race" NASCAR! No qualifying! #1 qualifier is the one who is retired the longest followed by 2,3,4...........etc. Those are the guys we care about. Might as well be a NASCAR Grand Finale at this point. Because what you guys do these days day in and day out does not move me anymore. SAID.

[@1stinfastlane]

No matter what safety equipment when a car is going 190 mph the persons body is traveling @ that speed an so is the brain inside of the skull so the brain takes the impact to inside the skull !

[@pamelamaloy9778]

❤❤❤❣🌞

[@hillbillysportsman5818]

Corporate America killed NASCAR, drivers are just company spokesman first and driver second.

[@JohnLee-uq4pj]

Tree that is soo true

[@RjIONAz]

IMSA GTD Camaro....run it.

[@RjIONAz]

I believe he could have much more fun with a three car GTD team. One car for Kerry, Dale, Jeffery to play and practice in and the other two cars racing the schedule for the Championship. They could be getting drivers road course seat time as they work them up to nascar.

[@Brian27114]

Might he actually race to win this time, oe is he just gonna keep the name in the middle of the pack as usual?

[@cmz1588]

I wish someone gave me a chance to go out there and do 400 miles! But I do 400 miles in an 18-wheeler instead.. -__- So cry me a river why don’t you?! Let’s not forget that I make a fraction of what you guys make! And when I say a fraction, I mean I probably make what any one of these guys make if they come in 5th place in, say, Bristol. I might make that in a year. Opportunity is everything

[@all4bspinnin311]

Both Dale and Jeff G should start racing dirt late models!

[@woolybooger7661]

scratch it,, itchy..

[@patheticcircus3774]

Comeback JR.

[@jamesgrigg6918]

Ut.homeless Viet vet.Go fund me.these dudes make millions.

[@jefffloyd3480]

No offense But Dale jr Was Kinda Dum about alot things in Racing way He's talking Great Guy

[@dobermanpac1064]

Two guys without a worry! So who cares.

[@phantomstratocaster]

junior still drafting a dead man

[@SethBergile]

There's no rivalries because everyone that's good and passionate is gone... It's all snowflakes now!

[@brandonwalters5105]

Couple reasons i hate nascar the rules are Dum and the stages are stupid

[@mishammer9698]

Cry baby bush

[@marvinbroyles6829]

Sorry Dale Jr but your racetrack accomplishments are far from being a super star. If it weren't for your father's name you wouldn't have anything to talk about.....this interview is a waste of my time. When he started missing gear shifts I knew he was finished..

[@rcracer8872]

You're an idiot does it hurt being that stupid Dale Jr is a great racer and a superstar on his own you're a dumbass

[@gslucas21]

Your sentence is missing 3 periods, a question mark and 2 capital letters. So... who's the dumbass?

[@timprall5417]

Did you ever hear JR. call himself a superstar? Never dude! Always has been down to earth and has never been one to boast on his success. I think he took his fathers following with grace but never gave anyone false notions, just loved racing! I think he gave all he could and apparently its better than you will ever do! Sorry Marvin, but ive never seen your name before ,let alone won a highest level race that there is.

[@zacharystotz2350]

Great drivers in their own right, but not two guys that love racing, or else they would still be racing short track's. They are the example of the sell out culture of NASCAR today. Not knocking them, just stating that this is the product of NASCAR today. I personally prefer the knuckle busting dirt racing that inspires people with the little guy overcoming obstacles every week.

[@jason1hut]

I still won't watch that shit show.

[@albertvieira6635]

People are not going to forget what Donald Trump did when he closed the government down for a number of days and causing those government employees a lot of grief you think those government employees are going to actually vote for him come next year I don't think so Donald Trump needs to lose to get a dose of reality and go back to Trump Towers for he belongs in leave the White House Joe Biden becomes the new president of the United States and strings off this country he's the only one that can

[@kylebuschhasover200winsinn5]

Albert Vieira why are you talking about a living fucking meme on nascar channels/videos/shit?

[@sirnickels9979]

I'm voting for brain France for president next year

[@brianwinston8627]

@@kylebuschhasover200winsinn5 I think Albert is wearing a tin foil hat.

[@patrickmayer9566]

Please get Natalie Decker in NASCAR NOW....!.........from Eagle River,wi.....we all need more women racing.!.......p.s......their has got to be more women drivers out there.!!!!!!!!!!!!!...common man!😐

[@ericshimer6669]

Hailee Deegan seems to be making it up the ranks. Watch her come up and Natalie would be a possible contender too. I see more women coming soon so hold on.

[@phantomstratocaster]

why? some people just want to diversify and ruin everything good in life