Dale Jr.'s Play-By-Play Flubs

Dale Jr. admitted to some faults of his own on The Dale Jr. Download. His came in the NBC broadcast booth. The two-time Daytona 500 winner and rookie play-by-play broadcaster asked producer Matthew Dillner to point out his mistakes calling Saturday's NASCAR Xfinity race at Talladega Superspeedway. The result provided a look into Dale's life as a broadcaster, his goals, and some laughter too.

[@mattdrake8063]

Dale..... you are doing great work in the booth. Zero people are expecting you to be perfect.....we just want 100% Dale Jr.

[@FredErickinNashville]

As a fan since 1997, I didn't notice any of these. I'm just happy that Dale is there representing the sport and keeping it real. #3 #8 #88 I prefer racers calling the races.

[@SethGroover]

Well put. Love dale.

[@penguincamp]

Even if he messed up the play-by-play, I definitely appreciate his attempts to make it more interesting. The researching of past races and the willingness to shout out the flag man was super cool to hear

[@jesuschristislord6790]

Really proud of Jr. His broadcasting, play by play, this podcast. All the ways he's opened up. If I go back and watch interviews from the first 10 years of his career, he's so awkward and uncomfortable I can barely stand to even stand to watch him stutter and fidget around. Now he's so open, confident, honest and real, just happy to see the growth of Dale over the years. Good job.

[@ronsheehan]

I could see his potential as a broadcaster back when he was hosting the revamped Car & Track shows on Speed

[@reddragon8768]

p.o 8

[@Twinspinner]

@@ronsheehan yeah, I remember him hosting Back In The Day

[@horatiobeaker]

Here’s the important part of this entire episode. Dale is exhibiting incredible self-awareness, with a willingness to admit his mistakes, and a desire to improve himself. Tomorrow is a new day. Next week we do better.

[@chef7423]

traits of a real man

[@KonwTheTrut]

Such an amazing human being. Someone to look up to for sure, even if I am around his age.

[@tripprogers4814]

Welcome to the party pal. I did a mid week Flat Track race live on a regional broadcast (SWX here in Washington Idaho and Montana) featuring AFT riders and I think I blew chunks too, people were nice saying I did a good job but I know what it must have sounded like. All of my lead in reads went well, didn’t flub the sponsor reads but.. you know, the live action was happening so fast.. dude you were awesome and we can all live with it!

[@tripprogers4814]

Dale, you are such an amazing analyst, you are a great addition to any broadcast team.

[@loveracing3580]

I am sitting here in my recliner watching this on KZbin. I woke up this morning feeling really down. My husband passed away in August and sometimes the grief hits me so hard. Dale Jr, I love how real you are and this brought a smile and a little laugh to me. Thank you! Forever a fan!

[@allytabb3458]

Jr. Nation will always back Dale Jr. because he always has heart and puts his everything into it. Love you Junior!

[@Potpie88]

the way jr thinks about his work damn he's gonna be so good and the new voice of nascar after a while i cant wait see how much better he gets

[@tnwhiskey68]

THIS is why people love Dale! He is a superstar, team owner and basically the most popular man in Nascar but he is worried about a few simple mistakes. Such a real guy, we appreciate you and really dont mind mistakes!

[@scottdeforge1331]

Jr. has really improved over time, he has nothing to be ashamed of.

[@ronaldlewis6612]

Don't be so hard on yourself Dale. Your commitment in doing your job and your honesty is always what come through. I always say to a DIY'er not to tell others your mistake's because they will not see them but after you point it out that's all they see.

[@ronwells5935]

Couldn't agree more. I think Dale Jr. has done a remarkable job at something he probably never set out to do. I think he is amazingly grounded and natural. Keep up the good work.

[@jasonjackson5493]

Love that hes bringing back the old school way

[@poohbear041593]

Jr. I am just sooooo happy to hear you broadcasting races. You are human. Everyone makes mistakes. I don’t care you make any mistakes. I feel soooo grateful and you raise my spirits by broadcasting races. If I can’t watch you race, please please please never stop broadcasting.

[@lthom5158]

I watch because you are a commentator! I love the old school comments! Southern pronunciations are the best! Keep up the great work!

[@kendog0731]

I can't believe how far he has come the last 10 years I never thought he would be able to do TV or even a pod cast well done Dale

[@sayyeah3879]

Love you Dale, you are learning and progressing each day! My little 85 year old Mother Margie absolutely adores you and is so proud of ALL your accomplishments. She lives about 57 miles from me and I can't wait to go see her and us watch ALL your videos together. We laugh, cry, laugh, cry and laugh some more! Keep up the great work, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your weekly podcast. I have learned sooooooooooo much!!!

[@rodgerhecht3623]

Dont be so hard on yourself, you have been getting better every year. We all love having you on , there is no better announcer than someone that has been a driver ,with your experience and insight to whats going on .

[@rcodepaul]

Love everything Dale Jr does. Huge heart and a glowing soul. I've raced, been paid to speak publicly and know talent and heart. He has them and huge humility. I would like my kid to grow up to be like Jr.

[@Aeroking7]

He has so much passion and admiration for the sport's past. It's fantastic.

[@do2995]

He’s humble but his passion for the sport and to bring his best analysis of the race makes enjoying watching NBC the most. He grew up around the sport, around the legends of broadcasting and he respects them.

[@LawLess737Vids]

To be honest, I've enjoyed Jr.'s play by play moments this year. I don't expect him to be perfect. Heck he's basically a rookie doing a pretty tough job. No one expects him to be Howard Cosell or Al Michaels. I do think he has great potential and will only get better with time. Stick with it Jr.

[@ichi-goichi6184]

The three of y'all together is the best coverage of any team or single out today. Your knowledge as a group can be taken to the bank as solid fact. Don't sweat the small stuff. Announcing is no different now than when you sit your but in a competitive late model stock car the first time. I only watch cup racing when y'all call it! Stay the course!

[@UNHchabo]

One commentary team I actually really liked was at the 12 Hours of Sebring, there was a shift where it was Dale Jr with Leigh Diffey and Townsend Bell. That's a trio I want to see together more often. :)

[@1Buckluck]

We love you JR! If you make a mistake it makes you relatable to us!!! You are human!!!

[@richardmcnear3503]

Dale is genuine and I like him for that. May he have a long career in bringing NASCAR to us.

[@mikelitoris2185]

I definitely like the mileage thing!! Definitely do that!

[@ci3008]

One of the reasons I enjoy listening to anything Jr. has to say is this. He always comes across as transparent and honest, about everything. Go Dale.

[@StripeGurger]

I remember watching Jr's first broadcast and how he really gave the driver's perspective, describing bumps and undulations and the feel of the car. No one really went out of their way to do that before and it made such a big impact. The fact that Jr is putting in all this effort behind the scenes blows me away.

[@carolmiller732]

Dale your broadcasting I think is great. You give us fans the insight of what is going thru the drivers minds, and the positives and negatives of a drivers moves. I love the way you explain the car handling. Keep up the good work and dont be so hard on yourself

[@Razz415]

I'm in awe of his attempts to bring back some of the cooler aspects of the past. And I get that self loathe feeling. Happens in my work all the time, just looking at something you worked so hard on you will find errors. Feel like Jr is getting better everytime he's in the booth. Hope he gets more play by play opportunities, we need that throwback to the best eras of the sport.

[@maryr5021]

I think we love hearing and watching you on the races!!

[@guitarman864]

Dude you are genuine! Real, and thats what this sport needs!

[@harrymitchell5402]

Enjoy hearing ya announce the races. You bring allot of energy

[@JeeperJimbo]

Dale your passionate and love the sport that is felt with every spoken word ! You have the heart and soul of a true driver ! Hearing you each week talk about the sport is honestly the only reason I still follow the sport ! NASCAR was getting stale and dry your passion has woken a sport that was starting to fade !

[@brandonlee6158]

Dale jr you gota be yourself we love you dude you gota make it ur own don’t try to be like anyone but Jr and we are more than happy thanks for all your hard work Dale Jr I don’t know what we would do without you and all your team on here the download and the NBC crew you guys all are the best

[@skippingrhyme4386]

Dale what we love is you being you! Thats why you are the most popular driver and will always be!because your are so genuine and real.

[@ericgarcia4517]

Your approach to learning play by play is what I used to develop and improve my on air abilities. Exploring what legendary broadcasters did and taking those cues to formulate your style will serve you well. I would always air check myself and ask peers for feedback. You'll find that on air presence is a constant evolution as I'm still learning from others in the radio industry even after close to 40 years of experience. I appreciate your dedication to broadcasting and in the other ways you promote the sport you love..NASCAR

[@danielslover8669]

I love how you pick yourself apart, I do the same thing on everything I do. I catch other commentators messing up a little bit, it’s the nature of the game. I don’t think anyone would call you out over that. Keep up the great work! I enjoy watching/hearing you. I sure miss watching you race!

[@retailytt]

Jr you're killing it in the booth!!! Love the little details you add to the broadcast 👏👏👏 noting the flagman...that takes me back and reminds me of the local track announcers 😌 love how you take inspiration from Ken too when I was watching the broadcast I'd stop and think wow that sounds like something Ken would say 😄👏

[@ypaulbrown]

Dale, you are so much fun to listen to.......thank you for being you........you are the Best .......cheers from Florida.....PB

[@randysteele3754]

Your only human we want to see more of your lost speedway shows they are so cool

[@denniswilson9317]

I met Barney Hall in 1995. He was the best on radio. I've never met Ned Jarrett, although he drove for my Dad a time or two back at the very beginning of his career when I was a toddler. We are from the same area so I have seen him around. Back in the eighties and nineties while watching a televised race, many times I would be ready to say say, "well I guess the announcers missed something there" and then Ned Jarett would be spot on with his assessment. Ned was first and foremost an extremely knowledgeable racer. His broadcasting skills steadily improved after many years of hard work and dedication. Barney for radio and Ned for TV. Like Ned, Junior is conscientious so he will only get better with time.

[@CodyJWerther]

This is one of my favorite videos on this page lmao, I totally relate to this man but it’s so good to laugh with

[@mrj3217]

Jr has come a long way man. Glad to see it.

[@habercar]

Dude! You poor thing! Anyone who speaks or presents professionally have had that same issue. You’re awesome!

[@jwgirl1604]

Kuddos to you Dale for recognizing what made racing what it is and taking announcing back to its roots. Give yourself credit. You don't run when learning to walk. Proud of you.

[@anthonymiller7992]

Dale, the fact that you are real, makes you a great play caller, your not trying to act like someone else. Be you, mistakes will happen, its a part of life. fans don't get the opportunity to actually see the human side of the person behind the mic, and some i'm willing to bet that fans would not want to know. keep having fun, thats what fans love, you love the sport, your heart is in it, run with it, have fun and enjoy it for us...

[@gmoneytrader85]

Truth is: your play-by is extremely good-despite mistakes you notice. Very informative. So many items I have NO CLUE about I get educated. Hell, as a Trucker I learned how to side draft a trailer in the granny lane to make the pass happen quicker.

[@k.y.6148]

That's why we like listening to you. You're not slick and polished, you're one of us! And "mirror" is pronounced "mir"!

[@victoriad882]

Dale, I noticed when you said the flagman’s name and was so proud of you. I also noticed the mileage error but it wasn’t important. What is important is that you try harder. It is clear that you take pride in your work. You make an effort to take your job seriously even if you don’t always take yourself seriously; this is the very best example you can present to the world.

[@JamConcerned]

Jr I love your detail when it comes to the play by play. Most don't do it. Believe me it helps to get people invested in what is happening. Relax and give yourself some love. After listening to those that announce and do play by play, I noticed there is a rhythm to it. It comes with experience and being comfortable, so don't force it. I was told that everyone has a shadow side, that side where we doubt ourselves, think negatively, beat up on ourselves. We can control it. So suppose you got out of your way and convinced yourself you can do this. It won't cost you anything to support and believe in yourself, and shut the negative nellie loop you have running in your brain. How about the more you believe in yourself, the better the broadcast will go. Just keep working on it and keep it positive, and give the I'm never going to be ale to do it a break. if you think you can't do it you can't. You have a strong mind set so why not use it to positively do what you love to do well and stop beating yourself up about it.

[@SteveLaneGalway]

Kyle Petty said Mirruh as in Mirror also during the pre-race countdown to green. I love that you are so harsh on yourself, but your work for NASCAR in a broadcasting sense is great, man.

[@SailingNutz]

Dale I love listening to you & your mistakes. You’re funny & natural. You & Burton giving each other crap on live TV is LOL. Just keep being real. That’s all you need to do.

[@eric2vanleeuwen]

I love your commentary, color and play-by-play. Something I suggest Dale is be yourself. Having heroes is important and you can learn from them, but don't try to be them. Create your own style and it will come naturally. Believe in yourself like we all believe in you. I hope to hear you do some more play-by-play in the future 🙂

[@DeeBrown63]

It cracks me up every time Dale says precipitation but pronounces it as participation. 😂

[@sportsfaan]

What professional people do... Always learning. Great work Earnhardt!

[@TaterRogers]

Ken Squier really could call a race! Good that Dale picked him as a role model! Man Ken could get you excited!

[@twoblacklabs904]

Hey Tater, you couldnt be more correct. Ken is the Master, but I loved listening to the GOLDEN VOICE of NASCAR - Mr. Eli Gold. He is still one of the all-time greatest Play by Play announcers in the business!

[@TaterRogers]

@@twoblacklabs904 Yes I agree Eli was great too! There were some greats! Dr Jerry Punch!

[@willcooper1312]

Jr, please keep saying towyota and mirra. Its great. We need more of this.

[@youknoweverything7643]

Ppl are mad that he just did play by play this weekend but know what he is not giving up on that part of being a sports analyst and broadcaster and that right there is determination as everyone should have

[@lexisparents]

The one the makes me smile Everytime it's when Dale calls PREcipitation ....PARTicipation. I love it! I wish everybody could be as authentic as dale is. That's why we love him so much!

[@tcmusic6429]

Since when has mispronunciation of rudimentary English been praise worthy. 😯 That just shows your demographic

[@lexisparents]

@@tcmusic6429 Wow! Good to know trolls are alive and well on this channel too!

[@tcmusic6429]

@@lexisparents Learn English and what a troll is. Calling someone out for looking stupid and sounding younger than an elementary aged child is not being a troll. It’s being factual. Adults should care how they present themselves but then again, as I said, I know what demographic you’re in so it shouldn’t surprise anyone lol

[@lexisparents]

Thanks for the life advice troll!

[@ghettostreamlabs5724]

The fact that you are having this podcast means you are going to get better.

[@dee3368]

It's just showing his desire to be the best he can be ..i can't imagine how hard the job is

[@bass2470]

you are doing great. im thrilled that you are saying the flag mans name and roll modeling your broadcasting after ken squier. dont forget about legendary barney hall.

[@KC5TGTRadiosNMore]

Benny Parsons was on of my personal favorite NASCAR announcers. Ned Jarrett and Eli Gold are close seconds.

[@oldermusiclover]

Dale hope you dont quit. like the late Benny Parsons and Neil Bonnett you bring a wonderful drivers imput to the broadcast and you relate to the fans so well its nice that you don't sound so PROFESSIONAL all the time

[@artjock47]

It's funny, I've always thought Dale Jr. was very natural and smooth. Very knowledgeable and a great addition to the booth.

[@mikeray760]

Your voice makes the show.keep it up.learn always. Thanks

[@abigailsanchez3]

Make a new habit: for every bad thing you notice, look for 3 good things. That being said, I love listening to you in the booth. You bring so much energy and excitement, I think YOU should wear one of those heart rate monitors! 😂

[@scottawes921]

I've been a fan since 1988. There's been lots of class guys calling the races. Personally, I enjoy Dale Jr. being there after he stopped driving in any form simply because it keeps him connected to us. I didn't notice the errors that were pointed out.

[@1sewalker]

I was a 3 fan and always a Jr. Fan. I would have never dreamed that Jr would end up working for the same company I retuired from after 42 years.

[@olddogtrainer]

The reason I am a fan is because you're REAL. I understand the over analysis thing,I do it too. Kudos for that too. Too many people settle for mediocrity these days. I admire people who aren't afraid to look in the mirror,love the way you say that word, and believe they can do better. I also like Ken Squire btw. Keep watching the old races,listen to Ken,then turn down the sound and call your own play by play. I would love to see you do play by play. You're pretty awesome brother.

[@hauffracing2848]

Calling any race as it unfolds can't be an easy job..... I recently watched dirt late model race on Flo (Super Bee 100) Someone needs to give the announcers more props.. The announcer (Zak Clark), was so entertaining to listen to. The names and driver knowledge just rolled off his tongue..... and he did know the flagman's name. He was amazing.... you do a great job Dale. Props to ya.

[@SRH58]

Dale Jr IS THE NEW Ken Squire..!! I just thought that's how Southerners pronounced Emu...!! Sounded natural to me! Keep up the good work..!! Love it you can laugh at mistakes....

[@bubwal23xifan]

I love the nostalgia Dale is wanting to bring back the broadcast. Growing up and still now we knew that Harold Kinder and Doyle Ford was flagging the races because Ken Squier and Bob Jenkins mentioned them at the start of the race. Keep doing these little things. That's what makes the job your doing light years better than fox. Nice little tidbit of information. Doyle Ford the Flagman at Nashville fairgrounds before going to cup series.

[@brucefrye8799]

Dale for what it's worth I enjoyed the race and you as color commentator

[@jeffosborne1147]

Don't give up. Really enjoy junior in the broadcasting booth.

[@hizgrase]

So much respect for Jr.

[@cooterellis6501]

The best part about you being in the broadcast booth or doing play by play is you are going to be yourself. That is who you are and I would rather see and hear during the broadcast.

[@bigt6359]

Jr...has passion for sport and it shows

[@Azeria]

SLIDE JOB *SLIDE JOB*

[@DJ_CMU]

It sounds dirty, when you say it like that lol 😂

[@agsykes8905]

He has gotten so much better. And I don't think too much of the mistakes he is human

[@NEO_RedPill_2024]

Bestwick was great as well. His 2001 Daytona call when they came back after Sr. passed was great!

[@nazicardanj3587]

That wasn't Alan, it was Mike Joy on the call. FOX'S first race.

[@joeplem5329]

What surprising to me is how calm he is while his cars wreck during races, but I think he's doing just fine imo.

[@johnb5059]

Junior that's why we like you you're real and real people come across good JB from Ohio

[@roccolewis2698]

Happy birthday Dale hope you have a great day

[@BillyBobAndCompany]

This is why we love you!

[@davidrice3337]

Ole Dale Jr is spot on what he says about Ken Squire - what a pro - I took him for granted because I believe he was - so good - Mr Squire made it sound so easy and he made it exciting by the vocabulary and and the way he phrased it It's cool the way to he wants to recognize people who may not get attention they deserve

[@CNC-Time-Lapse]

It just shows us that you're a perfectionist and that whatever you try to do, it really matters a lot to you. That's not a bad thing. It also shows us that you're like the rest of us; you make mistakes and are relatable as a result. There is a reason why we like you, Jr. Honestly, I'd much prefer to listen to someone who makes mistakes than someone who is without flaws. If you guys made light of the mistakes while on the air, I think that would be quite entertaining and more lighthearted. No need to be super serious in the booth... Any fan of the sport knows, when you watch a live race at the track, especially if you camp out on the in-field, it's a giant party and everyone's having a good time and laughing. The same energy should be in the booth too. haha

[@jeffreyrainey1015]

Spoken like a true racer, always reviewing the data afterwards. I really identified with this video. Great job, Dale. Regarding the Emu vs. Emoo copy: correct pronunciation is important for sure, but also don't feel as if you have to mask your accent and natural speaking voice. Fans love you because of it, and it's what makes you, you.

[@SingerDinger]

“Oh man was that terrible” Just me Jr. there’s worse ones out there lol

[@daniels.2720]

Yeah > Marty Reid

[@durango8882]

😂

[@pjartistics]

Vince Welch comes to mind!.. I still don’t understand why that guy is still in the booth?.. lol

[@matthewward7252]

Don’t feel too bad Rick even makes mistakes sometimes. It just shows us everyone is human.

[@fivespeed42]

Rick makes ALOT of mistakes

[@jts2152]

Great self awareness. Knowing that you can improve.

[@NASCARLIVE88]

God, we love you! We all have asshat times. We love listening to you. You are real and that's what we want. Be who you are.

[@sethreid436]

The show must go on my man. Don’t kick yourself so hard. I get it, understand how to get better and go with it. Keep your ideas going. Stick with it. I appreciate your historical take on things. Squier was magic, but don’t think he didn’t make mistakes too.

[@christopherhuffman3172]

That's awesome that you say Toyota cause always love the way u say it always giggle alittle but wanna say Joe Gibbs says it like u do to

[@bobwunderlich5533]

Jr, what YOU bring to the broadcast is Dale Jr. It is your insert / opinion that people want to hear.

[@tank5611]

Just be yourself you've made it this far just doin that keep it up

[@EvernhamNo9]

No mistake can match “Let’s go, Brandon.”

[@TheFelloMello]

Just trying to block ignorance and selfishness. They took his moment and turned it into something stupid.

[@mac9983]

@@TheFelloMello Congrats to Brandon his moment outshines the ignorant and uneducated.

[@perriello66]

@@mac9983 Everyone not on their mangled side is always uneducated

[@brycecrousore1985]

So, what was she supposed to say: "hey listen, everyone ... the crowd is chanting 'fukc Joe Biden.'"

[@mac9983]

@@perriello66 You would be surprised when witnessing the sadness from the real world. Delusion is a mental illness.

[@scottg9855]

My son gets angry when you call the wall, the fence. He sits up and says "IT'S A WALL!!!" Lol.

[@LennonG07]

I can confirm I am his son.

[@steve318k]

It is annoying !

[@jackolson8775]

All those things just sounded like you were distracted by something, like someone counting down in your ear. 🤔 I enjoy you doing PBP or commentating. Whatever keeps you on my TV during the race is cool with me. *The local DJs here, Bob & Brian, have a rule : No doing math on the air!🤣