Dale Jr. and Ward Burton Finally Hash Out 2002 Bristol Incident

[@FastPaull]

Ward is one of the coolest, and low key funniest drivers ever.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

I agree!!!

[@JSchaffer214]

Yeah, watching Ward Burton on race day, you wouldn't know it. He's very serious about racing and super focused.

[@joecapobianco647]

I heard him on race when he came back and drove that 4 car which was so bad he described it on the radio as "runnin like a 3 legged goat" Hilarious, although he was serious as hell about it.

[@BenMyattt]

Hell yeah. Type in “Ward Burton John boy and Billy” you will piss ur pants.

[@mroconsultingandsupport4776]

@@BenMyattt yes!!!! I loved when they had him on their show.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

That was hands down the most heart-warming thing I've ever heard anyone say to Jr. I've always loved & respected Ward, but that pushed my respect even higher.

[@teebob21]

Busted me up.

[@a1b1c184]

How can anyone not love good ole Word Burton. That South Boston, VA accent is awesome.

[@gennelle5]

Gosh I love hearing Ward talk.

[@craigparrish3582]

Ward tells it like it is. Miss this kinda racecar driver and personality in nascar.

[@thedistractedcanadian4355]

I think that’s one of the reasons nascar is on the decline

[@bornwildshootingchairs2499]

How can you tell? I can't understand a thing he says. He's got a mouth full of sand and peanut butter.

[@brucemerryman7365]

Ward was always my favorite driver. I think he’s a awesome guy and I wish he would have got a top ride back in the day!!!!

[@Riggsfan99]

Kyle is probably the closest to tjat we have. He says what he really thinks and doesn't care what people think. Especially with the media but its deserved. The other day i saw a press conference from the 500 in 2019 and he stopped a reporter in the middle of his question because he didn't have his facts and history right. I am 13 years old and i feel like i know more about Nascar and Nascar history than some of the reporters do lol

[@ronfox5519]

True. He didnt sell out. He reminded me of harry gant, cale yarbarough, david pearson.

[@delbertlayman3693]

Ward made a huge point. Dale jr will never totally get the credit he deserves for the instant pressure he was under. He was the face of nascar overnight. I still say him and kelly is the next comparable team to hendrick. I hope to see them go cup one day.

[@terrilreece8045]

That’s so true. He had a lot on his shoulders to say the least. Ward is right.

[@durango8882]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@teebob21]

God damn. Ward was right. Junior wasn't expecting such a huge compliment out of the blue, but Ward was right.

[@joshiles]

I've been saying for awhile now JRMotorsports is part of Dale's legacy and what dei should have been. Keeping veterans like Sadler and Justin in competitive equipment, believing in Brad and seeing his potential. Those are things Dale did, who knows how well Steve Park and Mikey could have done had things gone differently, as it was they became race winners because Dale believed in them when nobody else did. That's what Dale's legacy is to me, seeing the potential in a driver that nobody else did. Were it not for Teresa Truex would have won a championship years ago, but as it was he stuck it out, fighting for everything he could and when the dust settled he's a 3x champion (2 in Busch) and continues to be a threat every week.

[@pebs65]

I love that Dale Jr has learned so young in life that “there is beauty in truth.” The way he honors his father by speaking the truth and the way he allows others to be honest just speaks to what an authentic human being he is.

[@samrumade9429]

I was not a big fan of the Dale,but have tons of respect for Jr and his sister. Also,after watching the one with Kerry on it,they are real honest people.

[@stadleroux]

"You can be as honest as you want here about my dad. We let him have it." WOW...

[@ross6343]

Ward Burton is the 'Cool Hand Luke' of NASCAR - straight shooter full of honest integrity!

[@Ghostmotorfinger]

I honestly did not know one fan back in the day. That disliked Ward Burton.

[@normanbyrne9868]

@@Ghostmotorfinger Agreed. I was a die hard Dale Sr fan for many years but also being from Virginia, had to root for both of those Burton Boys from South Boston, VA.

[@ross6343]

@@Ghostmotorfinger I was a fan because Ward Burton said what he meant and didn't have a mean bone in his body and raced everyone clean as possible...unlike some of the 'fan favorites' from back in the day.

[@markcalloway7320]

It’s sort of like the Hank Jr song, if you don’t like Hank Williams you can kiss my a$$. It’s the same thing with Ward. If you don’t like Ward Burton you can kiss my a$$!

[@Ghostmotorfinger]

@@normanbyrne9868 Same for me except not being from Virginia. Couldn't dislike Ward or Jeff back in the day. Made the races Earnhardt's cars weren't competitive in more barrable.

[@timg2088]

I remember when Dale Sr. died, and how many fans instantly placed their allegiance on Jr. I thought he must feel like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Not only him, but Kevin Harvick, too. Both of these young men had an extraordinary amount of expectations placed on them. People were looking for a new favorite driver to follow. Whether or not they felt it, they both handled it well.

[@DeniseMcClellan-d1u]

Love listening to Ward

[@tammiea8552]

Ward is absolutely right. Junebug sure did have the weight of the sport on his shoulders. I could just feel it. Also with tears in my eyes hearing Jr talk at the end about learning from everyone. I miss seeing you out there racing bud!

[@spg1026]

He carried the sport a long ways. How he didn’t crack or just plain leave the sport is truly amazing. Reminded every week for years of how much the fans missed his dad.

[@prezidentjeff]

@@spg1026 Couldn’t agree more

[@teague10plays70]

This is exactly the type of conversation that makes this show and Dale Jr so special.

[@Racin3]

From 7:29 onwards, I'm glad Ward said all of that. That was a nice heartfelt moment. That and many others from this, it was a really good podcast.

[@Chip_57]

UK Nascar Fan here. Ward Burton was my favourite driver. Had the pleasure of meeting him at Darlington and he signed my program. I still have it. Love his accent. Its good to see his son doing well in Xfinity series.

[@thomasfletcher4765]

Another reason why I liked Ward Burton as race car driver , honesty .

[@kenzschueler]

Ward is one of the greatest personalities NASCAR ever had. I'm not saying THE greatest, but one of. He could take a joke. Was a good driver. And an all around good dude

[@joecapobianco647]

Ward was my driver back in the day for several reasons from his ability on the race track to his demeanor as a person. True story, at Atlanta in 2000 he walks past me on pit road on his way to the car to qualify, I was wearing the CAT jacket and we made eye contact so I said something like "Go get us a good lap" and he stopped, tapped me on the shoulder and not only thanked me for the support but ASKED if he could sign my team jacket, who does that? I'll never forget that day nor the accidental conversation we had up in Loudon the following year...just right place at the right time but this man proved to me that he is a true Southern gentleman if there ever was one. I was proud as hell to support him and that 22 CAT team.

[@big1cam]

Dale Jr. I watched my first race at 8 years old. You won Daytona. I love hearing your back story. But I want you to know that the way you carried your self in publics helped shape the attitude I have today. Thank you for giving me those race day to get away from my environment. Side note: today I am banker by day car collector by night, and kart racer on weekends. Thank you again you don't realize, and will never ever know how many lives you changed/turned around simply by driving a racecar.

[@kyleschafer6275]

Ots always a treat listening to ward, he's the boomhauer of nascar.

[@Federalwaywebbs]

He needs an interpreter for sure.

[@papadragon695]

I’ll tell y’all what man, South Boston is da best dang short track in da country man.

[@user-ow3jl5dp5o]

Haha yes 🤣

[@easyenetwork2023]

Waaard Burtoyn in da Caterpillarer Dawdge.

[@jmd76family]

Him and Elliott Sadler!!!

[@davidschmude]

Junior gives credit to the likes of Ward, DJ and Mark Martin for teaching him how to handle himself with the media, the fans and with other drivers. If only NASCAR had some mentors now to teach some of these punks a little class and integrity. Thanks for the interview, Ward. It’s been a while since we’ve heard from you.

[@RATTL3R186]

Amen. Don't forget sportsmanship.It's a boring demolition derby now.

[@packisbetter90]

Only true veterans left are Harvick, Kurt, and Newman. Seemed like back then those guys raced forever

[@douglasfoster2215]

I've always liked Ward.

[@the_Real_Grammy_of_6]

What Ward said about Jr carrying the pressure, is something I’ve always thought about and worried about for Jr. But like Ward said, Jr did the greatest job carrying that load.

[@toddabel13]

Nothing but respect for Ward!!!

[@karendandeneau4489]

Amen!!

[@randyking191]

Absolutely!

[@jeffreyhortman216]

The last race I attended was at Texas. My best friend was a Kyle Busch fan and I a Dale Jr fan. Kyle won by a few seconds and Jr 2nd. My best friend passed 2 weeks later. I haven't been back since. I don't want to change that great time. Racing brings people together like nothing I've ever seen. Thanks guys!

[@normanbyrne9868]

I really really really enjoy these segments with the former drivers from back in the day. I could just sit for hours and listen to the older veterans discuss how NASCAR used to be (for the better, imo). From Waltrip(s), to Jarrett, to Burton(s) to the much older Cale, Bobby, Donnie, etc. I could listen to these men talk all day, especially when they bring up the old rivalries or even the slip ups that caused an unintentional wreck, such as this episode. Its really great after so many years that these two guys can come together and laugh about this one moment in their lives.

[@a1b1c184]

This is now easily my favorite podcast. Especially the ones with any of the older gen drivers, owners, or crew chiefs. I listened to both parts of the Andy Petree one this morning and it was just as good. Jr is really good at this. His Dad would be so proud of the man he became.

[@thefranchise4698]

That 2002 Bristol was probably my favorite night race. Several wrecks and tempers flaring. Ward Burton's interview after the wreck was classic

[@horatiobeaker]

My respect for Dale just continues to grow every time I get a chance listen to him.

[@jcearnhardt393]

Thank you ward for what you said to jr about how he handled himself and the sport after dale died. That's exactly how alot of us feels. We all knew jr or nobody could wheel a car like dale but he sure has handled his business and done his family name proud.

[@Chrystal_Hendrix]

I honestly adore Ward Burton and he’s truly a Good man. Another Great Guest this week on The DJD.

[@jimb8601]

I miss seeing and hearing Ward at the track. He’s a character with a big heart.

[@johnsullivan6080]

Dale, the way that Ward Burton handles his demeanor respect life respect people around them and respect you as a person with dignity, tells me that man would be a real good friend to have. Amen God bless you brother

[@SmokeShow9969]

Ward is the Cat skid steer promotional leader... best commercial ever lol

[@julieloofbourow3042]

Thank you Dale for the great stories and history of racing, not just NASCAR!

[@Lisared023]

I could listen to Ward talk all day long. LOVE his voice, drawl and his laugh. 😍😍😍

[@thejohnsons2123]

Could y'all edit in cutscenes of racing incidents like this for the viewer? It's really cool to hear the drivers tell you what there thinking as you watch. Love the content. Thanks

[@OddballHillbilly419]

Ward has always been brutally honest.

[@Kilz78]

That and his super southern voice is why I have always respected Ward

[@aaronanderson7619]

It's a fading quality in men.

[@TheFairyDickmother]

@@aaronanderson7619 It's a fading quality in humans in general

[@momlovesnoel]

I used to love Ward Burton hot & heavy in my teens. OMG, we are all so old now!!!!

[@terrilreece8045]

I love Ward. Thanks for having him on. Glad y’all had a chance to talk.

[@juantwo3]

One of my favorite interviews Dale has ever done! I love Ward! Hope to see and hear more of him!

[@michaell31]

I was never a Jr. fan when he raced, but these podcast have turned me into one. He's a real person, very honest.

[@namesjeff5908]

When Nascar was worth watching, love these old stories!

[@TheBallewLife]

Agreed!!! 💯%

[@kishdogg1594]

When There was some Personality and The will to Win No matter what...those days are long gone

[@joyhruska9377]

Absolutely 💯% agree!!

[@tommaddox6696]

What a great conversation, always respected Ward Burton and this conversation just added to that respect

[@brandychewningcaldwell379]

Ward told him what all racing fans wanted to say. There was so much pressure on Jr., and so much new support from fans shifting from Sr. to a new driver. He was grace and we were all so proud. Thanks, Ward.

[@Angie-Pants]

This was the first Bristol race I watched flag to flag, at 12 years old. Still my all-time favorite race, I'll put it on a few times a year. Thanks for the memories fellas!

[@neilholschbach6704]

Again !!!! WoW!! Awesome interview !!

[@shotgunremy8743]

Didn’t realize how much I’ve missed ward. Love him

[@jeffreyhortman216]

I have a wall full of Dale Jr memorabilia. I watched Dale Sr with my uncle and watched Jr like my uncle did Sr. Nascar will never be as watchable again. Thanks for the great memories.

[@ziptiejedi5658]

It's pretty cool to watch how all the drivers that come on the show have such a tremendous amount of respect for Dale. You can tell it was earned on and off the track. Not just given to him because of Dale sr.

[@barnetcoll8]

I met ward Burton back in the day with his brother you want to talk about nice people him and his brother are just down to earth as anyone in this world

[@shaneralph9571]

These podcast continue to get better and better.........just when you can't think they can't possibly get any better...........the next episode comes out! Great Job guys!!!

[@kidwave1]

Totally agree, I dont even watch the races anymore, this podcast is faaaaar more entertaining than the actual races these days

[@HawaiiJetboat]

There are a few YT videos that I watch at a slow pace so I can soak it all in, no binge viewing, and this series is one of them. I grew up watching NASCAR and watch the reruns of those 70's through 90's all the time and then I get to see the drivers sit down with wisdom, truthfulness, the glint of racing and competition still in their eyes all sprinkled over with humor...its something to be savored. Thanks for sharing.

[@truckertrev3837]

Awesome interview I got tears when Ward started complimenting Dale.

[@dustbucket4059]

Man the good old days!

[@99alskdjfhg]

I havent watched nascar in 20 yrs. But i love this podcast. 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

[@JJA1987]

Love both these guys as drivers - Ward was so underrated - That Bristol Night Race in 2002 is so iconic always go back & watch it

[@fogalicious2644]

One big thing from that race I weirdly remember is Todd Bodine spinning like 3 seperate times by himself in that 26 Discover car.

[@larrywt656]

Looking forward to the show this afternoon. I've always liked ol' Ward!

[@diannau3215]

I have always liked and respected Ward Burton. After listening to this interview, I like him even more and have more respect for him. What a heartfelt interview for all three of them, but especially Jr and Ward. Thank you Ward for showing such compassion for Jr after Sr was gone. We all felt the weight of the world on Jr's shoulders, but it needed to be said by someone like Ward to tell Jr. Quite an emotional moment I would say. Nascar was never the same since the day we lost Dale Sr.

[@wards1fan]

Next to Jr.'s father, Ward was my favorite Driver. He is a "down to earth" person that I will always call a friend, just like Dale, Sr . We had some good times in Daytona and after cutting Dale out of his car, I couldn't stand to loose another friend like that.

[@timg2088]

You know Ward personally?

[@bertmustin]

Pulled Dale from the car? You were an EMT at Daytona?

[@str1pp3rglitter18]

I looked this man up and he was a paramedic at Daytona. The stories you must have!

[@wards1fan]

@@timg2088 Yes I took him out for dinner 🍽 a couple of times when he was down for testing sessions.

[@wards1fan]

@@bertmustin I was a paramedic, but my job was a Captain on the Fire Crew. It was my crew (as well as myself) that cut the roof so that the ambulance crew could get him out... one of the worst days of my life 😪

[@debloisdogs9993]

These podcasts are my favorite thing on the internet. I’m a fan of watching old races but most days now I’d rather listen to this channel! I appreciate the work you guys are putting in for us listeners, thank you!

[@bobbydevine2154]

I freaking love these shows!!! truth & honesty & respect!!!!

[@robbyburns]

The wreck Ward was talking about with Sr. was in spring 1998 Talladega race

[@SingerDinger]

The crash burned some of Dale sr’s mustache off

[@warrenmichael918]

I give up!!!!! I have scrolled through the comments looking for a negative comment about Ward and i just cant find any! This guy was always one of my favorite people to listen to

[@waynefromnewfoundland8740]

Ward is one cool cat. He just delivers so much honesty to his interview that you soak up every word.

[@4amtowingrecoveryinc832]

I’ve always liked Ward as a driver, this just shows kinda person he is and i bet he would be fun to hang out with! Glad to see him still doing good!

[@samiam9008]

So great to see Ward again. I think I can't understand him now when he's speaking.. Good to see him looking so well.

[@jeffjones1002]

Much respect for Ward Burton as well as Jr.!!!

[@THATSWHATSUP.615]

If my car would have cranked up that 8 car would not have finished LMFAO

[@mallardcutter7209]

It was always said that Ward grew up on the other end of the house from Jeff !! LOL 😂

[@easyenetwork2023]

That is what always got me. They are brothers and sound nothing like each other, even though they kind of look alike. Even Jeb and Harrison have different accents. Maybe Jeff was more of a bookworm and hung out with the nerdy crowd and maybe Ward was more involved in the hunting scene and being a backwoods Virginian.

[@dougwalker4947]

Jeff always said, it was because Ward grew up in the South end of the house!

[@bignickdigger7105]

"Grew up in the south end of the house"

[@vickifree944]

He's my most favorite driver. I love his whole personality.

[@torquewrenchdaddy8032]

I used to live in n.c. And a guy in my neighborhood had an old ward burton race car in his driveway. I would always smile when I passed by that thing. Racing was good back then. I miss it.

[@edfulginiti8798]

I could listen to Ward Burton all dang day and never tire. Just a classy guy!

[@section8usmc53]

Man I love Ward. What a great guy. He molded himself into a really great human being. He benefits lots of people, and is a great conservator of the land and natural resources. He was my favorite driver for several years, and he's perhaps even more impressive being who he is now. What a nice, respectful, and respectable guy. I hope he never changes.

[@johnvogt543]

Ward Fan. Im so proud of both of them I was there that night, with my Brothers, Jr. Fans.

[@dot_dash]

When you realize you're a huge Ward Burton fan but he's retired.

[@bobbruce3925]

Ward, been and still a HUGE fan !!!

[@kennethyoung4768]

I think I've watched maybe a hand full of races since Dale Jr. retired. I do live the content he puts out and also respect the hell out of him. Keep the great content coming.

[@markwilliams5606]

To hear Jr. And Ward. That's fun! Great show! Of course!

[@randyking191]

Always been a Ward Burton and a Dale Jr fan. Cool show, thanks for sharing it with us!

[@davenorman6717]

Always loved Wurd Buh-dun's accent, and i'm from Georgia ! To those who say Dale Jr. can't drive...i watched him go into Turn 1 at Atlanta at 190+ mph in a 3,400 lb. car, and drift/hang the rear end up within inches of the fence...lap after lap. Hats off to that man.... I'm an old car/motorcycle racer and that was impressive !

[@scsmith4604]

I always cheered for this guy. How could you not? Always loved his interviews and the way he said Caterpillar in his interviews.

[@foldelops]

Short-n-Sweet ... Dale Jr. ........ All Class ! ........

[@kenrolltideAlabama]

I have allways thought the world of Ward, even though I pulled for another driver, I knew he he was and is a really good man inside and out. Thank you for being you.

[@amywilkins543]

I miss Ward Burton. So glad he complemented Jr. on how he handled things after his dads tragic accident. Everyone loved Jr after that. I know I did!!! Too bad things didn’t work out with DEI. Dale should have had some control there to keep the DEI team together. Dale did the best he could at the time. We love ya Dale ❤️❤️❤️

[@coreyforshey3812]

He’s right: Jr was going through absolute hell. DW carried jr through.

[@TheNewsChannel]

Ah woulda shawt tru da window raight dere! Love Ward Burton!

[@timheidel5849]

It's nice to hear Ward Burton and be able to understand him...he used to have a very strong "accent" and I could not understand him. Seems like a really good, honest guy.

[@pastorcollins]

Over the last year and a half, watching these have been great. I remember seeing Kerry and Dale Jr race at Myrtle Beach as a kid. My one and only Cup race was the spring race at Darlington in 2000 - I remember it fondly, because it was the first time Dad let me drive the S-10, which was standard and I stalled out at the gas station in Marion parking. He said, "That's one way to do it."

[@kayejaye261]

Great interview. This is RESPECT. Both ways. The Burtons like they are cause this good man. Same with Dale Jr. We are losing good men in Nascar like these two legends. Thank you.

[@Art_Vandelay_]

Thank you for this!

[@cguitarallday]

Ward is one of my favorite drivers of all time. I always pulled for him. I wish nascar was still like it was in the 90s

[@rebeccaelrod2514]

Love seeing Ward!!😎

[@Diecastbuffet]

Possibly the most wholesome driver ever

[@RonaldTallman-f5j]

Thank you Ward . Great show

[@sassysusan99]

Wow! That brought tears to my eyes and all those memories!

[@hicksvilleshick]

Always loved seeing Ward do well, genuine guy. Wish we had more drivers like him nowadays.

[@jfb1188]

A lot of truth and respect being spoken here great stuff. Reason Dale was able to take on the pressure of the sport is he loves it.

[@brettcall6]

What Ward said the last minute was amazing! Such an incredible guy and driver. Wish him the best in the second half of his life.

[@ynotdrappehs7440]

There will never be the type of people or dynamic that was NASCAR back when the REAL racers were in the sport. Respect, families, history, just racing .......Those were the days. These kids running now I feel nothing for on any level. Don't know where they came from or how they made it into the ranks of NASCAR. Really don't care. Case the sport died the day Dale Sr. did for me. I get emotional every time one of the stories get told. Wish it was the same today. I knew every couch jockey aspect of the sport. Pit strategies, car placement on the track it was a great feeling every weekend. Keep up the great work and keep the past alive.

[@Gmanautonut]

Another Great interview!!

[@rudymuller5251]

Another absolutely awesome guest, thank you Dirty Mo media for bringing Ward back for a bit 👍😁

[@rjyokum]

Junior....love the way you embrace the old NASCAR and feature it on your programs. (And I still miss DMP :-))

[@jimadkins4772]

One of my all time favorites.