Jerry Nadeau: I Wouldn't Have Changed Anything

Dale Jr. shares his own personal battle with concussions and connects with his former competitor Jerry Nadeau on head injuries and how to move on from them.
LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION:
Web: bit.ly/2HcOmhi
Apple: apple.co/2Fkf9Wd
Google: bit.ly/35GckNL

[@ChrisLincolnHomes]

This was a tough interview for me to watch. I loved watching Jerry back in the day. I hope someone with a brain trauma page see's this and recruits him to talk about the dangers of Trumatic brain injury. He had Army sponsorship, maybe he can get together with some of the Army/Rehab facilities that take care of our finest soldiers recovering from TBI. I'll pray for you Jerry.

[@18deltadoc28]

Roger that!

[@coyote8198]

Thanks Dale for giving Jerry his due. I was wondering how he has been getting by now.

[@FlightData101]

“I love making people happy”. That’s what Jerry needs to feel fulfilled, I hope he gets to do it often.

[@dougsmith7031]

This ranks right there with Kenny Schrader as a tie for the best interview!!! Thank you Jr for doimg this.

[@lordmatthewanunnahybrid1356]

Yes Kenny, Andy Petree and Jerry are my favorite 3. :)

[@crw3673]

This was a great heartfelt and in depth interview. Jerry Nadeau has so much more to give and teach. He is a true race car driver through and through.

[@to8860]

And yet NASCAR kicked Larson out for a year......good call......idiots.....the viewers have tanked ever since.

[@PhiAlpha44]

Someone needs to find a place for him in the sport.

[@ernestdougherty3162]

Amen to that brother

[@to8860]

@JIMMY HENDERSON Well no sir! There are many reasons nascar tanked...bubba wallace, kyle larson...not starting races at noon central time....they messed up!!

[@to8860]

@JIMMY HENDERSON I don't agree with that Jimmy. That guy is not a good driver! I can promise you that NASCAR gave him and Michael Jordan"the call" and he still couldn't drive that car to victory lane!! He is not a good driver!!!

[@JD14600]

This makes me feel so sad, I’m a racer too (not at his level at all) but to have what you live for ripped from you would be awful... and he’s obviously reaching out for something to be involved in and be a part of

[@MattK19911]

I participated in an Audi Ride and Drive event a few years ago and Jerry was the driver with me. Only got to spend 5-10 min with him, but he was incredibly cool and taught me a lot in that short time. I wish the best for him!

[@chasebarrett3801]

Thanks Dale for giving Jerry his moment on the show. God bless y'all and Jerry Nadeau and his family. He isn't forgotten. And Dale jr is still my favorite all time driver..

[@michaelsullivan1262]

This made me sad as hell! All my best to Jerry! 👑✌🏼

[@garystevens3440]

I remember the day In Connecticut Dodge was giving drift rides to the public and Jerry was my driver, two guys laughing from one end of the course to the other. That was a cool day. Best of luck to you Sir.

[@FlightData101]

Great memory, I’m jealous!

[@rmk1283]

That's pretty cool! Lol. I'd ride with him in a second.

[@tertessa]

Thank you Dale....Great to see Jerry is doing well 🙏

[@Mo-dad]

One of the coolest yet for me Jerry was a great talent great to see him doing well

[@mikeburg8267]

7666

[@richwicklund9001]

Jerry needs to be involved in this sport. This sport needs Jerry! His enthusiasm is great. The media needs to gobble him up.

[@cjr1881]

No, he's done. He is mentally disabled. Look at him smiling. Can you not tell how lost and dumb he is?

[@sportscaractionteam266]

Such a blessing to have a guy like Jerry speak his heart out, so heart sore your career got cut short Jerry, praying for you, never give up, live your dream

[@jeffroid_tv]

Make Jerry a part of the team Dale! He seems like a Great Dude!!!

[@grassmaster4432]

Great to see Jerrys doing good. I just wanted to say I watched JR. First busch race. He is a hell of a sincere guy im telling you he is the ambassador of Nascar no dought.. just what a great guy.

[@patriciatrucksess6637]

Dale, you know a million different avenues you could reach out to get Jerry in a good place for employment. Something that would benefit just from his being involved along with a job that would fit Jerry and his abilities. You clearly saw how he was reaching out and I clearly saw how touched you were by him.

[@rgii8060]

Was at the track when he wrecked. I wasn't inside yet but me and a buddy were walking through the gates and heard it. It was loud and then complete silence a few minutes later because they red flagged practice. Glad he is doing well.

[@superbird4351]

He seems a lot happier than he was years ago. I remember like 10 years ago when they would interview him and he would say that he wished God just took him.

[@nealm6764]

I talked to a flight attendant who had him on a flight and she said from the way he was talking she was afraid he was imminently going to commit suicide. Like you, glad he seems to be doing better. Hopefully it isn't just an act.

[@aaronkristofer18]

@@nealm6764 Yeah I remember hearing stuff like that and thinking he wasn't going to be around much longer. It seems like he's doing okay and I hope he really is.

[@brandonpennington1983]

I love hearing all these stories, better than any other podcast, even Rogan.

[@mattsmith9270]

Lol, that's not a very high bar.

[@johnfullmer7659]

You know how great you become when you have someone like Jerry come on the show and have a great interview about life after an injury how kind of a human being that he is even though he has dealt with new challenges after wards !!!! Dale you and Mike are doing great things with your staff I know I'm truly grateful for what you do now but specially with what you did in the past!!!! But I would love to see Kelly and and Kerry together doing a show together family is always fun to watch kids and all or even a make it an hour long special or something like that!!! I want to thank you all for what you're doing great job!!!!

[@joecapobianco647]

First time I've seen him in years....he looks fantastic and we're lucky to still have him with us!...So much respect Jerry!

[@collectingsoda8571]

I think fans appreciate and love Jerry because of his strength. None of the fans got closure on Jerry's accident until now.

[@blueykoala2687]

Thank you so much Dale & Jerry you have taught me so much on how to move forward. I'm now 73 years old and you both have finally opened my eyes on going forward. Thank you both from the bottom of my heart.🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@doomusrlc]

It's awesome seeing Jerry doing well. I missed seeing him at the track.

[@fearandloathingmedia2051]

Jr: you look so great! Mike: everything you love about life is gone, how can you possibly go on?

[@annexrock]

Great to see you doing well Jerry! You were a huge part of my life in the 90's!

[@davidrice3337]

I'm glad Jerry is doing well - he seems like a decent dude I remember he came out of nowhere and he made an impact- these interviews need to be done thamks Dale and Co

[@ChucksPullingVideos]

I would love to see Jerry back in NASCAR in some form. He has so much positive energy. I've always liked Jerry. Really glad y'all got him on the show.

[@tracybennett882]

Damn I can relate so much to this story.

[@bluedog373]

These stories are the best thing on video. They make you feel personally involved...well done.

[@81casperflip]

One of my all time favorites. Sonoma still hurts

[@buckeyefangirl1976]

So great to see Jerry. Often think about him. He was great team mate to my guy, Jeff. It was hard interview to watch however I'm so glad he did it. Great one. Blessing to him and his family and to you and yours JR.❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Alex_Mac_]

We need Jerry around more, in whatever role it is. Get him in at JRM or something!

[@dks13827]

What a great show. Dale and Mike are terrific people. Jerry, I am glad you are having a fine life now.

[@jeffreydeshazojr3]

Jerry was my favorite driver along with junior,Jeff and Robbie Gordon. These guys are class acts. I remember that day when Jerry's accident happened. Finding out he wasn't racing any more sucked. But I this is so cool to see him doing so much better.

[@Bobbarker23455]

Seen jerry at the danbury race arena s.n.y.r.a reunion. He is the nicest man ever.

[@danielsummey4144]

Jerry was one of my favorite drivers. I had always wondered what happened to him in the years since his wreck. In a lot of ways, I’m glad to see he’s okay

[@danielsummey4144]

Jeremy, not Jerry

[@yeah4me1]

Mine too. I have the same last name and my students in California back in 2001 thought it was sooooo cool that their teacher had the same last name as a Nascar driver.

[@Jeff.3]

Brock beard is going to love this

[@randomepic6204]

Any nadeau fan loves this.

[@LASTCARonBROCK]

I did!

[@aaronkristofer18]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@bear4482]

Somebody needs to snatch Jerry up, he has so much to offer other up and coming drivers❗ He's very smart has so much knowledge to share❗ If nobody does they sorely miss the boat‼️Rock on Jerry ‼️✌️🤟🤘

[@Joshtheshua]

I loved Jerry as a racer!! Always felt like he was super talented and also had respect. Let him clean the studio, would mean the world to him.

[@user-cs3zs6jn1d]

Turning a race car driver into a janitor is like turning a circus clown into a boring office worker. They love their job and don't want to do anything else. But if you gave him a sweeper truck with a big ass engine he would enjoy the hell out of cleaning the parking lot.

[@aaronkristofer18]

@@user-cs3zs6jn1d Did you listen to the whole interview? Jerry asked to clean lol

[@munafo13]

Glad to see Jerry is doing well and in great spirits. Was always wondering what he was up to...

[@sheldonpackwood5800]

Was a fan of Jerry even before his NASCAR career. For me, this is definitely one of the top 5 episodes Jr. has done. Honest and emotional... and Jerry really does seem to have vastly improved in the last couple of years.

[@srsalhany]

I was a Jerry fan when he was an active driver and seeing him on the podcast here was great. He seems a lot healthier and happier and I wish him the best.

[@TJ33308]

I grew up around Jerry and seen his rise to success he didn't have it easy, but was always very optimistic about making it.....Great seeing Jerry back out in the limelight! Guy was an amazing talented driver, nonentheless one of the funniest people you could be around!

[@kevinhazlett7303]

Danbury Fair Grounds was a great place loved going there and watching races!

[@mroptical1982]

Hello Dale and Mike and Jerry I'm very happy Jerry is looking awesome Wishing everyone there well Take Care Guys

[@oldtown6240]

I get the feeling that the point of the show was to point out the seriousness of head injuries. It not just the NFL players, but anyone in a sport that can be called a contact sport. It is a life changing event, sometimes death. And it can affect people sometimes far after the initial event. It is sad that many viewers only wanted to be entertained.

[@ytgre7767]

It's not only contact sports.. I was walking on the sidewalk going to work and got hit by a food delivery guy on a electric scooters was in a coma for 2 months in the hospital before then woke me up..

[@Alexander_Grant]

@@ytgre7767 You have to admit, that's a much less cooler reason to go into a coma with a head injury than wrecking a car going 130 on a racetrack. I hope everything is okay with you now, I hope you have a sense of humor about it, because that story right there has so much potential to be absolutely hilarious.

[@austinbates6357]

Was little when Jerry had his crash but somewhat remember seeing the coverage on it. Seems like an awesome guy, great to see him doing well

[@ashketchumsdad]

This one got to me a little. Glad Nadeau is doing well. It just always seemed like his crash was an elephant in the NASCAR room. I know a lot is said about how NASCAR has changed drastically since Dale SR's crash, and it has for sure. But I always had this sense that Nadeau's wreck was kind of lost in history a little. Having said that, great interview and I hope Nadeau finds whatever he is looking for.

[@travishanner9970]

I was a Nadaeu fan back in the day, and even more so now. To overcome what he's had to battle against is unreal!! Thanks, Dale, and the crew... AWESOME interview!!!

[@phil4986]

Dale Sr.raced when he was very physically sick with neck,back and concussion injuries and it wound up taking him away from his family and all of us too. Jerry simply had one of the worst impacts survived in Nascar and fought his way back to the great person he has always been and is still there for his family. Dale Jr.felt his continuing brain injuries were going to take him away from his family and stepped down before it took him away from his family. Both what happened to his dad and Jerry likely played a big part in Dales Jrs decision. We can't know what life is going to bring our way. But Jerry and Dale Jr. have sure shown how to survive and excel when tough decisions have to faced and accepted. I hope both continue to have improved health and find happiness with their family and friends everyday. And thank you to both for telling us the truths of what they face everyday. Life does get better. You just have to keep moving forward and accept the new paths life brings your way.

[@BigWheelHawaii]

Dale Jr,,, What a National Treasure,,, "Did Dale Sr "Do It Right",,, The Proof's In The Pudding,,, Look at His Kid,,, He's Just Perfect,,,.... Jerry Nadeau,,, Wow,,, Brave Kid,,, Strong Kid,,,

[@TL-uk5rn]

Wonderful interview, has to be a Top 10. Jerry didn't realize it but he gave lessons of life, 2 former drivers meet randomly in a Costco................divine intervention ????

[@grassmaster4432]

Another thing I like when JR. Is doing the radio coverage at a road course and when there is a wreck he is the first one on top of it. He gets so excited not about the wreck but u know what I'm talking I can't believe how great of a broadcaster he has turned out to be.

[@josephjohn3857]

Dover - I saw Dale fly away in the helicopter. Was praying hard.

[@jeffproehl295]

This was so great. Thankyou.

[@SyonTube07]

You're my fav man! You go!

[@paulhope3550]

So happy to see him doing better!

[@Hisgirl813]

Thank You for this! I was such a huge fan of Jerry's from the time he was in the Cartoon Network car! Such a fan that I got his car # tattooed on my hip when he was in the 01 ! I've missed him terribly and so happy to see he's doing ok !

[@DragsterJeffCrider]

I have had many concussions it affects me too. I got a lot out of this interview thank you both.

[@ciscoandpanchosworldofadve7221]

Could you do a show with Kenny Irwins dad? Roper's family? ask Joe to talk about his brother Jon Nemecheck? Their stores should be heard and not forgotten, I LOVED to See these 2 videos about Jerry Nadeau, I often thought "How is Jerry doing?" I am Still a Big Fan of his and Glad to see he is doing well, Thank you

[@rickycox6111]

Yq

[@jamesemmeneckersr.1875]

Jr. and Mike.... Great stuff

[@wowandflutter]

Mike: "You're put out to pasture to figure it out." Jerry: "...but I don't know what the hell I'm doing, I don't know..." 17:56 "You talk about missing it.. and your career was taken from you... but I feel like that you should miss it... and that's okay! ... The fact that you miss it is actually a positive thing." I'm really glad Dale shared this bit of positive psychology with Jerry. And from Mike's earlier exchange with him, I think he would greatly benefit from psych. therapy. Jerry obviously knows what he wants, but help with putting his scattered thoughts together could go a long way in helping him figure out what to do next--he looks like there's still a lot of potential, and he badly wants to use it.

[@haroldfloyd5518]

I’m not a big NASCAR guy but Dale is the most interesting athlete on the planet. You’re getting the real goods from Junior every time, no filter, no hedging, just his honest thoughts and feelings.

[@guitarman864]

Glad to see he is doing well,, I too am a Kyle Larson and Kyle busch fan...

[@wiliregi559]

That is one extremely interesting conversation take care fellas and well done

[@retroguy1976]

I was at a bmw driver experience back in may at metlife stadium so I drove the m440i x drive they had pro drivers as instructors talking to you in the car via 2 way radio on how to make the turns and jerry was my instructor on the 2nd run I did that was awesome I was like ohhhh yeah he drove the 25 for hendricks

[@chrismiles8225]

Damnit that was a great listen! 👍

[@johnbernier2917]

YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING AFTER all of those RACING ACCIDENT YOU ARE WELL AND TALKING ABOUT IT I RACE 20 YEARS AGO ON A DEARTH RACE TRACK AND THAT WAS FUN

[@lisab2543]

Cartoon Network 💙 Glad Jerry is doing better. From CT and used to see races at the Danbury fairgrounds as a kid.

[@k4gap]

How is it possible this channel has less than 1m subs ?

[@carlmartin4577]

I want that Davey Allison shirt JR. I have a well worn one in storage. Awesome

[@j.a.b.9976]

Sorry you could not tell this was not about Davey Allison (rip) or your selfish self! But there's hope waiting for you Carl Martin!

[@carlmartin4577]

@@j.a.b.9976 wow! I thought the episode was uplifting and daunting at same time. So glad Jerry is doing so much better now and would love to see him race again

[@mnkpls2]

#25/01/Jerry was my fav driver, I was really bummed when he got hurt.

[@terpdawg]

This one had me in my feelings... Jerry was at the top of the mountain and it was just snatched away ... I remember his wreck very well I'm happy he's doing great but I can't help but wonder what kind of mental toll this takes on a guy ... I hope you find what you are looking for Jerry and I hope it rewards you and fills the void that was lost in the crash

[@Deanwrd]

Never cared for him as a driver, but this is good honest side of this man to get a true perspective of his life and career.

[@oldskoold22]

Damn! Great!

[@KR_Diecasts]

The tire test was at Kansas in 2012 and the Dover Crash was fall 03.

[@jasonmichael6292]

Race teams need passionate racers in their organization! Hire Jerry!

[@MCscarfacematt]

i agree 100%, hes not done with racing just driving. someone needs to create a team of drivers forced into retirement, as a dirt track driver forced to retire due to an off the track accident. i went from a driver, to team manager and engine builder i did everything from finding sponsorship to building engines and car set up. one engine had 5 championships in 2 years across 3 tracks. that team was dissolved when my dad the owner died and his wife sold off everything. so i started doing the same for a buddy who started driving right after

[@rossracing6433]

@@MCscarfacematt That's awesome man (besides he selling the stuff, and you getting hurt I guess). I hope when my driving days are through I can do something similar.

[@jasonmichael6292]

Jimbo if you listen to the entire podcast he actually does reach out to people. As a matter of fact he’s called Dale Junior himself in the past and asked for work. Sub par racing organizations lack enthusiasm. Junior Motorsports is a great program therefore they could always use a passionate employee.

[@larryorange9082]

I was there when he won Atlanta. It was a very popular win.

[@ehss192]

Popular win and popular day. It was also ESPN's last NASCAR broadcast with Bob Jenkins and crew.

[@castelnausci7315]

It would be cool to see Jerry Nadeau driving a pace car someday. Give him his chance

[@lynnhardyjr4383]

He's 100% right.. he did make it!

[@DupontandLowesWarrior]

NASCAR 2001-03 (#25) NASCAR Thunder 2004 (#01) EA Sports it's in The Game!!

[@gabbylemaster1213]

Might be 2 in this generation let me know if you ever want to find out. Sky Rocket 🚀 thanks for sharing your story Jerry

[@donnlowe9129]

Dale this was a good interview I have frequently wondered how Jerry Neadau was doing. It would be nice if he could find a niche that keeps him involved in racing somehow To help him overcome the loss he is obviously feeling. It seems to me race car drivers Need to have an official like boxers do a referee that says No more you can't go on after you get knocked Silly, A doctor that looks in your eye and observes you immediately after an impact to determined how badly hurt your head is and what the next course of action should be. I know drivers have a propensity to getting right back in the car but that is probably a dangerous thing to do.

[@tainvestor]

Jerry Nadeau driving an LFA is something I want to see

[@oldermusiclover]

Jr glad you were smart enough to stop even though you will always miss racing

[@Brian-fp4xf]

I raced against Jerry in Go karts back in the day and he kicked ny ass along with so many others, that sob lol

[@thehurri-fan1290]

I am sure he loved every second of it though lol great post man.

[@daviclar867]

2 cycle or 4? What brand go-kart?

[@lananavan1885]

Food is key for the brain,

[@tnwhiskey68]

You always hear Nascar folks talk about how they're all such a big family but hearing Jerry's story about the after part reminds me of how J.D. McDuffie's widow talked about his death financially devastating her and Nascar did nothing! Looks like they could find a way to help these folks some.

[@ytgre7767]

Mike you talk about having a second plan to fall back on.. As someone who had a TBI with a brain bleed.. This is something you can't relate too..I spent several years in a fog.. It's been several years since my accident I still can't go to the movies I have a hard time being around a lot of people and keeping with the conversation when talking. I can't watch large TVS.. Jerry and Dale probably can relate to this you meet people and you can't remember their names or they think that you're pretending like you don't know who they are and you really don't. And even if you have a second plan like Jerry said he did a roof with his dad do you think he'd be able to go up on ladders or be able to handle heights ? look down at the ground from up in the air so see even if you have a second plan odds are it's not going to work.. until you realize what has happened to you and you come to terms with it.. the person I was before I had my accident is no longer me.. I'm sure Jerry and Dale can relate to that... So be easy on the guy help him out anyway you can.. Mike you were a lot better when you used to run around the building doing practical. joke's lol

[@billgibson100]

Mike is the best!

[@bbrcummins1984]

A lot of people don't understand how hard it is have your life change so quickly, I know this feeling very well.

[@Joshtheshua]

Mike flopped here. People make mistakes. I'm glad when someone doesn't get it tbh. Wouldn't wish it on anyone.

[@ytgre7767]

@@bbrcummins1984 I was lucky in that respect a child I had a learning disability which is something I always have to adapt to be able to accomplish something.. so that's what I did after the TBI. Mike's a good guy he was trying to help Jerry out.. Mike was good when he was running around doing practical jokes on people and recording. And he did an excellent video about Jr's mom after she passed away..

[@randomepic6204]

@@Joshtheshua made a mistake? How? Your trieing to understand perspective by asking questions I'm not following tbh

[@timperley69]

I remember Dale's crash at Fontana, that was a bad one.

[@lordshankracing4724]

In the words of Brock Beard: Jerry Nadeau, the fury from Danbury

[@maryloupetty3282]

It was the same way Bobby Allison and Neil Bonnett

[@MDAdams72668]

I also had 20/10 vision as I aged(about30 or 45) I was sure I was "going blind" but the eye doctor said "your vision is perfect 20/20" LOL The difference is unbelievable and not comprehendible to those with "perfect20/20" Then I got cataracts ad now need glasses to see up close. Wow, what I had from age 0-40or45 was in retrospect a genuine "super-power".

[@DeRock7121]

Im glad sim racing exists today. He can still get the thrill of racing without the risk.

[@chrisdaviddunn3012]

He'd be a great car owner or driver coach.

[@toddabel13]

Have you ever thought about bringing Marty Smith on the show?

[@garycrumrine9538]

I was an outsider to Stan Fox's situation, and stan was one that developed a lot of bitterness. It eventually led to him losing everything.

[@stevemikkelson6265]

There’s nothing wrong with Discipline It makes you a better person.,