Why Aren't Kelley & Dale Earnhardt Jr NASCAR Cup Owners Yet? Kelley Explains.

Episode #60 of "Kenny Conversation" is Kelley Earnhardt Miller!
In this clip Kelley explains why she & Dale Earnhardt Jr aren't #NASCAR Cup owners yet.
#racing #kennywallace #NASCAR #daleearnhardt #dalejr
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***thumbnail photos courtesy of Kelley Earnhardt Miller & Charlie Marlow
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[@tonywoody5696]

JR. is so fortunate to have Kelly as his sister. She seems to be very informed and reasonable when it comes to business. Thanks for your channel, Kenny!

[@juliedy1574]

I totally agree!

[@garybattle7805]

He is lucky for that because jr is a drunk.

[@dans30thta]

Kelley is a smart business woman. She is 100% correct, why pay for a charter if you really don't know what it's worth. Not good business sense right now.

[@alfee9411]

Imagine what 30 mil would do for CARS ???? And let's stay to the basics and affordable somewhat 😜 We'll migrate that way no doubt!! JRNation !!

[@chriszasada9756]

Her and Dale know how money works and how a business is suppose to work . They have done more for the sport by running their businesses versus Senior winning championships. Jr has the chance to win more than seven championships as a car owner versus just being a driver , that's his biggest talent right now .

[@BuzzysStuff]

Jr motor sport is doing more for racing by helping young athletes move up in racing.

[@deborahdavis7999]

Kelly I admire you to the MAX your talent and knowledge is Wonderful. Dale Jr is SO fortunate to have a sister like you. Looking forward to another interview with you. ❤😊

[@chrishodapp1962]

She negotiated and manage Junior’s contracts from the very beginning. When Jr. sign with Hendrick motorsports, she did all the negotiations etc. Junior is on record of saying he was not involved and didn’t even know how much money the contract was for.

[@kishbrowning]

Daddy didn’t raise no fool. Smart lady.

[@WheelerRickRambles]

Daddy didn’t raise these two … are you not aware of their story?

[@kishbrowning]

lol. I stand corrected.

[@joshpitts7256]

Ole Wheeler Rick thinks he knows something

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@WheelerRickRambles Dale Sr was very much a part of their younger lives. Your ignorance is obvious.

[@RayRay2290.1]

​@WheelerRickRambles at first no, he didn't, but then Brenda's house burned down and Dale Sr took them in and yes very much raised them.

[@linhunnicutt6556]

I have said this before and I will say this again, as long as the France family is in charge of NASCAR. There will be no permanent charter system. The France family is not willing to give up the amount of control that the owners would get if the charter system, which, in my opinion, has been flawed from the get-go and needs to be shelved.

[@waynewheaton3210]

I think their attempt to control the sport is probably hurting it. The charters should be structured the same way as owning most other professional sports franchises. One of the biggest names in the sport may never field a cup team. When people like Tony Stewart walk away you know things are not good.

[@maverickhenderson4902]

In my honest opinion. They simply need to go back to show up, qualify, use a provisional if needed. Pay the teams more money while they’re at it. It’d work for everybody. It worked for years.

[@williamphillipsjr8657]

I believe that is the point of view from 23XI Racing, primarily Michael Jordan and Mr. Polk. Both f them are very successful businessmen. One would think that the NASCAR Board would take their words into consideration.

[@PaperBanjo64]

​@williamphillipsjr8657 if NASCAR won't listen to Dale Jr they ain't listening to Michael Jordan.

[@davidlockner8624]

NASCAR used to pride itself on NOT being like other sports, and that used to be part of the appeal. Now all they want is to be just like other sports with charters and "playoffs". The late 80's thru early 2000's proved the formula that is right for stock car racing, however they start adding ingredients in an attempt to make it better and after a while it's a completely different product. Charters killed car counts. Used to be there were 50 cars showing up every weekend to attempt to qualify, now, the only cars in the field are basically the charter cars. They've made it impossible for the little guy who has the talent to build a car, drive the car, and work the sponsorships to be able to have a legit chance of ever succeeding. We will never see another story like Kulwicki, which something people love to see. Cars are all spec cars now, and you have to pay NASCAR and their friends to be able to even build a car. Playoffs ensure that no matter how hard you work and how well you do through 35 races, the final race is all that matters. TIts like back when Coke changed the formula..New coke failed because people didnt like it. NASCAR, we want our Old Coke back!

[@PaperBanjo64]

Also with these gen 7 cars the cost of them are far too high...back in the day when a Cup car and an ARCA were virtually the same if you had an ARCA approved car you could show and try to qualify...the COT removed that but at least gave ARCA racers a surplus of good cars to race with.

[@kworld429]

Gotdam, this is so true. They had the greatest show in the USA, fans couldn't get enough, full grandstands, rising merch & ticket sales. Also, lots of media coverage across a spectrum of networks, tracks adding seats by the thousands in some locations. It's a f-ing shame and I miss how exciting it was back then.

[@tarheelpatch3386]

Dale Sr raised some pretty good youngins

[@roadgeneral]

This is the best interview I have heard for quite some time. Thanks, Kenny. God Bless the Earnhardts. Their Dad will always #1 with me.

[@NewRiverRoots]

Kelly is a straight up boss.

[@gojeffgordon24]

I think Kelly is the boss that most folks dream of working for. Wanting to know her people and working hard right along with them. Always great hearing her talk about the business.

[@jimcollins9316]

Kelley is very impressive! I could listen to her talk about business for days! NASCAR is like so many multi generation business, as they go on, they lose viability.

[@jamesjarzynski4961]

That old saying..... "How to make a small fortune in racing.... Start with a big one"

[@smegleberry]

Gotta Love Kelley ...

[@billydias6807]

They have the gift of common sense.🙌🏻 Kelley is a badass period! Love her!!!

[@NickB1121]

Very informative video. I always hear about charters, but never really looked into how they worked. Kelly is superb with her words. She needs a business channel on KZbin

[@jerrycoon3369]

I agree with her 100%. Dale has always seemed to be smart with his money and not reckless.

[@mofer35]

Dale Jr. wouldn’t be where he is without his big sister. He would be the first to tell u that!!!

[@sergeantmasson3669]

@@mofer35 Kelley has had Dale Jr's back since he was born.

[@jerrycoon3369]

@@mofer35 I know that

[@beckyumphrey2626]

I bet she has a brilliant pre nup agreement. :)

[@takeoutjohnny5694]

Oh My Gosh!!!! Such a great, informative and eye opening interview!!! Thanx Herm! I’m tryin to catch up on your vids!!! 🫶

[@tonyleach9805]

I’ve been in business for myself for 42 years and she’s a bright businesswoman! She’s taking something very complex and breaking it down to the most basic level. The Earnhardt name would bring megabucks from sponsors but she’s looking at the long term investment and return and there are too many extenuating circumstances to make it a viable business model.

[@bigrig9749]

She is a badass

[@David69278]

Just like her father was

[@luke7750]

She’s a smart woman. I grew up about 45min from mooresville NC. Her accent makes her feel so relatable even though she’s worth more than myself and what 100 other folks I know would make in a lifetime. I wish her and Dale all the success because they really work hard and it seems like they haven’t taken any of this for granted

[@HesterDaniel]

She broke it down - I finally - FINALLY - get it! Kenny, thank you and Kelley thank you!!! Real talk, real life and real money!

[@waterlooboy]

Good advice at the end Herm, why would you want a cup team, when everything is going well! Good luck to Jr and Kelly!

[@DC322]

Dale Jr. and Kelley doing the right thing not to buy a charter and remain racing Xfinity series. The high cost of charters with low returns is a major obstacle to go up to the cup series. Glad they are doing their due diligence and making a lot of business sense. If the right conditions apply they will do it but right now its not the time and sense to do it.

[@hugeblue]

Love these two! Great information. Love Kenny & he was a great driver ! Kelly, Has done a tremendous job running Jr.'s businesses.

[@DavidSchoen-uf8nu]

Always knew that Kelley is smart. She’s more than that. Very impressed.

[@lananavan1885]

Dale and Kelley would turn nascar , gold

[@lananavan1885]

Don’t go to close to Hollywood,,,

[@Rock11088]

Nascar should give Dale jr JMS 3 charters just for the Business he would bring back to cup racing. There are some many Earnhardt fans that would come back to racing. I like a lot haven’t watched a complete RACE since Jr retired. Bring them BACK. If anyone else thinks the same, spread it so they will hear us!

[@curtiscollins2174]

Really enjoy your channel Kenny. Keep up good work. From Flint Michigan..

[@allentusing8161]

I want her as my financial advisor.

[@timschmidt3784]

Time for the team owners to start their own racing series. The France family has had a monopoly far too long.

[@PaperBanjo64]

Either that or the Frances step down and let the Earnhardts run it, if given authority Dale Jr would probably fix the sport.

[@ratfinkG]

Don't hold your breath waiting for that to happen as the France family owns most of the tracks also under the ISC name,so the team owners would have to find tracks not owned by the France's to run at

[@cgcoins3639]

I love how great they're doing in Xfinity and I don't need to see them in Cup... But just one time I'd like to see them enter one car, one year in the Daytona 500!

[@StephenBoyd-i9g]

Nascar should bring back the old days. When they ran in Atlanta, Ga. We took our whole family to both races. Usually there was 20 of us. We would spend from Friday thru Sunday at the track. We loved all the souvenir trailers. When Nascar took over that they drove up the prices up to the highest amount. Even the race drivers would show at the trailers that made the fans want to spend more money. Please bring back the old Nascar.

[@jamesblocker5235]

I’m no Jr fan but what I have seen from Jr is he and Kelly Both have a lot of common sense and business sense

[@treerobo6864]

Kelly is so smart, she and Jr knows how to make money

[@thomascates6248]

Kelly is the smart one. Let's stay in JR MOTOR SPOTS Iam here to say that Iam a huge fan of Dale Earnhardt Jr..

[@SteveEdinger]

The Earnhardt name on a Cup team is worth 100's of millions... ? The sponsorship possibilities are greater then any other teams.

[@mountainmandale1587]

And?...

[@SteveTheExploiter]

Is that 100% guaranteed from your checking account? No one can say who would be willing to pay what amount to sponsor that car. A team owner doesn't fund it out of their pocket. If they do, they are not business smart.

[@BurnNotice2023]

If it cost $40 million for 1 charter, that is roughly $6 million per year. How many sponsorships pay whatever it costs to run a cup car now plus the throw away of $6 million?

[@lamoorelinkous9177]

maybe so, but this lady knows this sport is on its last legs. You can hear it in her dialogue.

[@BurnNotice2023]

@@lamoorelinkous9177 Because a business move doesn't make sense doesn't mean the sport is on its last legs, it just means you don't pay $10 for something that is worth $5. Hell, they just got a new TV deal and charters went from $5 million to $35 million in a few years. That's not a sport on its last legs.

[@billy88joe]

I would love too see Jr stay in xfinity, that team is helping keep the series relevant. But I would love too see Jr buy a next Gen car and compete as an open car at big events!

[@joesample1818]

Kelly is a very smart business lady

[@lindaowens2657]

Kelley is an old chip off her dad he was a savy mined man wished Kelly nothing but the best ❤love you girl and stay strong good things happen to good people 😊

[@maureenjohnson9485]

Kenny, fantastic to see your smiling face again, and that you seem to be doing well. You were very underappreciated.

[@RogerGraves-s1c]

The problem is that Nascar owns the charters. The NFL doesn't own any of the teams, MLB doesn't own any of the pro teams. Nascar doesn't want to give up "ownership" of the charters.

[@waynewheaton3210]

Say someone starts a better stock car series . Since the teams really own nothing, besides buildings and cars, it would make it easier for them to jump to a new series. Maybe NASCAR's wanting to have a tight grip could backfire?

[@velvetjones1856]

But other NFL owners must approve who buys the team. Not as easy as it seems.

[@johnhaas2523]

​@@waynewheaton3210The teams do not own the cars technically as in they can't go use the next gen some other place

[@michaelriffey1268]

I understand you 100% Kelly❤

[@damionbeanstormchasing9892]

Because they’re smart enough to know better that’s why.

[@George-on3zm]

Great interview!!! Love Kelley. Great Hard working lady. I would love to work with.

[@johnjohnson5861]

Kelley's dad would be so proud!

[@Mustangsally2023]

So smart, always has been.

[@scrick7112]

Because Kelly Earnhardt Miller is smart. And right about now shes probably tired of the media asking her that question.

[@maureenjohnson9485]

Kelly and Dale are the 3rd generation of a family whò has been involved in the creation, growth and evolvement of Nascar from the absolute beginning. Their eyes are wide open, and they have a total understanding of the "Russian Roulette " speculationary system of the business of auto racing. The fact that they are still willing to be involved, is a testament to their inner fortitude.

[@Hardworkingman870]

Kelley has her head straight she understands business . Racing . And Nascar As a wise women she can separate emotions tyed to racing real logic. Might have something to do with her experience with Dad and Her brother

[@JeffHeidinger]

This is good one. Kelly is right. I think they should stay in infinity series.

[@maxtanicfilms]

Great listening to Kelley, super sharp! If margins can't be measured, you're gambling.

[@jeffcanfixit]

Miss Kelley should be celebrated!! Not only among the racing community but in the business world. Buy a charter that there's no possible way to financially evaluate,,, and we all know that racing very, very seldom turns a profit. Yet they themselves are why the fans show up and they carry the vast majority of expendable assets... Great lady. 👍👍🏁

[@mikecallan8346]

She is always a smart Woman!

[@thomasgillespie4816]

Very smart thinking puts things in perspective when it comes to all this charter stuff

[@ronrivas1453]

You hit it right on the money Herman. @Nascar should be paying the families of the legends that got them to where they are today to use their names in any marketing materials. If they are already, is it significant ?

[@ansonbrooks101]

i like when she was talking to that one guy about charters recently and he's just sitting there with stars in his eyes like he was the last of the big time spenders.

[@edevans1323]

Nascar need you guys with the big names to make them act right or take all u legends start ur own Nascar company I'm with u guys kenny I'm from the lou

[@lisachaney7504]

Dale Sr raised a smart girl

[@michaelrunnels7660]

Dale didn't raise any of his kids.

[@chrisbennett9153]

And this is why she runs the show!!!

[@michaelchapman9955]

Damn Kenny, I knew Kelley is smart, but not that smart! Great interview.

[@thegonz7833]

We love kelley just like we do jr.

[@jeremyc9229]

I hear what you guys are saying. I’m mid fifties now. I own two house’s outright and live well, but still work my ass off. I no longer have the desire to invest in another risky business. I’ve done well enough, and taught my kids along the way, including teaching them how do do things. It’s time to relax a bit, at least that’s what I’m starting to tell myself.

[@beckyumphrey2626]

Kelley and Jr need to keep doing what they are doing. It is working!!!!!

[@thezombie7839]

She's right of course, but the fans do mean well. They (we) want to see JRM succeed on the highest level.

[@airbosn9950]

This is why, Kelley is one of the smartest financial people in NASCAR. Why for some reason they (NASCAR) are still trying to make the rules and figure out all these years later boggles my mind. Maybe it’s me, but they had this figured out to some extent in the 2000’s… or at least much better today. I think all the rules changes and sponsors for the cup series drove many of the common fans away… not the diehard ones but the average fans. They’ve made it difficult for the teams, rules, even aspect like the points/championship, fun parts - like modifying cars… some parts are structured while others are in unknown categories… just my take as an average fan.

[@roccomicelotta3798]

Great interview! I am trying to understand what’s going on with NASCAR and these charters, this video helped a lot. Thank You, Ric

[@thetruth1446]

I hope to see Dale owning a Cup team before my times done

[@racenutdon]

Some day, the situation will be RIGHT. Until that time arrives, the Earnhardts aren't exactly hurting are they?

[@thomascates6248]

I do agree if NASCAR wonts more fans give DALE EARNHARDT JR a discount I do agree..

[@Moorocker]

If y'all get the rights to the #8 back would that be enough for you to look at a charter closer? I think investors would line up to part of Dale Jr. being a cup car owner

[@georgejones5960]

While I'm no NASCAR fan anymore the Earnhardt's are using their heads because they are in business and know the wrong deal can sink what they have! Good luck to Kelly and Dale Jr.!

[@Wiseman41]

Coolest chick in Nascar

[@ScottysBackYardBBQ]

Love this woman. So smart

[@tommyrussell311]

You go girl. Tommy russell

[@jonathonpoloski917]

They should have a system where you can buy a charter or just start your own team from ground up. NASCAR pretty much provides the parts now, so, just as long as you have the money to buy parts, doesn't matter how much they say it would actually cost for a charter.....

[@markpeoples3788]

If Kelly and Dale got dei ownership...they would have been very successful and jr would probably still be driving. Glad to have been alive to watch Jr

[@Shiner0438]

Dale wouldn’t be where he’s at without her. She’s awesome

[@lockedin60]

I think I understand the situation with Dale and Kelley. They could spend the money for the Charter system but at the end of the day( or years) is the value of the charter system going to hold up. For me the shocker is when Stewart-Haas decided to throw in the towel at the end of 2024. Even as successful as they were on the track side evidently the charter system was not holding onto the value that they were told it would have or is having. I think I understand the hesitancy that Jr. and Kelley have had in the charter system up to this point. It is enough to make you want to spin your head right off your spine. I love the sport but it does make you a little sad that more of the teams are not making the money that we thought that they could be making.Maybe they should overhaul the system. Thanks Kelley for helping a fan see the things the way they actually are. We love the sport but as me just a being a fan will never know or understand the business model of NASCAR. Maybe that may be true for any professional sports TEAM!

[@tmmywallace5304]

Thanks For More Insight ..

[@TheTheratfarmer]

Kenny! Love you man. The wages have to increse.

[@DBENTLEY369ig]

The mistake is sports teams don't gain value. Only if getting a new stadium. Even if a new sponsor actual gain is marginal

[@DarrenShaw-ev5tb]

Feakin Sweet ! - that Lady got sum Smarts

[@scorpiofrancis1119]

The Earnhardts & Harvicks, seem to be a perfect match for a partnership. The sponsors & relationships between those 2 is a force. Who wouldn’t want to race for those 2, you know they’re gonna have your back & look out for your safety

[@cardellecholawrence658]

Well, me as a black aspiring driver for around a few decades now...x racing instructor outta Memphis. Never got the funding, but I have a billion dollar marketing plan...wish I could have a sit_down with these guys☕️😏before I finally start working my way into the sport...#greatinfo

[@SniperTrader7733]

How about NASCAR making ONE race per year being an OPEN race. Bring a car, qualify and you are in. No reduced purse for non-charter teams. Hell do it for Coke 600.

[@johnhaas2523]

Hahaha

[@skutahuniai4830]

Kenny, if they tried franchising their name, Theresa is bound to try and sue them. She did it to Kerry.

[@marksmith2087]

Back when Dale Jr ran Late models Kelley did too and I always heard she was a better driver than Dale Jr and Kerry but she ran the business and wanted a family.

[@huracanmedia1661]

She is brilliant when it comes to the business side of racing and makes it work. She is correct why they should buy a charter with no idea what the value is when the deal expires end of this year. In the background Honda has made it clear they are entering nascar and their "preferred" partner is JRM, even with honda money they wont buy one until its all sorted out and could make those that just spent $30-40M for one look really foolish

[@DavidClark-vu3dw]

I bet Nascar is pissed off at Kelley right now. 😅

[@slevin177]

Hey Wallace, any thought to you, Rusty and Mike putting money together for a charter? You guys would make good owners. Old school racers! Wallace Racing.

[@MaddoggOG70]

Good video Kenny, as always

[@ShaunHensley]

If this were the boom years, yes. Now? No way. 4:50

[@lutherrodgers8793]

I understand exactly everything said ,BUT I think they're under estimating the Earnhardt fan base ,they put the 2 drivers in those cars that fans already know ,the fans will support, T shirts sales an merchandise sales will be @ an all time high ,an JR run a cpl races a yr ,there's no limit ,but yes 30-40 million to be worth nothing in 7 yrs is a big ouch

[@bugmandu1]

With her and Jr's smarts and collections, they sould put together a team/car and go racing without a charter. I'd bet they wouldn't have trouble getting sponsers or qualifying. (Put it to 'the Man'.) Looks good on paper. :)

[@louislepage5111]

I can see why Kelly runs JR Motorsports 😊

[@brianbrooks2649]

I believe the Earnhardt and Andretti team is a thing

[@charlesjackson9602]

She is very smart...

[@dennismcgowan4059]

I'm sure now that they have the8 back, Budweiser would give them a hundred million!

[@johnhaas2523]

Nice f****** joke if you think Anheuser-Busch is doing that