Dale Earnhardt Jr recently opened up about one of the more unusual challenges faced by professional NASCAR drivers, sharing candid details about how he has dealt with the need to pee during high-speed races. In a revealing interview with the YouTube channel Bussin’ With The Boys, Earnhardt Jr explained that, despite the sport’s glamorous exterior, racing comes with unique physical pressures, including the difficulty of managing bodily needs while behind the wheel. The veteran driver’s admission sheds light on an often overlooked, but very real, aspect of life on the racetrack.
The demands of NASCAR racing mean that drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr rarely have the luxury to use the restroom before a race begins. Pre-race routines are typically filled with fan engagements and sponsor meetings, leaving little time for personal needs. Once drivers are suited up and strapped into their cars, options become very limited. High temperatures inside the car and the need for hydration only increase the urgency, resulting in moments where the only option is to relieve themselves mid-race.
According to Dale Earnhardt Jr, this scenario isn’t just theoretical; it’s happened to him personally about half a dozen times over the years. While many might assume drivers simply hold it in, Earnhardt Jr clarified that, when necessary, he has peed in his suit—though always with some strategic thinking. He shared,
I always had white suits, right? So, I am thinking, I got this white suit. It’s gonna be obvious when I get out. People are going to look at me and go, ‘Damn! He pissed himself.’ So, what I would do is, if I had pissed myself… I would say, ‘Bring me an orange Gatorade when I get done here. When I pull up.’
His clever solution involved pouring the Gatorade over his suit once the race was over, camouflaging any evidence that might have been left behind. Dale Earnhardt Jr shared these stories with good humor, laughing about the lengths he went to in order to hide his predicament from spectators and crew members. He made it clear that while peeing during a race is uncomfortable and embarrassing, it’s also a reality for many drivers in NASCAR. The focus, he noted, is often on avoiding distractions during intense racing, which led him to wait for moments when the race was under caution, rather than the more stressful periods under green flag conditions.
Dale Earnhardt Jr also emphasized the importance of the crew responsible for cleaning and maintaining the car. He described how, after incidents like these, he would notify his friend in charge of the car’s interior about what had happened, sometimes even expressing a desire to help clean up the mess.
I mean, you feel bad. You kind of want to go and help him get the seat out. Sometimes, that’s not possible. There’s an insert. The seat has a foam insert that is made perfectly for you,
he remarked. The cleaning process itself could be quite intense, from removing the custom seat insert to cleaning or pressure washing it, and Dale Earnhardt Jr’s respect for those doing this behind-the-scenes work was evident.
This honest discussion from Dale Earnhardt Jr brings attention to the less glamorous, human side of racing, offering fans a clearer understanding of what drivers endure for the sake of their sport. By sharing his own struggles, Earnhardt Jr not only demystifies the life of a NASCAR driver but also brings humor and perspective to subjects many competitors never talk about publicly. The sacrifices and awkward moments that come with the job highlight the surprising realities behind the scenes, reminding fans that even legendary drivers face vulnerabilities. As NASCAR continues to evolve and attract new fans, insights from respected figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr deepen appreciation for the intense and sometimes uncomfortable realities faced by racing professionals, potentially encouraging more dialogue and perhaps even practical solutions for those who follow in his tire tracks.
