Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently explored the differences between IndyCar and NASCAR, comparing their unique cultures and drivers‘ personalities, sharing his candid impressions on the Dale Jr. Download podcast. The two-time Daytona 500 winner highlighted how entering the world of IndyCar, especially during a pivotal iRacing event in 2020, gave him a fresh perspective on motorsports and why the distinctions matter.
Earnhardt’s New Perspective During the Pandemic
Known as one of the most genuine figures in racing, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been celebrated as a 15-time Most Popular Driver and is often seen as the face of NASCAR through the 2000s. However, the onset of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic allowed motorsports to adapt digitally, opening opportunities for Earnhardt to venture beyond his typical NASCAR realm. During the height of virtual racing, Earnhardt took up the virtual wheel of an IndyCar for the first time, piloting the No. 3 car in the Chevrolet 275 event at Michigan International Speedway.
This special race brought together many of IndyCar’s biggest names, and Earnhardt’s participation was noteworthy. He was introduced officially to the virtual IndyCar grid, as documented by a notable announcement:
“.@DaleJr is IN! It’s official: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will run in the @IndyCar @iRacing Challenge this Saturday at @MISpeedway on NBCSN. #indycarchallenge // #RacingWeekNBCSN pic.twitter.com/AUZvPgbU3Q”
—INDYCAR on NBC
Following the race, Earnhardt embraced his role as an enthusiastic newcomer, voicing admiration for the drivers and overall environment he experienced within IndyCar, indicating a shift from competitor to keen observer in search of what sets open-wheel racing apart.
Noticing Vibrance and Diversity Among IndyCar Drivers
Earnhardt revealed that the personalities he encountered within IndyCar appeared especially dynamic and globally diverse. During his interview reflecting on this experience, he remarked:
“I think these guys have such great personalities,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Champion
He noted that with drivers joining the ranks from across the globe, the mix distinguishes IndyCar from the more uniform backgrounds often found in NASCAR. For Earnhardt, the draw was not just the variety, but the authentic interactions and openness among drivers from so many cultures. He expressed his genuine excitement saying:
“I’m ‘fanboy-ing’ myself just being out there hearing them talk, hearing them interact with each other, getting to know them better.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Champion
This cross-cultural experience seemed to stand out for him, sparking a lighthearted sense of awe in the middle of a competitive setting.
Contrasts in Racing Etiquette and Driver Code
One of the most prominent differences Earnhardt identified was in how each sport approaches racing etiquette. Drawing from his experience as a broadcaster during major events like the Indy 500, Earnhardt contrasted NASCAR’s established “driver code” with the less predictable traditions of IndyCar. In NASCAR, norms for on-track behavior are well understood and widely accepted among drivers. In contrast, IndyCar features a wider array of competitive styles, with little consensus on a unified code.
“The personalities in IndyCar were so colorful and diverse,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Champion
“In NASCAR, we have colorful and opinionated drivers, but…. There’s a driver code and what the driver etiquette on the racetrack is. What’s acceptable and unacceptable is pretty well known. There’s not a lot of disagreement.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Champion
Those remarks made it clear that, while NASCAR’s system fosters predictability and clear boundaries, IndyCar’s culture is shaped by a blend of global influences, allowing for a broader range of on-track behavior and perspectives.
He further emphasized this point, noting:
“In IndyCar, the drivers come from all over the world and the culture and etiquette on the racetrack is different,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Champion
This diversity, both cultural and procedural, left Earnhardt intrigued by how evolving styles and traditions play out during races, appreciating the unpredictable nature of IndyCar legs.
The Enduring Respect Between Drivers
Although Earnhardt has yet to drive an actual IndyCar in a real-world event, his respect for the discipline and its athletes was clear. The blend of talent from various backgrounds, representing legendary organizations such as McLaren Racing and venues like Michigan International Speedway, adds to his admiration for what sets each series apart. Mentioning key figures like Zak Brown and referencing his own road from NASCAR legend to IndyCar admirer, Earnhardt ultimately underscored his appreciation for all forms of racing and the unique contributions each driver brings to the sport.
For Dale Earnhardt Jr., the experience reinforced how the culture within each motorsport can shape not just racing styles, but also the very identities of their communities. By opening himself to new experiences, he highlighted how bridging these differences can provide fresh excitement, expand one’s perspective, and inspire fans everywhere.
