Dale Earnhardt Jr. recalls smoking incident with father Dale Earnhardt Sr., sharing details of a tense and unforgettable family moment that highlighted the strong dynamic between two NASCAR legends. The event took place just before a pre-race ceremony, giving fans new insight into their relationship and how Dale Sr.’s reaction left a lasting impact on his son.
A Legendary Racing Family and Its Challenges
The Earnhardt family’s history in racing is deeply rooted, with Dale Earnhardt Sr. making a formidable mark in Cup Series competition over many years. Serving both as a mentor and a parent, Dale Sr. was instrumental in Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s rise in NASCAR, providing steady guidance and crucial support as his son forged his own path in the sport.
This relationship was further cemented by years spent together at the track, with Dale Sr.’s influence shaping Earnhardt Jr.’s approach to competition and professionalism. Tragically, this mentorship came to a sudden end when Dale Sr. passed away after a devastating crash at the 2001 Daytona 500. Despite this loss, Dale Jr. has continued to honor his father‘s legacy while building his own successful career in the racing world, a testament to the bond they shared.
The Day Dale Sr. Discovered His Son’s Secret
Recently, Dale Earnhardt Jr. recounted a specific incident that occurred when he was still privately smoking cigarettes, carefully concealing the habit from his father and the public eye. He would discreetly use the drinks plug on his racing helmet as a holder for cigarettes, cleverly keeping his habit hidden from those around him.
On this occasion, as Dale Jr. prepared for a pre-race ceremony, he thought he was alone and safe to indulge. However, fate had different plans. His father unexpectedly entered the bus and caught him in the act, leading to an immediate and tense confrontation. The vivid memory reflects the complexity of their relationship and the high expectations Dale Sr. held for his son.
“I didn’t smoke around dad [Dale Sr.], didn’t smoke in public… I saw that helmet sitting on the counter and I grabbed that helmet and I put it on. I put one of them cigarettes in that little plug for the drink. The bus I had, had a door in the center and I’m standing right in front of the door and that thing opened up and it was dad and he slammed it shut.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Dale Jr. Download
The encounter left Dale Jr. anxious and unsure of what to expect. The mood was tense, and Earnhardt Jr. found himself walking out of the bus cautiously, deeply aware of his father’s displeasure. Even veteran team member Steve Crisp attempted to lighten the mood but was quickly rebuffed by Dale Sr., who made it clear the situation was no laughing matter.
“This is like 15 minutes before we come out and took pictures with y’all. Sheepishly walk out of the bus, dad’s on the cart, climb on the back seat and sit down. I was just sitting there and Steve Crisp starts snickering and dad turns around and goes don’t f***ing encourage him…. And in all the photos, there was one where they’re like, get on up there you know. And I’m like five feet behind him and that was why cuz he was f***ing mad.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Dale Jr. Download
The aftermath of the incident played out in a series of awkward team photographs, with Dale Jr. visibly keeping a distance from his father. This moment, etched into his memory, captured the strict standards set by Dale Sr. and the respect Dale Jr. had for him, despite the intimidating response.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Ongoing Tribute to His Father
Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to honor his father’s memory and impact on both his life and the sport of NASCAR. Drawing inspiration from Dale Sr., Dale Jr. has taken on new projects, including the development of a documentary series highlighting his father’s racing achievements.
A few years ago, this tribute materialized in the form of ‘Becoming Earnhardt,’ a docuseries exploring Dale Sr.’s 1979 Cup Series season. Responding to strong fan interest and his own desire to delve deeper into his family’s legacy, Dale Jr. recently completed work on a second season of the series.
The upcoming season shifts focus to 1980, the year Dale Earnhardt Sr. captured his first Cup Championship, and offers fresh stories and perspectives on both the man and the larger NASCAR community of that era. This project underscores Dale Jr.’s commitment to preserving the history and personal legacy of one of motorsport’s greatest drivers.
“Today I went into the @DirtyMoMedia studios and recorded the full second season of “Becoming Earnhardt” It’s a series focused around the 1980 season, dad’s first Cup Championship.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., on X
Through this work, Dale Jr. ensures that future generations understand not only the career milestones but also the personality and influence of Dale Sr. on the sport and on his family.
The Enduring Impact of Dale Sr. on Family and Racing
Dale Earnhardt Sr. and his son share one of the most recognized relationships in NASCAR history, one characterized by intense mentorship, mutual respect, and the challenges that come with high expectations. The memory of being caught smoking stands as a vivid lesson for Dale Jr., reinforcing the strong values his father instilled.
While Dale Sr. did not live to witness the full scope of Dale Jr.’s accomplishments after the turn of the millennium, his influence continues to shape Dale Jr.’s career and personal endeavors. The racing world remains inherently risky, and those involved—drivers and families alike—are constantly reminded of its hazards, as seen in Dale Sr.’s untimely death. This backdrop adds even more weight to the poignant stories Dale Jr. shares, including the day he was caught smoking and the ongoing responsibility he feels to keep his father’s legacy alive.
As Dale Earnhardt Jr. moves forward, both in his media projects and his ongoing contributions to NASCAR, his relationship with his father remains a cornerstone of his identity, shaping how he engages with fans and maintains a connection to the sport’s storied past.
