Dale Earnhardt Jr. shares emotional origins of Becoming Earnhardt, opening up about the personal stories and family treasures that form the basis for the show. In a recent podcast episode, he described how inherited scrapbooks became the heart of the new edition, connecting the Earnhardt family’s past with NASCAR fans today.
Tracing the Earnhardt Family’s Racing Influence
The Earnhardts have been a critical presence in NASCAR for more than three generations, beginning with Ralph Earnhardt’s dominance on dirt tracks. Dale Earnhardt, Ralph’s son, not only made a name for himself with stellar racing accomplishments but also became an enduring figure through his compelling personality and legendary spirit, which has been celebrated through stories and interviews by those close to him. The series Becoming Earnhardt represents one of the most unfiltered looks into Dale Earnhardt’s rise, spotlighting the years that defined his path to stardom.
How Family Mementos Inspired ‘Becoming Earnhardt’
During an episode of his podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. spoke candidly about why he decided to create and continue the Becoming Earnhardt series. Following the passing of his grandmother, Earnhardt Jr. received two meticulously crafted scrapbooks from his aunt, documenting press coverage of Dale Earnhardt’s 1979 and 1980 Cup Series seasons. These scrapbooks were filled with clippings and articles that painted a vivid timeline of Earnhardt Sr.’s journey.
“One is from the ’79 year, and one’s from the ’80 Cup season, and she cut out every article and everything. … So, right there in front of me, man, is basically just kind of like a book of like, ‘Here’s what happened to Dad.’”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Driver/Owner
Despite possessing these scrapbooks for some time, Earnhardt Jr. admitted that he hadn’t previously explored the details of his father’s earlier racing career. He emphasized that a major goal of the series is to give fans a detailed look at Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s early trials and triumphs as he was on the verge of NASCAR greatness.
What to Expect in the Upcoming Installment
Fans can look forward to Becoming Earnhardt 1980, which builds on the chronicle of the 1979 season. Dale Earnhardt Jr. revealed that this new edition would include significant events, such as the dramatic split between crew chief Jake Elder and the racing team, a storyline that unfolded both publicly and unexpectedly.
“There is a high-profile split with crew chief Jake Elder. How Jake handles that in the media is wild. Like, Jake goes off the rails — he comes back on the rails. It’s just wild!”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Driver/Owner
The experience of assembling the series has also been a journey through history for Earnhardt Jr. himself, who described how working on the project allowed him to reconnect with a period he had not witnessed firsthand, particularly as he and his sister were not living with their father during 1980. He also discussed his sentimental attachment to the championship-winning car his father drove that year, which now sits near his own workplace as a symbol of family pride.
“I’m a nostalgia freak. I love the history of the sport. So, it was a great time for me, good reason, good excuse for me to sort of learn about that particular part of dad’s life.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Driver/Owner
The Future of the Series and Its Impact on NASCAR Legacy
Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed enthusiasm about making the latest chapter of Becoming Earnhardt more accessible and inviting for viewers. With firsthand discoveries and heartfelt stories at its core, the show’s new edition is set to offer fans an engaging look into the early days of a racing icon. As the Earnhardt legacy continues to resonate in NASCAR, the series honors not only Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s achievements but also the cherished family moments and history that shaped a racing dynasty.
