Dale Earnhardt Jr. defends Josh Berry after a heated NASCAR race in Chicago that left the paddock divided over Berry’s aggressive tactics, fueling debates about the boundaries of hard racing. In an emotionally charged aftermath, Earnhardt Jr., a respected figure in the sport, provided his perspective on the controversy that involved drivers such as Erik Jones and Carson Hocevar, and intensified conversations about the driver’s code in modern NASCAR.
Earnhardt Jr. responds to Berry’s on-track incidents and stands by his protégé
The tension that marked the closing laps on Chicago’s challenging street circuit caught even the most veteran observers off guard, with Josh Berry’s assertive racing becoming central to the unfolding story. As the race neared its conclusion with the crowd’s energy running high and dark clouds overhead, Berry’s decisions—seen by some as bold and by others as reckless—sparked frustration among fellow drivers and widespread commentary from both fans and analysts.
In the hours following the race, Dale Earnhardt Jr., well-known as Josh Berry’s mentor and supporter, addressed the situation directly on his Dale Jr. Download podcast. Without shielding Berry from criticism, Earnhardt offered listeners a detailed context for his quick post-race exchange with Berry. He shared,
“I texted Josh. I was like, ‘f******g come on man.’ He’s like, ‘actually, 77. I just clocked it in there too far. I didn’t mean to do that,’ and I was like, okay. I didn’t know if he was wrecking Hocevar for the community or what”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mentor and Podcaster.
This exchange highlighted both frustration and the camaraderie between the two, reflecting how lines are often blurred in high-pressure racing scenarios. Earnhardt elaborated on Berry’s progress:
“Josh has struggled at the road courses. He would admit that he’s got a lot of gains to make as a driver at those race tracks. They squeaked out a thirteenth-place finish. Average running position of probably twenty-eighth.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mentor and Podcaster.
He did not shy away from acknowledging the implications of Berry’s actions, stating,
“took out a few guys there to turn that fifteenth into a thirteenth.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mentor and Podcaster.
Addressing Berry’s determination, Earnhardt remarked,
“Josh is a racer. He’s not gonna wreck Jones unless it’s the perfect scenario. If I’m Erik Jones, I’d probably be like, ‘Alright, where you at?’”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mentor and Podcaster.
Earnhardt confronted critics head-on, defending both his relationship with Berry and his view of racing culture:
“Everybody who’s sitting here going, ‘f*** Dale Junior and his Josh Berry fandom … of course he’s gonna tap his back.’ You’re right. You are right.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Mentor and Podcaster.
Throughout his commentary, Earnhardt’s tone was unapologetic and self-reflective, emphasizing that his support stemmed from years of nurturing Berry’s competitive spirit rather than blind loyalty. These exchanges quickly became the focal point of discussion, reflecting broader splits within the NASCAR community.
Heightened intensity and shifting standards in NASCAR competition
The events in Chicago, with Berry at the centre, drew attention not only to racing incidents involving Berry, Erik Jones, and Carson Hocevar, but also to the surge of aggressive driving and rivalries currently marking the NASCAR Cup Series. The number 21 car’s surprising rise from a low average running position to a 13th-place finish underscored the cost these daring moves can exact on other teams and individuals. The general sentiment among paddock members and observers was sharply divided—some respected Berry’s willingness to take chances in pursuit of results while others questioned whether he had crossed a line.
Such polarisation echoed throughout social media and team communications, as drivers openly debated where the hard-fought quest for position ends and disrespectful tactics begin. Erik Jones and Carson Hocevar, themselves veterans of aggressive manoeuvres, were among those caught up in the drama, providing further fuel for those who see a shift in the Cup Series towards more cutthroat racing styles.
For Josh Berry, his development as a competitor remains linked to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s guidance—a relationship built on pushing through adversity and challenging established figures. When Berry celebrated a breakthrough Cup victory with Wood Brothers Racing earlier this season, Earnhardt’s quiet acknowledgement spoke to their enduring professional respect and connection. The Chicago outcome demonstrated that such bonds amplify both the scrutiny and the backing that drivers face amid controversy.
The current environment in NASCAR, with its evolving standards and ceaseless debate on the ethics of racing under pressure, ensures that incidents like the Chicago clash will remain central to the sport’s narrative. As Berry and his defenders navigate these challenges, it is clear that his aggressive approach and the divided opinions it generates are not likely to fade, keeping personalities like Earnhardt, Berry, and their critics at the forefront of the conversation as the season moves forward.
Broader cultural impact: legacy, rivalries, and the future of hard racing
Beyond individual race outcomes, the Chicago confrontation serves as a lens into ongoing issues within motorsports—particularly the tension between maintaining a legacy of respected competition and adapting to an era where risks and rivalries are increasingly prominent. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s influence is apparent not only in his advocacy for Josh Berry but also in how he shapes dialogue around what constitutes fair versus foul play on track.
As reactions from the NASCAR community continue to reverberate, the importance of figures like Earnhardt Jr., Erik Jones, Carson Hocevar, and Josh Berry is undeniable. Their actions and commentary influence both sporting culture and fan expectations, making each high-profile incident an opportunity to debate and redefine the lines of legitimate competition.
The aftermath of Chicago, with its emotionally charged exchanges and scrutiny of driver behaviour, reinforces that NASCAR’s ethos is fluid. Moving forward, Berry’s readiness to embrace both criticism and support—guided by his mentor—will keep him a focal point for both admirers and detractors as rivalries intensify and traditions evolve in America’s top racing series.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dale Earnhardt Jr. a billionaire?
A. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s wealth is estimated to be $300 million in 2025. This amount comes from his successful career as a NASCAR driver and his current job as a broadcaster. He continues to stay influential through endorsements, team ownership, and partnerships.
