Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently reflected on his memorable Dale Earnhardt Jr commercial shoot experience during a candid discussion on the Bless Your ‘Hardt podcast with his wife Amy. The NASCAR Hall of Famer shared stories about both his days at the height of his career and a new commercial production he participated in, detailing what made these moments unforgettable.
Participating in a Major Production with Iconic Names
During the conversation, Earnhardt Jr. revealed that he traveled to Florida for a recent commercial, which also featured notable personalities like John Daly and Mike Tyson. Although their filming days did not overlap, he expressed excitement at being included alongside such legends, even if he did not meet them in person during the shoot.
The experience reminded him of earlier times when he was a frequent face in large-scale advertisements for brands such as Bud, AMP, and Mountain Dew, often shot in locations like Los Angeles. He noted how much fun it was to be back in that environment, which included a lively pool party scene with around 50 extras.
“I hadn’t been on a big shoot like that in a long time. I used to do stuff like that all the time with Bud and AMP and Mountain Dew, these big huge shoots in LA and all over the place… There were about 50 extras. They were sort of staging this pool party in the back, and man, it was fun. Felt like I was full-time NASCAR driving rockstar,” he described. [37:00] —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
His wife Amy mentioned that perhaps this shoot contributed to his particularly good mood that day, and Dale agreed, acknowledging the enjoyment and energy the project brought him.
Navigating an Unexpected Request on Set
While at the Florida shoot, Dale Earnhardt Jr. encountered the property’s owner, whom he described as a generous and thoughtful person. The owner asked Dale for an inspirational quote to add to a collection meant for his teenage children, which included contributions from other well-known guests like football players and celebrities.
“I thought, ‘Damn, that’s cool’. So he walks out of the room and I’m standing there, I’m going what the hell kind of quote am I going to put on this thing. Gosh, he’s getting all these other guys to write quotes. I bet they’re amazing quotes, football players, boy, they’ve been coached their whole lives, they’ve heard every great inspirational thing that could be said to them, they have this library of all these awesome thoughts. And I’m like, I don’t have a quote. I don’t have a motto,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. revealed. [41:00] —Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
Feeling a bit awkward, Dale looked for inspiration by searching for his father‘s famous sayings but hesitated to use one, worrying it might not seem personal enough. He later searched for his own past words online, admitting it felt strange to look up his own quotes. From roughly thirty options, he finally selected one to contribute, though the process brought up conflicted feelings about self-identity and expectations.
Why the Commercial Meant So Much
For Dale Earnhardt Jr., the commercial shoot was more than just another project; it represented a return to the energetic and high-profile atmosphere that characterized the peak of his racing and endorsement career. Reuniting with large productions, seeing people in action, and being recognized alongside icons like Mike Tyson and John Daly reinforced how unique and impactful these experiences have been throughout his journey.
As Dale continues to explore new opportunities beyond full-time racing, moments like his most recent Dale Earnhardt Jr commercial shoot experience highlight both the excitement and reflective challenges that come with being recognized as a legendary figure. The significance of these shoots goes beyond nostalgia, offering insights into how public figures grapple with their legacies while inspiring new generations, just as the property owner’s request for a personal quote demonstrated.
