On a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, listeners were treated to new insights into Dale Earnhardt Jr NASCAR stories when Robin Pemberton, former crew chief and high-profile NASCAR official, shared memories spanning decades, including a rarely heard, heartfelt moment involving Dale Earnhardt Sr. The conversation took place amid reflections on iconic events at tracks like North Wilkesboro Speedway and Daytona International Speedway, bringing listeners closer to the rich tapestry of racing history.
Remembering the 1990 Showdown at North Wilkesboro
Robin Pemberton, who held the crew chief role for Roush Racing, recounted the intense 1990 Tyson Holly Farms 400 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. During that race, Mark Martin piloted the #6 Ford to victory, toppling Dale Earnhardt Sr.—famously known as The Intimidator—who had an otherwise dominant day, leading 291 out of 400 laps. This result was especially memorable, given that it was among the final races before Earnhardt Sr. surged to the championship at Phoenix Raceway, achieving his ninth win of the season and setting the stage for more success.
The victory, as Pemberton described on the podcast, required total team effort and a respectful rivalry between Martin and Earnhardt Sr., both fierce competitors in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.
“We kicked your dad’s a** one day with Mark (Martin), and it was a total team effort at Wilkesboro. It was really good. Those two raced good together. A lot of respect, though, 100%.”
—Robin Pemberton, former crew chief and NASCAR official
An Unseen Act of Sportsmanship From Dale Earnhardt Sr.
In a moment many fans may not have heard before, Pemberton shared with Dale Earnhardt Jr. a story about a personal gesture that happened at Daytona International Speedway the following year. As championships slipped from grasp, Pemberton described a surprising encounter in the garage area, when Dale Sr. showed his signature generosity and camaraderie.
“Been wanting to tell you this for 100 years. At Daytona, after we didn’t win the championship, your dad comes and gets me, I’m going somewhere, walking across the garage area. He puts his arm around me, gives me a pocket knife from the championship, said, ‘Here.’ He said, ‘Don’t tell the cat in the hat I gave you this.’ He goes, ‘You got f**ked on your championship.’ And goes away.”
—Robin Pemberton, former crew chief and NASCAR official
This private exchange highlighted Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s sense of fairness and solidarity with fellow competitors—even rivals—offering a rare look at the personal side of a driver often branded for his fierce reputation.
Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s Lasting Legacy in NASCAR History
The 1990 NASCAR season ended with Dale Earnhardt Sr. capturing his fourth championship while racing for Richard Childress Racing. This achievement added to a remarkable career that saw him secure three more titles in 1991, 1993, and 1994, eventually tying Richard Petty for the most Cup Series championships at seven. Overcoming talented drivers such as Mark Martin and, later, rivals like Jeff Gordon, “The Intimidator” maintained his position as a benchmark in the sport’s history, both for his accomplishments and his behind-the-scenes integrity.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reflects on Racing’s Shifting Priorities
Having stepped back from a full-time NASCAR Cup Series schedule in 2017, Dale Earnhardt Jr. now selects his racing opportunities more selectively, balancing his love for competition with his family life. With two daughters to consider and no firm calendar, his participation—including his recent appearance behind the wheel of the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet at Anderson Motor Speedway—stems from a deep-rooted passion for motorsports.
“It’s hard to be specific, you know, I get to do this, I mean I do this because it’s fun, I don’t need or have to do it, I love the tour, I love this type of racing and I want to be around it.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver and team owner
“I’m trying to push myself to run a little bit more, and we run about four races a year, that’s pretty good for me,” he added. [0:45]
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR driver and team owner
In addition to occasional racing starts, Earnhardt Jr. serves as a co-owner of both the CARS Tour and JR Motorsports, the latter fielding four full-time Chevrolet entries in the Xfinity Series. Among the drivers is Connor Zilisch, a 19-year-old rookie leading the points standings with six wins in 22 starts, reflecting the ongoing influence of Earnhardt Jr. on the next generation of competitors.
Reflecting on the Broader Impact of NASCAR’s Legends
The stories emerging from the Dale Jr. Download podcast—like Robin Pemberton’s recollections of Dale Earnhardt Sr.—underscore the enduring human side of NASCAR’s biggest names. Whether through intense rivalries, unseen acts of kindness, or the ongoing mentorship of new stars like Connor Zilisch, figures such as Mark Martin, Jack Roush, Richard Petty, and Jeff Gordon maintain a lasting impact on fans and drivers alike. As Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to weave his own path in the sport, these narratives remind all observers of the values that define racing: respect, passion, and the passing of tradition from one generation to the next.
