When Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2008, his new teammate Jeff Gordon discovered a side of him that had largely remained unnoticed: the Dale Earnhardt Jr. funny side. The revelation not only changed how Gordon viewed Earnhardt Jr., but also showcased the unexpected bond between the former rivals inside NASCAR’s elite circle.
Jeff Gordon Discovers Earnhardt Jr.’s Humor
Dale Earnhardt Jr. stepped into Hendrick Motorsports in 2008, marking a new chapter in his racing career as he transitioned from racing for his father’s team to joining forces with five-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon. Despite the racing rivalry between Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Sr., this did not hinder a positive relationship forming between Gordon and Earnhardt Jr.
Gordon soon realized that behind Earnhardt Jr.’s serious track persona was an infectious humor, part of his family heritage. Earnhardt Jr. himself acknowledged the roots of his wit:
“When I went to race at Hendrick Motorsports, Jeff Gordon was like, “Man, I didn’t know you were as funny or as big of a smarta— as you were.” That’s something I got from my mom. And this is a compliment — my mom was an unbelievable smarta—, and I loved it about her. She was going to pick on you, she was going to jab, but it was all in fun, and it was hilarious, and nobody was safe. If you slipped up around her, you might get called out. And she was just so damn funny.”
Alongside their on-track competition, Earnhardt Jr. and Gordon developed a friendship strengthened by trust and humor, frequently supporting each other both professionally and personally. This camaraderie became a signature of their time as teammates.
The Early Encounters Between Two Racing Icons
The roots of their connection date back to the 1990s, when Dale Earnhardt Jr. was forging his reputation in the junior racing scene, while Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jeff Gordon were already established figures in NASCAR. Their first notable meeting was etched in Gordon’s memory:
“I remember sitting there on pit road and Dale Sr. and he came walking by… it was the first time I ever met [Junior]… I don’t exactly remember but I knew he’d been doing some racing and was building some momentum.”
“I remember that he was very respectful. It was cool to meet him and then shortly after that see him rise as quick as he did.”
These first encounters laid the groundwork for future respect and collaboration, transforming what could have been rivalry into meaningful partnership.
Life After the NASCAR Cup Series
Both Earnhardt Jr. and Gordon have stepped back from their full-time racing careers in the Cup Series, with Gordon retiring in 2016 and Earnhardt Jr. making his last Cup appearance in 2017. Since then, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has remained deeply involved in the racing world, managing the JRM team and continuing to compete in select professional events each year. Meanwhile, Jeff Gordon has taken on a leadership role as vice chairman at Hendrick Motorsports, helping shape the future of NASCAR from a management position.
The enduring friendship and shared experiences of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon, once forged through rivalry and later through teamwork, continue to shape NASCAR’s culture. The discovery of Dale Earnhardt Jr. funny side stands as a testament to how personalities beyond the track can leave a lasting impression, deepening the human side of motorsports legends. As NASCAR evolves, the connections between its biggest names help define its enduring appeal for fans and future competitors alike.
