As a NASCAR legend and a staple of the sport, Dale Earnhardt Jr remains a prominent figure in the industry even after retiring as a full-timer in 2017. Leaving his storied 19-year career in the NASCAR Cup Series behind, Dale Jr has continued to make significant contributions to the sport. Trading his racecar driver helmet for a headset, he made the career shift to become a play-by-play analyst for NBC Sports. After almost five years as a color commentator, the latest installment of his podcast, The Dale Jr. Download, gave fans insight into the behind-the-scenes struggles that come with his “day job” as a broadcast analyst.
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Launched a year after his retirement in 2018, The Dale Jr. Download offers fans an exclusive look into the world of racing both on- and off-track, as the renowned NASCAR superstar engages in thought-provoking conversations with notable guests. With its unique blend of personal stories, industry insights, and engaging discussions, this podcast has become a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and racing fans alike.
The driver-turned-broadcaster reveals his chief complaint with NBC Sports
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Retirement from driving didn’t mean the end of the road for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Taking up a job as an analyst at NBC Sports, Dale Jr embarked on a new journey that came with its own set of challenges. In a recent episode of his podcast, Junior opened up about the challenges he has faced during his five years with NBC. The Pied Piper of Daytona had expressed his desire to work as an analyst in the broadcast booth, but he was often relegated to radio work from the flag stand, causing him to miss crucial moments during the race.
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Additionally, he described the challenge of starting the race on the flag stand as being akin to an NFL broadcaster being forced to sit in the basement for the first quarter or in the locker room, only to plug in at the start of the second quarter.
“And that’s not going to be optimal, right?” a frustrated Dale Earnhardt Jr emphasized.
WATCH THIS STORY: “You’re drinking one tonight”, Dale Earnhardt Jr. reveals the time his father forced him to drink something he disliked in front of a $115 Billion Sponsor
“The producer and the director are the authority”: Dale Earnhardt Jr discusses the challenges of broadcasting under NBC’s direction
When asked why he cannot go to the booth immediately, Dale Jr clarified, “So the producer and the director are the authority. I work for NBC. NBC’s telling me what to do. I gotta listen to what they are telling me. I don’t move until they tell me that I’m clear.”
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The NASCAR Hall of Famer recognizes the need for balance in his broadcasting duties. While he enjoys the new and innovative work they do before the green flag, he eagerly awaits the moment when he can return to the booth. He acknowledges that finding the right balance between these two aspects of his role is crucial to achieving excellence in his broadcasting career.
“Anyways, it’s a balance we gotta work on it to perfect it. I love what we are doing. I cannot wait to get back to the booth,” he shared.
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Dale Jr has found a new home in broadcasting, and despite the challenges he faces, he expresses his enthusiasm for his “day job.” As he emphasizes, “Man! when the green flag comes out, I cannot wait to get back to the booth.”
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