Episodes

  • DJD Classics - Darrell Waltrip - Cheatin' Stories
    Dec 18 2024

    Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s epic sit down interview with NASCAR Legend Darrell Waltrip delivers never before told stories and more. Ole DW shares some of the best cheatin' stories you'll ever hear. Some, may call it cheating. Others, call it creativity. DW says that they were not "rule breakers," rather, "rule makers" in their hey-day. Surprisingly Waltrip admits to using lead-shot and nitrous in racecars, as well as heavy radios and trick helmets.

    The driver known by some as "Jaws" for his mouthy, but entertaining nature, details what it was like to drive for noted moonshiner and NASCAR Hall of Famer Junior Johnson. How did he get from Junior's ride to Rick Hendrick's stable? It's a story that you'll never believe. Speaking of Junior Johnson, Darrell reveals how his car owner's stubbornness may have cost him a NASCAR Cup Series Championship.

    Waltrip talks about run-ins with Dale Earnhardt and his rough nature off track as a friend. He also admits how driving for Dale Earnhardt's team saved his career. From driving a forklift, to racing with Dale and Dale Jr in Japan, the stories are plentiful.

    Plus, DW discusses his early days on the short tracks of Nashville and how he went from a house filled with four-letter words, to media-darling racecar driver and broadcaster.

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    2 hrs and 8 mins
  • Building a Legacy: People-First Leadership with Rick Hendrick
    Dec 16 2024

    Rick Hendrick takes us on an incredible journey from his early days as a young Chevrolet dealer to building the powerhouse that is Hendrick Motorsports and Hendrick Automotive Group. In this candid conversation with Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Rick opens up about the relationships that shaped his success, the game-changing risks he took, and the servant leadership philosophy that defines his legacy.

    From the emotional high of winning his first NASCAR championship to Jeff Gordon stepping into a leadership role, Rick dives deep into the family culture that drives Hendrick Motorsports. He shares the hard lessons learned while managing growth, the importance of putting people over profits, and how community engagement fuels long-term success.

    This isn’t just a story about racing—it’s about resilience, mentorship, and finding inspiration every step of the way. If you’ve ever wondered how one man turned a passion for cars into an empire, Rick Hendrick delivers the answers.

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    54 mins
  • DJD Classics - The John Force Download
    Dec 11 2024

    Hang on tight as Dale Earnhardt Jr. talks to the legendary drag racer John Force in this out-of-control interview. The 16-time NHRA Champ talks about near-death experiences, his tireless energy, tragedies that saved lives, seeing Elvis at 1000 feet, kissing Dale Earnhardt's ring, the whereabouts of Jimmy Hoffa, and the way he overcomes his lifelong battle with depression. Dale Jr. also reveals genealogy secrets, talks Talladega, and some left behind Odd History.

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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • Running on Tradition: Jon Wood’s Fight to Keep the Wood Brothers Alive
    Dec 9 2024

    In this week’s episode of Business of Motorsports, Kelley Earnhardt Miller sits down with Jon Wood, President and Co-Owner of Wood Brothers Racing, for an insightful conversation. Jon reflects on his journey within the family business, discussing the pressures he’s faced, the challenges he’s overcome, and the lessons learned along the way.

    Explore the inner workings of one of NASCAR’s most iconic teams as Jon shares the complexities of managing day-to-day operations and navigating the unique dynamics of a family-run organization. From balancing sibling and parent-child relationships to forging partnerships with industry leaders like Ford and Penske, Jon highlights how these connections have been pivotal to the Wood Brothers’ long-standing success.

    Jon adds an engaging twist by shifting the focus to Kelley, asking for her perspective on managing JR Motorsports alongside Dale Jr., and she shares her insights into the family dynamics of leading the organization.

    This episode delivers a thoughtful look at the intersection of business, family, and motorsports—don’t miss it!

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    50 mins
  • Fan-First Always: Behind the Scenes with SMI's Chief Experience Officer
    Dec 4 2024

    In this episode of The Business of Motorsports, Kelley Earnhardt Miller sits down with Jessica Fickenscher, the Chief Experience Officer at Speedway Motorsports, to dive into her incredible 26 years from intern to executive. Jessica pulls back the curtain on what it takes to enhance the fan experience at NASCAR events, from innovative engagement strategies to the game-changing revival of North Wilkesboro.

    Discover how fan feedback drives decision-making, why affordability matters, and the creative ways Speedway Motorsports keeps fans coming back for more. Jessica also shares her passion for grassroots racing programs like Legend Car Racing and the powerful community impact of Speedway Children’s Charities.

    This is more than a conversation—it's an insider’s look at the challenges and triumphs of modern motorsports. From global expansion plans to personal career advice, Jessica’s insights reveal the heart and hustle behind one of SMI’s most dynamic leaders.

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    55 mins
  • DJD Classics - Kerry Earnhardt: Accepted Or Rejected
    Dec 2 2024

    This conversation was an instant classic. Dale Earnhardt Jr. welcomes his brother Kerry Earnhardt on for an honest conversation about Kerry’s childhood, meeting his father, and living with Dale Jr.

    Along with co-host Mike Davis, Dale and Kerry Earnhardt fill in the gaps about his childhood that Junior never knew. The eldest Earnhardt son details his family situation from a young age, when Dale Sr. left the picture and what life was like growing up with no knowledge of his other family.

    Find out what Dale did in the middle of the night that pissed Kerry off. Who caused the phone bill to be so damn high? They explain. The two also swap stories about working together at the dealership, including the time Dale Jr. got fired.

    As Kerry then secured an opportunity to race at Dale Earnhardt Inc., find out how it all came shockingly crashing down the night of his father’s death. Find out what Kerry has been up to since moving on from his racing career, including details about the legal battle he faced trying to use the rights to his last name with his Earnhardt Outdoors brand. Then the guys crack open some cold ones to end the show and promote the launch of Kerry’s new beer.

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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • 596 - Bud 8 Return: Provisionals, Prayers & The Big Picture
    Nov 25 2024

    Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back after racing the iconic No. 8 Budweiser late model at Florence Motor Speedway this past weekend. With a thrilling drive from 40th to 2nd before a fuel pump failure ended his night, he and special co-hosts TJ Majors and Joey Meier had a lot to cover:

    • Getting the “yips” for qualifying
    • Encouraging words from a fellow racer
    • The gravity of the return of the Bud 8
    • Having Amy and the girls at the race
    • Running on a prayer from the back to the front
    • Tempers flaring
    • The art of tire management
    • College football rivalry week
    • Tailgates aren’t a place for vegetables
    • Buffalo sauce: “You learn something new every day.”
    • The biggest NASCAR rivals

    During the Ask Jr. segment of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding:

    • Being back in the booth with Adam Alexander and Steve Letarte next year
    • Dale’s sock choice for the NASCAR Awards banquet
    • Amy’s deviled egg recipe
    • The most surprising NASCAR silly season move
    • Favorite holiday movie
    • Playing NASCAR 2003
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    2 hrs and 29 mins
  • Business of Motorsports with Budweiser's Steve Uline: "There Wasn't Going To Be a Bigger Deal in My Career."
    Nov 20 2024

    Kelley Earnhardt Miller is back for another session of the Business of Motorsports with longtime sports marketing executive Steve Uline. With the recent announcement that JR Motorsports had secured the rights to the DEI-Styled number 8 and plan to run the iconic Budweiser red paint scheme at the South Carolina 400 in a new partnership with Anheuser-Busch, Kelley wanted to chat with the mastermind and driving force behind the memorable sponsorship campaign. Steve fills listeners in on his journey to becoming a sports marketing director, which involved stints in the service industry before coming on at Anheuser-Busch as a director for Bud Sports TV. He admits that he applied for the position in sports marketing several times before finally getting the job, a process that took eight years. He and Kelley relate on the value of exposure and experience in the workforce and how that prepares you for any situation encountered in professional settings.

    Steve explains how the Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Anheuser-Busch partnership came to be, which took the place of a longtime deal with Hendrick Motorsports. After the Bud car at Hendrick was underperforming, the company began looking for a new driver to get behind and realized that Dale Jr. was making his way through the NASCAR ranks at a rapid pace. Kelley and Steve talk about how Dale grew into the role as a brand ambassador and how his level of stardom elevated Budweiser back into relevancy in the beer market. Steve shares several hilarious stories from the Bud-8 days and still considers the campaign to be his finest achievement in his sports marketing career.

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    1 hr and 6 mins