Dale Earnhardt’s Ex-Partner Lets Out Bill France Jr’s Genius Behind The Intimidator’s Big Break

The Intimidator didn’t just compete in NASCAR—he dominated it. With an aggressive driving style, Dale Earnhardt Sr became a legend, earning seven NASCAR Cup Series championships and a place in the sport’s Hall of Fame. His journey from a part-time driver in the mid-’70s to one of NASCAR’s most iconic figures is filled with triumphs and fierce competition. Whether it was his first championship in 1980 or his unforgettable win at the 1998 Daytona 500, Earnhardt’s legacy cemented itself in racing history.

But the road to success wasn’t easy. Behind the scenes, key partnerships were crucial in shaping his career, especially in the early years when his future wasn’t guaranteed. What many don’t realize is how important certain figures were in giving Earnhardt the support he needed to rise to the top of the sport. In this exclusive conversation, you’ll hear firsthand from a man who played a crucial role in making sure Dale Sr found his place in NASCAR.

Mike Curb shares how Dale Earnhardt Sr benefitted from Bill France Jr’s governing

In a recent sit-down on the Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. dives into racing history with a man who saw it unfold up close: Mike Curb. As they chat, Curb shares a fascinating story about the legendary Bill France Jr.’s role in giving Dale Earnhardt Sr. his big break—one that turned “The Intimidator” into a NASCAR superstar.

According to Curb on the Dale Jr Download, back in 1980, Bill France Jr. approached Dale Sr with an irresistible proposition. France had a knack for putting the right people in the right places, and he wasn’t taking no for an answer. As Curb recalls, “Les Richter and Bill France Jr. called me and said, ‘We want you to get involved with a car.” It wasn’t just any car—they wanted him to work with Dale Earnhardt Sr., who was fighting for his future in the sport.

Dale Earnhardt had faced a tough season the year before, including an injury that sidelined him in 1979. Despite this, Bill France Jr. believed Earnhardt had something special and wanted Curb’s support to ensure the young driver could run a full season. “Bill France Jr. was a genius; you couldn’t say no to him,” Curb laughs. France knew that Earnhardt needed stability and backing to make his mark, so he pulled strings to make it happen.

France’s influence didn’t stop with convincing Curb to step up as a sponsor. He had an ingenious solution to Curb’s concerns over branding. Since Curb was a political figure, he couldn’t put “Curb Records” on the car due to restrictions. But France didn’t see this as a roadblock. “They said, ‘Put Curb Productions on the side… Southern politicians put their names on cars anyway,” Curb explains. With that little tweak, France turned a potential barrier into a creative branding solution, showcasing his knack for keeping talent where it belonged: on the track.

Once everything was in place, Curb met Earnhardt, and they clicked immediately. Curb remembers Earnhardt’s drive and determination, even if he hadn’t yet achieved full recognition. “I knew he was a genius, finding grooves on the track no one else could,” Curb recalls. But he hadn’t quite realized just how big this partnership would become.

Dale Jr had a lot to celebrate in the latest episode of the Download as his driver Justin Allgaier won the Xfinity Series title. Let’s dive into the victory of the new Xfinity star.

Justin Allgaier wins Xfinity Series title for JR Motorsports

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. couldn’t have been prouder when Justin Allgaier finally clinched the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship at Phoenix. Allgaier, a longtime driver for Earnhardt’s JR Motorsports team, had been working tirelessly for this moment, and it was clear to everyone, especially Dale Jr., that he deserved it.

“He’s worked so hard. He’s given so much to our team,” Dale Jr. said, beaming with pride. “If there’s an image in a dictionary of a model racecar driver, it’s him.” Earnhardt’s excitement was palpable, as he described Allgaier as not only a hardworking and dedicated driver but someone who always went above and beyond for the team and its partners.

But the road to the championship wasn’t without its hurdles. Allgaier faced a tough weekend, dealing with car damage during practice and penalties on the track. However he fought back, pushing through the field to secure the victory. Dale Jr. reflected on the emotional weight of the win, especially considering how close they had come in previous seasons.

When Allgaier mentioned retirement in his victory speech, Dale Jr. laughed, acknowledging that the idea of going out on top was tempting, but he knew his driver still had plenty of miles left. “We’re going to win some more races,” Earnhardt said, already looking ahead to the future with excitement.

Did you predict a JR Motorsports victory at Phoenix for the Xfinity Series title? Share your thoughts in the comments below.