NASCAR’s golden age produced some of the most brilliant stock car racers. However, these personalities showcased their skills outside of the racetrack as well, and in a no less wild manner. The foremost name that ranks in that category is obvious: Dale Earnhardt Sr. The intimidator spun competitors during the day and plowed through empty neighborhoods at night.

And his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., has dug up such a wild story buried deep in the distant past. Being an accomplice to a chaotic stunt, Dale Jr. gets goosebumps even after so many years.

Another thrilling tale from Dale Earnhardt

NASCAR fans thrive on the legendary stories of Dale Earnhardt, known for his electrifying presence both on and off the track. His most memorable moments often originate from his daring moves behind the wheel. For instance, in 1987, Earnhardt executed a stunning maneuver in “The Winston,” famously spinning out Bill Elliott to create the iconic ‘Pass in the Grass.’

Later, in the 1999 Bristol race, he made headlines again by spinning Terry Labonte on the final lap. These fearless tactics contributed to Earnhardt’s remarkable career, which boasts 76 Cup wins and 7 championships, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest racers in NASCAR history.

Yet Dale Earnhardt’s off-track stories are no less notorious. Junior recently had Gary Nelson, former crew chief, on the Dale Jr. Download when the two recalled being accomplices to Dale Earnhardt’s nightly escapade. It was Dale Jr. who set the tone of the story, describing the 4×4 ride they had, as he mentioned, “It snowed…let’s say it was six inches. This was 1982 maybe – Lake Norman was barely developed. It felt like it was midnight…Dad had his four-wheel drive, square-body Chevrolet truck.”

Earnhardt Sr. displayed his chaotic driving skills then as well, as Dale Jr. narrated. “So we ride down the road…Dad is just weaving all over the road, off in the ditch and in the fields – just being crazy, having fun, spinning around.” 

Then the father-son duo had more company to join in the fun. “We met Daryl Cruz – he worked on race cars, dirt cars and also was a logger. He had a logging business and several employees all drove giant square body trucks.”

So then a huge group assisted Dale Earnhardt in wreaking havoc in the neighborhood. “So for the rest of the night, it was like 15 trucks in a line, just going crazy. Running over mailboxes – somebody broke a wheel off at one point.” Dale Earnhardt’s first employee also made a mess at one point. “They spun…and doored a telephone pole. Just a big dent in the door, no big deal.”

Dale Earnhardt’s nightly runs must have been fuel for his winning runs during the day. But this was hardly the end of the veteran’s crazy stories. One such tale shocked Dale Jr as well.

Earnhardt drove around illegally

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Back when Dale Earnhardt was still developing as a racer, he was rowdy, to say the least. During the late 1970s, he would leave jobs to focus on racing while putting his household in jeopardy. He would also grab scraps from junkyards to work on his racecars. But this story is bound to tip you off your chair, as it did to Dale Jr.: Dale Earnhardt did not have a driving license into his 30s. Even then, he managed to get into people’s bad books by throwing lug nuts at cars on the highway.

Tony Furr, former crew chief, came on Dale Jr.’s podcast last year to expand on the topic. “Dale Earnhardt ran around without a driver’s license… probably had a couple of DUI’s, whatever, Tony wasn’t sure. But he’d lost his license, and I knew by listening to Tony Sr., and my Uncle Robert G that dad was wide ass open on the highways, you know.

As these stories not only add layers to his larger-than-life persona but also give fans a glimpse into the daring spirit that drove him both on and off the track, Furr continued, “Speeding, breaking laws, doing whatever. So it’s no surprise to me, I guess, that he ran afoul and got himself in a little bit of trouble and lost his license. But the fact that he might’ve been running around for years without one, and no care in the world still driving up and down the road, pretty crazy. Brazen, very brazen.”

No doubt, Dale Earnhardt’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive race record and legendary on-track maneuvers. Whether it was tearing up the neighborhood or pushing the limits of legality, Earnhardt’s fearless approach to life remains a testament to his enduring impact on NASCAR and its fans. We hope it reminded you of your favorite Dale Sr. moment.