At first glance, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. and NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal might seem like an unlikely pair. But their shared history and mutual respect make them one of the more entertaining crossover duos in sports. Their connection goes back to 2010 when Shaq, always up for a challenge, faced off against Dale Jr. in a 50-lap race on Shaq Vs. after boldly claiming NASCAR drivers weren’t athletes.

It didn’t take long for the NBA giant to eat his words. After struggling through the grueling race, Shaq admitted it was one of the toughest things he’d ever done. “Whoever said these guys aren’t athletes are out of their mind,” he said afterward. Beyond the competition, the episode had its lighter moments—like when Shaq, in true Shaq fashion, injured himself trying to ride a decorative horse on Dale’s property.

Fast-forward to 2024, and Shaq’s connection to NASCAR remains as strong as ever. This time, he wasn’t behind the wheel but behind the turntables at the NASCAR Awards Banquet in Charlotte, where he made an impression on those in the room in the most Shaq way possible.

Shaq’s big heart steals the show

Shaquille O’Neal isn’t just a four-time NBA champion; he’s a champion of the people. At the 2024 NASCAR Awards, Shaq not only served as the evening’s DJ but also made time for every single person who approached him for a photo or conversation. Fans, drivers, and industry folks alike marveled at how the NBA legend stayed at his booth, tirelessly interacting with everyone who stopped by.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. summed it up perfectly in a tweet the next morning:

Those two words—“no surprise”—summed up Junior’s feelings perfectly. Shaq’s reputation for being one of the most approachable celebrities in sports isn’t new. From surprising kids with gifts to covering a stranger’s grocery bill, he’s become known for these small but meaningful moments. At the banquet, this generosity shone through once again, proving why he’s so universally loved.

Fans on social media couldn’t stop buzzing about their encounters with Shaq, and it added an extra layer of wholesomeness to a night that was already about celebrating NASCAR’s best.

A night of champions and reflection

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While Shaq’s fan-friendly approach was a highlight, the NASCAR Awards were primarily a time to honor the sport’s top performers of 2024. Joey Logano headlined the evening, celebrating his third Cup Series championship. In a heartfelt speech, he reflected on his journey from a kid with a go-kart to a three-time champion, giving credit to his team, family, and the opportunities that shaped his career.

“Life’s really all about what you do with the opportunities,” Logano said, adding that his proudest moments this season weren’t just on the track. He also highlighted the NASCAR community’s work in aiding Hurricane Helen victims, a cause he personally supported through fundraising and supply efforts. Team Penske announced a joint program along with Shell USA and The Joey Logano Foundation, which supported the recovery efforts.

It was also a big night for JR Motorsports, as Justin Allgaier claimed his first Xfinity Series championship. Dale Earnhardt Jr., always candid, couldn’t hide his excitement. “Man, did he get up on the wheel,” he said, describing Allgaier’s determination during the season finale. “He carried the whole company on his back that night.”

Summarizing the rest of the night, in the Truck Series, Ty Majeski took home his first championship, while the event also served as a farewell for 2017 Cup champion Martin Truex Jr., who retired after a standout career. And no surprise here—Chase Elliott was named Most Popular Driver for the seventh year running leaving some NASCAR fans unimpressed.

Between the heartfelt speeches, celebrations, and Shaq’s standout moments, the night captured everything that makes NASCAR more than just a sport. It’s a community, and this year, that community was lucky enough to have Shaq be part of the party.