NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon played a crucial role in taking the sport’s popularity to its peak in the late 1990 and early 2000s. After winning four Cup Series championships, Gordon established himself as a legendary figure in the nation and became a popular guest on many renowned late-night shows. Recently, Dale Earnhardt Jr claimed that nearly two decades ago, he might have turned down an offer to follow in Jeff Gordon’s footsteps due to one simple reason.

NASCAR crew chief Steve Letarte recently made an appearance on the Dale Jr. Download podcast alongside two-time Busch Series champ Dale Jr.

During the discussions, Letarte quoted a fan’s question and asked if Junior ever had the opportunity to be a host on Saturday Night Live.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr admits he would have turned down an SNL invite

Replying to the fan’s question, Junior said, “No! That time has came and went, man. I mean, if I could have done it, it would have been in 04, 05, 06. I might have gotten asked to do it. I might have turned it down because I was too scared to do it.”

Moreover, a surprised Letarte asked if he would consider going on SNL in the future.

However, Dale Jr still had his doubts about going on the show. The 48-year-old pointed out that he had a chance of being a part of various shows during 2004–05. However, he felt that he did not deserve to be on the show as the racers who had either won the Daytona 500 or a championship were usually invited.

However, the two-time Daytona 500 winner clarified that he did not turn down the SNL invite nearly two decades ago on the grounds of what he deserved. Dale Jr said, “It feels like we might have gotten one years ago, almost 20 years ago. And I would absolutely have turned it down out of pure fear of doing it.”

He further added, “And then Jeff does it and I’m thinking, ‘Damn! That’s one thing that Jeff had the b*lls to do that I probably didn’t have the b*lls to do it.’ And so, kudos to him and he did a great job, right?”

Thus, the NASCAR veteran reckoned that he did not choose to tread the SNL path laid out by Jeff Gordon out of stage fright.