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MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – APRIL 07: Dale Earnhardt Jr, driver of the #88 Hellmann’s Fridge Hunters Chevrolet, prepares to practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Call 811 Before You Dig 250 powered by Call 811.com at Martinsville Speedway on April 07, 2022 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1390157170.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA – APRIL 07: Dale Earnhardt Jr, driver of the #88 Hellmann’s Fridge Hunters Chevrolet, prepares to practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Call 811 Before You Dig 250 powered by Call 811.com at Martinsville Speedway on April 07, 2022 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
The intense racing and occasional clashes on the track have always been known in NASCAR. However, it’s the aftermath that can either make or break the sport. Unfortunately, a recent incident has put a damper on the excitement of the Daytona 500.
Dale Earnhardt Jr, his sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and their nephew Jeffrey Earnhardt appeared on “the Dale Jr. Download” episode to discuss Daytona 500‘s on-track events.
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DARLINGTON, SOUTH CAROLINA – AUGUST 30: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #8 Hellmann’s Chevrolet, stands in the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Series Sport Clips Haircuts VFW 200 at Darlington Raceway on August 30, 2019 in Darlington, South Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Jeffrey Earnhardt had an unfortunate run-in with Parker Kligerman, which left him out of the race. When Dale asked about the conversation he had with Kligerman after the race, Jeffrey revealed that “it didn’t seem like there was much respect there.” He further added, “you know, we all screw up… we all make mistakes… but it can at least be somewhat apologetic afterwards.” It seems that Kligerman didn’t show any remorse for his actions and didn’t even realize the extent of the damage he had caused.
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Frustration with Parker Kligerman’s lack of respect
Kelley Earnhardt Miller attempted to shed some light on Kligerman’s perspective,mentioning that it’s hard for drivers to realize their mistakes when they’re in the heat of the moment. However, Jeffrey felt that Kligerman could have been a bit more respectful considering the damage he had caused. Jeffrey had to walk Kligerman to his car to show him the damage. “He might have been a little more respectful,” he said in the podcast.
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This incident has sparked a feud between Jeffrey Earnhardt and Parker Kligerman. As per Dale, “I like seeing Parker sweat,” indicating that he knows the driver and is amused by the situation. However, Kelley emphasized the importance of respecting other drivers on the track, especially for smaller teams like Jeffrey’s. “We’re a small team and… when someone doesn’t seem to care that they ruined your day, it kinda pisses you off a little bit,” said Jeffrey.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-02-20T001803Z_673303617_MT1USATODAY20039065_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-DAYTONA-500.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 19, 2023; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson (84), driver Noah Gragson (42), driver Austin Dillon (3), driver William Byron (24), driver Zane Smith (36) and driver Harrison Burton (21) wreck during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
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While NASCAR fans expect intense racing, they also expect drivers to take responsibility for their actions on the track. Unfortunately, in this case, it seems that Kligerman didn’t own up to his mistake. It detracts from fans’ excitement and adrenaline rush, which is detrimental to NASCAR.
In conclusion, while the Daytona 500 was an exciting race, it’s disappointing to see a lack of respect between drivers. Drivers must remember they race for themselves, fans, and other drivers on the track. As Jeffrey Earnhardt said, “we all make mistakes… but it can at least be somewhat apologetic afterwards.” Hopefully, this incident serves as a reminder for drivers to be more respectful on the track and to take responsibility for their actions.
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Read More: Dale Earnhardt Jr Reacts as His Nephew Gets Into a Nasty Confrontation & Threatens NASCAR Rival
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