“I Could See Right Behind the Curtain of Richard Childress” – Dale Earnhardt Jr. Admits it Wasn’t Just His Father as He Reveals the Name that Inspired Him to Race

When it comes to professional stock car racing, Dale Earnhardt has left behind a legacy of his own. Regarded as one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR’s history, the Intimidator became a cult figure among almost all motorsport enthusiasts. And carrying the torch further, Dale Earnhardt Jr also dedicated his life to stock car racing and its upliftment.

However, in the recent episode of Dale Jr Download, Earnhardt Jr revealed that his father was not the only race car driver who inspired him on his journey. Recently a fan asked Earnhardt Jr about who inspired him most while growing up.

To this, the Daytona 500 champion replied, “You know, Dad was certainly driving a lot of decisions and inspiring me one way or another. I pulled for Jimmy Means who was an independent. I thought it was cool that he worked as hard as he did.”

Explaining how he had access to behind-the-scenes operations of Richard Childress Racing, his dad’s team, Earnhardt Jr said that he noticed a lot of differences. Explaining how all of that made him appreciate the independent stock car driver more, he said, “It was really inspiring to see somebody work so hard with very little. While I knew at the same time everything that Dad and other teams had. I could see right behind the curtain of Richard Childress and Dad and those guys were winning races and that made me really appreciate Jimmy and the independent more.”

“Because I could also know in detail what they were using and doing to race. “

READ MORE: Fan-Favorite NASCAR Legend Dale Earnhardt Jr and His Family

What made Dale Earnhardt Jr. appreciate his blessings?

During the conversation, Dale Earnhardt Jr. said that his appreciation for Jimmy Means also helped him realize what he actually had. He said that having the privilege of knowing what was going on behind the curtains in all teams helped him have a balance.

He said, “So, I think that was good to have that balance knowing what it was like to be on that other side. One of my best friends, Brad Means, Jimmy’s son was pretty transparent with me on some of the struggles they had and the things they had to do to compete. So, it really made me appreciate that.”

With everything that Dale Earhardt Jr learned while growing up, it reflects in his love for stock car racing today. A Hall of Fame inductee, Earnhardt Jr continues to put forth incessant efforts to uplift NASCAR as well as stock car racing endeavors.

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