Ever since NBC took over coverage of NASCAR races nearly a month ago, Dale Earnhardt Jr has more or less become the voice of NASCAR. After an illustrious career behind the wheel, Dale Jr transitioned to the world of broadcasting after retiring from racing. As a broadcaster for NASCAR on NBC, he enjoys his share of perks but this doesn’t happen without facing the challenges of his job. 

The shift hasn’t been without its hurdles. Each week, as he takes the mic to call the races, he admits feeling a mix of emotions, ranging from confidence to self-doubt.

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Talking with Mike Davis about his current job in the latest episode of The Dale Jr. Download, Dale Jr expressed a deep sense of awareness regarding his performance as a broadcaster. Despite being cautious not to talk over others, he acknowledged the importance of honest analysis and healthy disagreement between broadcasters. He welcomed differing viewpoints among the commentators, recognizing that the viewers at home may appreciate the diversity of opinions and insights.

The JR Motorsports owner emphasized that he knows when he has done a good job. He also acknowledged moments when he fell short of his responsibilities. During the podcast, Earnhardt candidly discussed his approach to calling races, saying,

“There have been times when there’s been wrecks on the track. And I did not tell the truth. I didn’t tell my truth. It’s not that I told a lie. It’s like I stalled. I hesitated.”

He admitted to struggling with finding the right words during certain chaotic and controversial moments on the track. His relationships and friendships with drivers, such as Austin Dillon, and the racing community might have sometimes influenced his commentary. Junior revealed that, due to his personal connections with drivers like Austin Dillon, he and his co-commentator Jeff Burton, often work in tandem to present their perspectives without sounding overly critical or biased.

NBC took over NASCAR broadcasting last month, and fans have been treated to an exceptional sixth season with the Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr in the booth. From working the Olympics and Kentucky Derby to hosting shows on Peacock, Earnhardt’s dedication to his craft is undeniable. However, his expertise truly sets him apart as a broadcaster for NASCAR races. But why does Junior love broadcasting so much?

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Thrilling fans at home: How Dale Jr immerses viewers in the race

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In a candid two-part 12 Questions interview with The Athletic’s Jeff Gluck, Junior opened up about what he loves most about broadcasting. He highlighted the 1979 Daytona 500 as the pinnacle of NASCAR broadcasting, where Ken Squier and David Hobbs delivered the gold standard in excitement and delivery.

According to Earnhardt, his focus as a broadcaster is to immerse fans at home in the thrill of the race. Even when the action is not as heart-pounding, he refuses to settle for mediocrity. “It is what it is. Your job is to make it something, make it exciting, find something to talk about, find the battles, and point the cameras there,” he explained passionately.

Sometimes, the race for the lead doesn’t deliver the expected drama, and that’s where the teamwork between commentators and the production truck comes into play. Earnhardt praised NBC for its seamless cooperation, allowing them to alert the production team about exciting battles throughout the race, thus, ensuring that viewers never miss out on the intense action on the track.

The key to Earnhardt’s success lies in his genuine emotions. His child-like excitement never seems like an affectation, and his appreciation for the sport’s subtleties shines through. Races may come and go, but Junior will give fans reasons why stock racing is worth getting excited over, day in and day out.

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