It has been over 25 years since Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart have been friends. Over time, their bond has only gotten stronger despite being competitors on the track. However, it isn’t that the two didn’t have differences while racing together. Interestingly, one such instance in the past saw Dale Jr. teaching Stewart a lesson in an unexpected fashion.

It is no secret how competitive both Junior and Smoke were during their racing days. In fact, it was only after a crash in 1998 between the two that they kicked off their friendship. Naturally, that didn’t stop them from having on-track scuffles, one of which came at Martinsville Speedway.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. speaks about the time he put Tony Stewart in his place

A lot has been debated ever since Bubba Wallace door-slammed Alex Bowman in Chicago last Sunday. With emotions running high in the 23XI Racing’s mind, his unexpected performance attracted a lot of criticism. Eventually, NASCAR fined Wallace $50,000 for his post-race antics. While the intensity of the fine remains questionable, Dale Earnhardt Jr. gave his opinion on the incident.

In the recent episode of his podcast “The Dale Jr. Download,” Junior spoke at length about the events in Chicago. While Alex Bowman ended his 80-race winless streak, Bubba Wallace knocking the Hendrick Motorsports driver into the wall changed the sentiments after the race. However, Junior sided with Wallace in this.

Alex Bowman played a key role in hampering Wallace’s race in Chicago after he spun him early in the race during Stage 1. Interestingly, Dale Jr. believed that the idea of giving it back in such a scenario should be considered a rational act. In fact, to explain his point, he shared the example of what happened between him and Tony Stewart in Martinsville once.

He said, “We were at Martinsville, and I wrecked somebody; I spun somebody out. I spun somebody out; Tony Stewart was mad about it.” While the host suggested that someone was likely to be Denny Hamlin, Dale Earnhardt Jr. continued his story. He added, “Yes, Tony comes up. He ain’t in this. Tony comes up to me and starts raving up his engine and swerving at me.”

Interestingly, this didn’t bode well with Junior. As it infuriated him then, he explained what happened next. Dale Jr. said, “So, I just turned left, knocked the damn right front off his car. I was so mad. I’m like ‘this ain’t even your deal, man’. You ain’t going to come up and try to govern me or try to tell me what I’m supposed to be doing.”

While Dale Earnhardt Jr. gave a subtle hammering to Tony Stewart, the former HMS driver explained how giving it back felt right. Not only did Junior side with Bubba Wallace but also insisted on giving the liberty to act like the #23 driver did in Chicago.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. demands more flexibility from NASCAR after Bubba Wallace and Alex Bowman’s scuffle in Chicago

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Driving in the Cup Series comes with a lot of challenges. While competing strongly is the bare minimum, keeping calm with the challenging dynamics on the track is equally tricky. Drivers have lost their cool very often, and it is understandable given the intensity and competition. After all, every point matters, especially considering the tight battle for the playoffs. Naturally, this got to Bubba Wallace in Chicago, as he decided to door-slam Alex Bowman.

While Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the 23XI Racing driver’s side, he explained why he did so. Speaking in the same episode of his podcast, Junior said, “Drivers need to be able to do those things, right or wrong. I’m not saying they’re right choices, I’m not saying it’s what the driver should do. But drivers need to be able to have a little bit of a jab or two, some flexibility. After the race, I’m OK if Bubba goes up there and hits the 48. And I’m OK if somebody goes after Chase [Elliott] or Chase goes after somebody.”

Dale Jr. further explained how punishing drivers with fines is acceptable given they get to express their frustration. He said, “And if they wanna fine them, that’s fine. I don’t think the drivers care too much, you know five, 10, 15 grand. Don’t take points away, don’t truly deter this. Because this s**t is what racing’s about.”

While he demanded that the drivers limit their aggression given their freedom, Junior believes that such incidents are part and parcel of every sport. Dale Jr. said, “There’s a line where it’s too egregious, too aggressive, too dangerous and you gotta know as a driver where that’s at and not to cross it. These types of things to me are kind of in our DNA. It’s like the gloves coming off at the hockey match and a couple of guys getting the opportunity to throw a few punches before the refs finally come in.”

Most certainly, Dale Earnhardt Jr. provided some interesting views here. While it is worth considering, will NASCAR consider it? Even if they do so, how do they ensure drivers don’t go overboard with it? How do they take care it doesn’t turn into another Kyle Busch-Ricky Stenhouse scuffle?

While it’s easier said than done, such liberty will certainly bring more spice to the sport. What do you think about it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.