Dale Earnhardt Jr. is no stranger to the limelight. As one of NASCAR’s most iconic drivers, the 16-time Most Popular Driver Award winner has transcended the world of motorsports to become a cultural phenomenon. Even in retirement, Dale Jr.’s voice continues to resonate as a champion of the sport, both as an NBC commentator and the host of his wildly successful podcast, The Dale Jr. Download. But as much as he cherishes his place in the spotlight, sometimes the very thing that makes him a household name also leads to hilariously unexpected moments—even when he’s just trying to relax with a video game.

Recently, Dale Jr. shared a laugh-out-loud anecdote on his podcast about a time when his fame followed him into the virtual world of Hell Let Loose, a World War II shooter game serving him a stark reminder of what it’s like to carry the Earnhardt legacy—even online.

Dale Jr. meets Dale Jr. (sort of)

During a recent episode of The Dale Jr. Download, Dale Jr. opened up about his newfound love for Hell Let Loose. Describing the game as “a World War II shooter with a lot of conversation,” he explained how its multiplayer format encourages players to interact, strategize, and work as a team in immersive battle scenarios. But when Dale Jr. joined a server one day, he noticed something curious: a player with the username “Dale Jr.”

Curiosity got the better of him. “I hop in this server, and there’s a Dale Jr.,” he recounted with a chuckle. Naturally, Dale Jr. couldn’t resist the opportunity to say hello. “I’m like, ‘Hey Dale Jr.! Hey, yeah.” The response was less than enthusiastic. The other player—obviously unaware of the real Dale Jr. speaking to him—dismissed him with a simple “Yeah sure, nice impression guy” before running off.

“I was like, ‘Aw, damn, man,’” Dale Jr. said, feigning mock dejection. “He just had no idea how cool this could be.” The moment was relatable and comical, the peculiar juxtaposition of being a racing legend who sometimes just wants to blend in. For Dale Jr., though, the humor didn’t stop there.

From doubters to fans: “It really is you!”

Not all interactions in Hell Let Loose are quite so dismissive. On the flip side, Dale Jr. shared how some players instantly recognize his voice, leading to equally amusing yet more endearing situations. “There are other people who are like, ‘HEY DALE JR.!’” he explained.

Once the initial excitement sets in, the virtual battlefield often transforms into a social hub. “I’ll start talking to them, and they’ll go, ‘Whoa, it really is you!’” Dale Jr. said, laughing at the memory. What follows is a scene straight out of a comedy sketch:

“We’ll stand there in this World War II scene, having a conversation,” he explained. “And then the games last like an hour and a half, so you see the same people pretty often. They’re like, ‘Ayy, there he is!’ Now they’ve gotten their buddies. They’re all like, ‘You gotta see this! Come on over here.’”

Of course, not everyone is focused on the task at hand. Instead of coordinating attacks or defending positions, Dale Jr. often finds himself the center of attention. “I’m like, ‘Y’all, we gotta stop the enemy!’” he said, recalling his attempts to steer the group back to the game. “But they’re like, ‘Nah, hey Dale, talk to my buddy!’”

Despite the interruptions, Dale Jr. genuinely enjoys these moments. His appreciation for connecting with fans, even in the unlikeliest settings, is evident in the way he relives these stories. “It’s so funny. I love it, I love it,” he said, his trademark enthusiasm shining through.

Since retiring from full-time racing in 2017, Dale Jr. has embraced his role as an ambassador for NASCAR, advocating for its growth and connecting with fans in innovative ways. His podcast, which has become a staple for racing enthusiasts, offers an unfiltered look at the sport, its history, and its personalities—and, occasionally, some hilarious glimpses into Dale Jr.’s personal life.

In the end, moments like these remind us that even legends need to unwind. And if you ever find yourself playing Hell Let Loose and hear a familiar voice, don’t be surprised if it really is Dale Jr. Just be ready to stop the enemy—or at least have a good laugh trying.