As part of NBC Sports’ broadcasting crew, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr covered the recent Cup Series qualifying race at the Pocono Raceway. Apart from all the racing action During the event, there was a heartwarming moment that greatly touched Dale Jr, making him put aside his role as a commentator and analyst.
The flagman’s triumph: NASCAR’s gesture that left Dale Earnhardt Jr speechless
Few honorary positions at a race are more thrilling than waving the green flag to begin the event. This was not lost on Junior as he recalled his first experience at the flag stand, realizing how meaningful this moment was.
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In the latest episode of The Dale Jr. Download, Junior shared a remarkable encounter with a young boy named Victor, who has autism. The incident unfolded as Junior approached the flag stand before the race’s qualifying round. Curious about who the honorary flagman for the day was, he was pointed toward a young boy named Victor, whom he had just met moments ago on pit road. The revelation that Victor, despite having autism, was allowed to be an honorary flagman touched Dale Jr’s heart deeply.
“I don’t remember a time when a person with autism was given this opportunity. […] I totally forgot my role as an analyst at that moment. I was just like, ‘oh hell, with the camera and the mic and all that.’ You know, this is what I want to do, you know. I want to watch Victor have this experience,” Junior recalled happily.
The second lap was when the cars came by at full speed, creating a thrilling moment for all the fans in the grandstand. Junior encouraged Victor to stay and witness this exhilarating sight, knowing it was an experience he would cherish forever. The moment’s significance was not lost on Dale Earnhardt Jr, who was touched by the profound impact NASCAR’s gesture had on Victor and the entire crowd.
Well, this experience was quite a turnaround from 2021, when Dale Jr had to endure a bizarre experience at the Pocono Raceway.
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When Pocono Raceway had to offer apologies to Dale Jr after his brush with security
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Following a Pocono race in 2021, Dale Jr left the broadcast booth with his credentials safely stowed away in his backpack. As he went through the grandstands and across the track to the garage, enthusiastic fans couldn’t contain their excitement upon seeing the icon. Requests for photos and autographs poured in, and the JR Motorsports co-owner gladly obliged. After graciously interacting with his adoring fans, Dale Jr attempted to enter the garage area, but the security personnel halted him, demanding to see his credentials.
One would assume that Dale’s legendary status would be sufficient to grant him access. But apparently, the security guard remained unfazed. True to his character, Junior refused to pull the Don’t-you-know-who-I-am card and maintained his composure throughout the ordeal.
Resisting any urge to escalate the situation, Junior finally dug into his backpack, finding his pass to prove his legitimacy to enter the NASCAR garage. This encounter left him flustered and irked.
During his podcast back then, Junior spoke about this incident and surprisingly, this led to the Pocono Raceway officials taking cognizance of the unfortunate incident. They were swift to offer their apologies and express gratitude, posting on Twitter, “Hey @DaleJr/@MikeDavis88, We listened to the podcast & sorry to hear about your experience trying to cross the track. We would like to ensure you it won’t happen again, no need to explain who you are… Thanks for all the kind words about Pocono, we’ll see you again soon!“
The tweet was accompanied by a hilarious poster with Junior’s photograph and the words, “Cross-track access permitted to this individual upon request.”
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Hey @DaleJr / @MikeDavis88,
We listened to the podcast & sorry to hear about your experience trying to cross the track. We would like to ensure you it won’t happen again, no need to explain who you are…
Thanks for all the kind words about Pocono, we’ll see you again soon! https://t.co/9scgOTedM7 pic.twitter.com/J3xkIxKKBz
— Pocono Raceway (@PoconoRaceway) July 1, 2021
Surrounded by fans who were aghast at the guard’s audacity, Dale Jr didn’t need to defend himself. The fans passionately vocalized their disbelief. Declaring, “It’s Dale, it’s Dale,” incredulous that the guard didn’t recognize the iconic figure in front of him.
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Nevertheless, his composed response and the passionate support from his fans ensured that this unusual incident will forever be remembered.