A Look Into The Early Days of Dale Earnhardt's Racing Career
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- Опубликовано: 4 сен 2024
- When you have the opportunity to speak with a living scrapbook of the past, you open it and have a conversation. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and co-host Mike Davis welcome in Tommy Russell, an early car owner of the late Dale Earnhardt, to give first-hand accounts inside the early years of the Earnhardt racing legacy.
Russell's family was involved in the early stock car scene in the Carolina's with area stars like Dink Widenhouse, George Mantooth and Banks Simpson that took their cars from the dusty dirt ovals of the Carolina's all the way to the sands of Daytona. But it was an intersection with Dale Jr.'s grandfather, the great Ralph Earnhardt, that set in motion a relationship with the two families forged in speed and trust. Tommy gives a curious Dale Jr. insight into what it was like on Sedan Avenue working around the patriarch of the Earnhardt racing dynasty. The King of the Dirt Tracks helped the young Russell. Later on, he was able to repay his hero. The story though doesn't end with Ralph. Russell became one of Dale Earnhardt's first car owners. The two friends combined their efforts and started racing Semi-Mods at places like Concord Speedway and Metrolina Speedway. When the Earnhardt name showed up on the roof of Russell's cars, it was lights out for the other competitors. In a short span, the two combined to unleash their fury on the dirt scene in an effort that brought an estimated 65 wins.
Russell gives us all a peek into the early days of his race team and witnessing Dale Earnhardt's first-ever win. It is a moment that made him realize Dale was the driver he wanted behind the wheel of his cars. He talks about the progression of an eventual seven-time NASCAR champion. It was a journey from a homebuilt shop on the side of the Russell garage, to racing multiple times a week.
Love hearing these stories about Dale and seeing Jr’s emotion and curiosity really warms the heart.
Watched Dale in that old Pontiac Ventura a few times. Those were the good old days. Still have an old glass Earnhardt Sundrop, that's autographed. Dale didn't want folks to know the good things he did..like when he had the church parking lot paved....many more good deeds.
I remember that Ely Gold told that story
You should be proud to have your dad's friends sharing stories like this as the memories will be forever. Very cool.
Big fan of Dale Earnhardt's and juniors I love hearing the stories love you Dale ✌️🇺🇸
GREAT SHOW! I'd much rather listen to good ole country Boys like Mr. Russell than some of the more famous people you've had on.
Bro, enjoy the show, stop hating
This stuff is gold and more the reason as to why I love these racing stories. To me racing is real with real people and real characters!
It's the comradery among competitors and those who work along side buring the midnight oil to build a car together for the pursuit and passion of winning. That alone is hard to explain to those who don't understand but we as race fans and racers in the community know these feelings all to well...
This is one of the best yet!!! Thank you Dale!!!🏁
3:47 i agree. the more you know about the car. the better you will be in cars. weather its racing or whatever. learn everything you can about whatever topic your in. and you will be alot better in your aspect of that topic. it happened with me with cars and computers.
These are the episodes I love the most. Jr always wants to know more about the history and I find the stories so enjoyable to hear, I get to learn along with him!
I have watched lost speedways with a lot of interest. numerous speedways I have raced at no longer exist also but the one that intrigues me the most is the Savannah road course that predated WW1. it was similar to LeMans as far as prestige and length and a serious part of the world championship. there are some roads still around though used as residential and business roads.
Sure miss watching old dale and jr run nascar is just not the same
George Mantooth was my high shop teacher, I help him do alot work around his house. That tells you how old I am. I learned a lot from him, I miss him. Good man. Y'all take care, God Bless.
Being the same age as junior. I really enjoy these stories. Growing up around short tracks in california., these stories just bring back memories
It's so cool that you get to discover the history of your dad like this, Jr. Wish I could do the same
Oh yes , I remember slipping out after mom and dad WERE asleep 😴, I wuold push my dads ol Ford 1966 300 6 short Bed down the street before I would start it , and I was10 years old , 5 feet tall, ,lolololol nice ol story’s, I love this , thank you DaleJr, we all love the ol story’s of things that we went through, thanks 🙏.BigAl California.
Love this stuff. Dale sr had big heart. 2 kids whose idol was Sam sommers of lost speedways . Myrtle episode. Got a ride around Savannah speedway with big E. In the 70s can tell you that.
I still love the line from J.K. Simmons in the ESPN movie: "Yeah, on the dirt. Real money's on the asphalt."
That legend flies about as far as the dirt off this car.
I really think Dale was a very Genuine guy and 1 that never forget the hard times of the beginning. Hearing about the kids he let in the shop just goes to show how big his heart was. Definitely a last of a bread other than maybe Big H. Love the old earnhardt, doesn't matter which one stories! We need Kelly again! She had some funny Jr. Stories last time 😄
Dale Jr that was awesome video. I enjoyed it so much. I'm a big fan of your dad and family. I feel like I've known your dad and family all my life.
Hope Dale has some stories on Johnny Ray ! I met Johny at Baker racing school in 94 ! His boy Kevin was in the school with me and later helped them on Arca and Busch racing ! Johnny really helped Dale get started in Cup ! A great bunch of guys from Eastaboga Al. Thanks Jr for all the great podcasts !! Darron
I really enjoyed listening to all the stories Tommy had! So thankful you all put people like him on the podcast because it gives the fans such a deeper understanding of NASCAR history. Please keep them coming!
I love stories about Sr they r so interesting!
I want to see Ol' DW again on this show
Marshall brooks would be a great guest. I met him years ago and he had lots of Dale Earnhardt stories . He owned Docs cycle center and I think he said he sponsored Dales first or second car. I’m 43 years old from Monroe Nc and Dale was my absolute hero. After the 2000 all star race in Charlotte when jr won and the walk way collapsed is the night Dale sr , Theresa and Fred wagenals (owner of action performance) walked by us in traffic after the race. I screamed Dale you are the man!! And he looked and me with the thumbs up and that grin. What a night . I’ll never forget.
Dale Sr. was one of my favorite Icons of Racing and the day I pulled up to the start of the Iron Dog for our historical run, the world lost a legend. Peaceful Journey Intimidator 😎🙏🏽
Man it sure would be sweet if you gave us the hole interview on RUclips pleassse old story's about Dale Sr are so great still mess the Man alot
Wish they would too
You get get the whole interview for free through the podcast.
He can't do it because of his sponsors. Only a certain amount of time is allowed on YT.
I enjoy the podcast, because as a truck driver I have 3 hours of driving to Tallahassee Fl from St Augustine Fl. I listen on early Wednesday morning as I’m driving, not many good radio stations to listen too along the way
How Jr. doesn’t often get emotional is a testament to him, as a Diehard race fan from Alabama, My family was devastated by the loss. The Earnhardt name alone is praised in this state. We live by Raise hell and praise Dale! We can’t wait to see what the next generation has to offer. Bring on Dega!
Now these are the shows I love you learn so much about how hard it was to make it before the days of multi million dollar sponsors it took grit and determination to make it.
Listened to the podcast the other night, but I love the video. Great podcast.
You need a part 2 of this one.
Rest In Peace Dale forever3
I love these different stories Dale E Sr. 3.
Dale Earnhardt Sr. Was my hero I love these stories and pictures but i love knowing I raced on some of the tracks he started on and i also wiped my car out at hickory lol... Just wanted to point out one thing did anyone notice the newspaper with Ralph it Said dead after 23 years of racing Dale Earnhardt Sr raced Winston cup for 23 years 1978 to 2001 that's crazy gave me cold chill's
These conversations are gold...
Amazing content!! Thanks for sharing these stories.
This was a wonderful interview 👏
One of my all-time favorites 🙂
I love this to history Dale Earnhardt stories
Thanks for sharing….great stories.
@DaleJr. Man…. I don’t know what’s better…. The old stories or the look on your face…. GREAT STUFF HERE.
Great Stories Jr. I Wish You Would Do A Lost Speedway On The Wilson County Speedway When Your Dad Won The Fall Race There
I love these kind of stories! Great interview!
This guy is awesome
I'd love to see a dedicated book and or a documentary put out on Ralph Earnhardt and his racing career and family with as many photos as can be rounded up to show the full story of the Earnhardt racing legacy!
😎👍🏼🏁
Fantastic interview
Great stories.
Awesome stories!!!
this is what i'm talking junior your father was tough but he was a great human being you need to do more things like that otherwise you will never be remembered like he was just think of that for a while no matter what you think! that is why i respected him so much.
Love hearing these stories
Keep up the good work Mike, this Shizz is Awesome, JuneBug hey big guy lemme hold a Dolla!!🤣🤣
Great Stories 🏁
Great show. I love listening to history
Priceless to us diehard earnhardt fans
The way good old days
Wonderful
Mr Russel was my auto mechanic teacher at northwest
I love the older days of Nascar before restrictor plate racing. I went to races Taladega, Atlanta, Charlotte, Michigan and now I wouldn't walk across the street to watch a race. I now go to watch dirt track racing instead. They lost me and my 5 friends that go back to the 60's. Not racing today.
Hello Dale Jr
2 things that impress me most about Dale JR 1) he quit when his health required him to and 2) He is still making a great living in racing OH yeah bonus one he cares about the sport past present and future
I love how country folk never stop calling their father daddy.
Our daddy’s will always be daddy
Any man can be a father, it takes somebody special to be a "Daddy". My dad passed away 29 years ago this past Sunday. He is still Daddy to me.
My dad told me there is only 1 father.
Jeff what else would you call your Daddy. Oh no!!! Please don't say DAD.
@@waynechapman9056 🙏
Nice job building the Daytona .
0:40 after Ralph's Earnhardt
Best interview on dirty mo!
I wish Dale Jr would interview Bert Myers. Bowman Gray baby!!!
More...more...more
Love
When Dale Sr. started racing it was the very beginning of dirt late model racing. Alot of people don't understand that his roots are dirt late models. All he basically raced on was dirt before he was a full time NASCAR driver. Very little pavement racing before that.
You worded that incorrectly, Dale did not hang the moon he just told where to be and it went there
AUUUGGG! so frustrating. in the Dale Earnhardt book "Determined" Dale states Ralph told him "the moneys on pavement"
Good ole smokey pulled through
I'm sure Junior doesn't do it on purpose, but if I was a guest on his podcast, I'd feel like I should of brought my lawyer along! 😳? LOL, Dale would have made a great police interrogator! 😂
Ol' Smokey.
I think I'd have gotten mad after that comment about my engine not having any power. It sure has a lot more power than your two feet you'd have been peddling with if I hadn't let you borrow it to finish second!
Us ol southern boys call it a truck not a pick up.
Dale I think you got it mixed up buddy I don't think the fans of Dale Earnhardt worshiped the ground he walked on but the aberration that you had for that guy if you were a fan and I don't think we thought he hung the Moon but he was a man's man I know you thought he might have been mean to you my son thinks I was mean to him but in a world where mothers were getting divorced from their dads we didn't see our dad's maybe every other weekend he was the man that you looked up to because he was a man my son talks about me like you talk about your dad how I was so mean to him and all and all we were doing was trying to teach you not to go down the pass we went but would you see that bed on TV and what he did with a race car and how 99% of his fellow racers respected him or hated him you had to admire that if you were somebody like me that didn't have a dad to be influenced we all look to him
Should've had Kelley and Kerry!
What was Tommy's last name
George Mantooth
lets settle the 'Dale Hung The Moon' mike. you wouldn't say that if he was alive. i happen to be a Dale Earnhardt fan 4life long after his death. i met Dale at a time he just became Intimidating as hell. during a period of time in my life i could careless than two shits about Nascar or who dale earnhardt was. i was a metal head, dressed that way. my girlfriend at the time took me too michigan speedway for the weekend her family had reserved tickets. so we pay to stand in line for her to get Dales autograph. came Wendy's turn..dale notices me and gives me a look...like dude you are at the wrong event, while signing his name not looking. i thought how bad ass is that. he said something like i was a little over dressed for the race in my leather jacket, and i said smart ass like, i wasn't there for him and could careless about a signatures. and he stared at me with this cold stare, like long hair you better get while the getting's good. because Dale intimidated the piss out of me, is why i choose to follow dale and be a supportive fan of his. some fans jumped on dales side when he's winning. im not that fan..im a fan4 life or not at all.
That's the stories of the good ole days of NASCAR!! Not this bullshit put a kid in a car that don't even know what or how a car is built!! NASCAR has changed for the worse it's not racing anymore it's all a bunch of bullshit!!!
Tired ... Gonna rest a bit