Dale Earnhardt Jr., our latest interview subject for The Observer’s new “Sports Legends of the Carolinas” project, is a NASCAR hall of famer who has made his own indelible mark in the family business. Earnhardt — or simply “Dale Junior,” as his fans call him — is the son of legendary racer Dale Earnhardt Sr., who won seven NASCAR Cup titles before dying in a last-lap crash at the Daytona 500 in 2001.
Now 47 years old, Earnhardt Jr. is retired from full-time Cup racing but stays involved in the sport as a well-known TV broadcaster and team owner. He and I spoke at his race shop in Mooresville, and on Part 1 of our conversation, Earnhardt Jr. reflects on the most meaningful mementos he's collected from his family’s three generations of racing; the frightening freedom that came after his father’s sudden death; and why he believes he failed to fulfill his own potential as a driver.
Part 2 of our conversation is available exclusively for subscribers on Apple Podcasts.
Sports Legends of the Carolinas is hosted by Scott Fowler. It's produced by Jeff Siner and Kata Stevens. McClatchy's director of audio is Davin Coburn. For lots more on the show, visit https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sportslegends .
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