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The Dale Jr. Download is one of the best podcasts for NASCAR fans. Whether it be the opinions of 15-time Most Popular Driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., or the guest segments featuring some of the biggest names in the history of the sport. For those looking for the best episodes of the Download, here are the top 5.
There may be some personal bias here as someone who does broadcasting, but, this episode is a treasure trove of insight from one of NASCAR’s most recognizable voices. Mike Joy is on the same level as iconic commentators like Bob Jenkins, Ken Squier, and Barney Hall, and Joy has a wealth of knowledge about the sport. He gives incredible insight into how to broadcast a race, including some of the tough moments.
The beginning of the episode was pretty funny as well, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Mike Davis debating about Denny Hamlin and Ross Chastain at Pocono in 2022. Regardless of context, the segment is hilarious to listen to, and it saw some of the funniest moments in the history of the podcast.
This is part 2 of an interview with Larry McReynolds, and, while part 1 is great as well, this episode gives fans amazing detail about one of NASCAR’s most iconic moments. McReynolds was the crew chief for Dale Earnhardt during the 1998 Daytona 500, and Larry Mac goes into every aspect of the weekend.
McReynolds talks about the development of the car itself the year prior and the entirety of Speedweeks. This includes Earnhardt getting sick after the Duel races and debate over changing an engine prior to the race. This tells one of NASCAR’s greatest stories from a new angle.
A recent episode of the Download, but, an incredible one as well. This tells the story of Marlin Yoder, an employee of Hendrick Performance, who worked on Kyle Larson’s No. 5 car during the 2021 Championship season. Yoder has an incredible story about leaving his Amish upbringing to eventually work in NASCAR.
Not only does this give insight into Yoder’s story, but, also into his upbringing as well. What was it like growing up Amish, and what type of contact does he have with his family now? An intriguing story that Earnhardt Jr. makes certain to pry at all angles.
The suspension of Jeremy Mayfield was one of the most controversial stories in NASCAR in 2009. In this two-part episode, Earnhardt Jr. gives Mayfield the platform to tell his story. From his early days in the sport to the suspension and what’s going on now.
What makes this episode great is Earnhardt Jr., while offering his own perspective outside of the interview, lets Mayfield tell his story. There’s no pressure to fit into a narrative, it’s just offering Mayfield a platform. From there, the audience can make their own conclusions.
Brian France is one of the most controversial figures in NASCAR history, and many people attribute his decisions to the fall of NASCAR’s popularity throughout the late 2000s and 2010s. Earnhardt Jr. lets France tell all about those controversial decisions. What was his logic behind “The Playoffs” and the “Car of Tomorrow”?
While France admits mistakes in some areas, he doubles down on others. Dale Jr. doesn’t try to sway one narrative or another, letting the audience decide what to think about France’s perspective.
The Dale Jr. Download is one of the best NASCAR podcasts out there, and these episodes are all largely evergreen. They are just as interesting now as when they came out.
