Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reflects on His Worst Winning Car in NASCAR History

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reflects on His Worst Winning Car in NASCAR History

Dale Earnhardt Jr., the legendary former NASCAR driver, recently shared insights about his experiences with both the best and worst cars he raced throughout his illustrious career. Having retired from full-time racing after the 2017 season, Earnhardt Jr. offered a candid assessment during a recent episode of his podcast, “Dale Jr. Download – Ask Jr.” He revealed his thoughts on the least favorable car he ever drove that still managed to clinch a victory—the Car of Tomorrow (CoT).

In his reflection, Earnhardt Jr. didn’t hold back when discussing the CoT, which he described as an “awful race car.” Despite acknowledging that he didn’t harbor any animosity towards it, he candidly expressed his dissatisfaction with its performance. “The car drove terrible. I mean, I’m not a hater of the CoT, but I’m being honest—it drove awful,” he stated. He reminisced about the previous cars that were enjoyable to drive, contrasting them with the CoT, which he felt resembled a “shoebox” in design and handled poorly. This transition, he noted, was a challenging adjustment for drivers, as even those who found success in the CoT struggled to optimize its performance.

The introduction of the CoT was primarily aimed at enhancing safety in NASCAR following the tragic accident that claimed the life of Dale Earnhardt Sr. in 2001. While Earnhardt Jr. may have had his grievances about the car’s aesthetics and handling, he recognized its contribution to making racing safer, more affordable, and ultimately more competitive. The CoT was phased out after the 2012 season, marking a significant change in the sport’s landscape. He humorously recounted how even race winners, such as Kyle Busch at Bristol, expressed their dissatisfaction after victories, indicating a shared sentiment among drivers regarding the CoT’s performance.

In the same podcast episode, Earnhardt Jr. also reflected on one of his favorite cars that, despite its excellence, never achieved a win. He recounted his experience with the No. 8 car during a 2004 race at Martinsville. After a rough start, crashing on the first lap and damaging the car, he was initially apprehensive about the race’s outcome. However, an unexpected turn of events—a missing right front fender—helped him manage tire temperatures effectively, allowing him to drive faster than anticipated. He ended up finishing in the top five, demonstrating the car’s hidden potential despite the odds.

Additionally, Earnhardt Jr. reminisced about the days of racing without the strategic stages that have since become common in NASCAR. He appreciated the challenge of managing tires over extended runs of 100 to 180 laps, where drivers had to adapt their strategies and pacing. This nostalgia highlights the evolution of racing and how different eras have shaped the sport and its competitors.

Through these reflections, Dale Earnhardt Jr. provides a unique perspective on the highs and lows of NASCAR, showcasing not only the evolution of the cars but also the passion and resilience required in the world of racing. His candid storytelling invites fans to appreciate both the challenges and triumphs that define the sport.