Dale Earnhardt Jr. kicks off the 2024 Download season with a bang by inviting his longtime friend and legendary ESPN Sports broadcaster Marty Smith to the Bojangles Studio. While the two have known each other since 1998, Dale had much to learn about Marty’s background and his rise to becoming one of the prominent figures in sports media today. Marty recounts his journey from interning for sports papers in college to becoming a full-time writer for NASCAR, a path that opened up after his pursuit of playing college baseball came to a halt. 

As Dale continues into his post-racing life in the commentator’s booth, he wants to pick Marty’s brain about the art of juggling a hectic work-traveling schedule and his family life. Marty was very candid about the struggles his family faced as his work in racing kept him away from home for weeks on end, leaving his wife to raise their three children alone. Thanks to his renowned work ethic and personality, Marty has found his way into the homes of millions on ESPN College GameDay and the Marty & McGee Show.