Dale Earnhardt Jr. is joined by country music star and fellow North Carolina native Luke Combs this week on the Dale Jr. Download. On the heels of releasing his latest album “Gettin’ Old” in 2023, Luke connects with Dale via video chat in the midst of a long-running stadium tour. The two chat about Luke growing up in Huntersville, N.C., and realize that they lived about 20 minutes apart for some time. Luke also talks about his family’s decision to move to Asheville, N.C., and attending Appalachian State University, where he changed majors a couple of times and found work as a bouncer at a local bar. It was during these years that Luke found inspiration to pick up a guitar his parents had given him in the seventh grade and learn to play, a decision that would put him on a trajectory to country music stardom.

Luke explains that his entry into live music and the recording industry was humble. After learning a handful of songs, he asked the owner of a local bar he frequented if he could perform, to which he easily obliged. He also found a local studio to record at and self-released his first couple of EPs, helping to build a grassroots following. When his single “Hurricane” found its way to the top of the country charts on iTunes, Luke brought in enough money to stay in pursuit of his music goals a little longer, and soon after, he made the move to Nashville. While there, participating in songwriting sessions with like-minded musicians, Luke began to take meetings with record labels, eventually finding a home with Sony. Through the strength of a string of successful records and No. 1 hit singles, Luke quickly rose from being an opening act to headlining one of the best-selling tours in country music history.  

Dale Earnhardt Jr. checks in remotely from the beach house after a rainy Memorial Day weekend for a new episode of Dirty Air. Mother Nature had other plans for the “Greatest Day in Motorsports.” As a result, there was a lot to debate and unpack:

During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners inquired about:

Carla Gebhart takes the Lionel Racing stage live at JRM Fan Day to discuss Dirty Mo Media's origin, evolution, and future. Mike Davis, Dirty Mo Media's founder and executive producer, comes out of retirement, and Dale Jr.'s long-time friend and spotter, TJ Majors, shares his perspective on the early days of the Dale Jr. Download.

When news breaks, we react. Dale Earnhardt Jr. recorded an emergency bonus episode of The Download to react to Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s record-breaking $75k fine for fighting Kyle Busch after the All-Star race at North Wilkesboro. Dale discusses whether or not the penalties levied on Stenhouse are fair, if Ricky should appeal the fine, and what this means going forward.

Plus, Dale compares this fight to other historic fights over the years and reacts to NASCAR's reasoning behind the biggest fine for a fight in the sport's history. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with Will Compton and Taylor Lewan of Barstool’s Bussin’ With The Boys. Dale and the boys kick things off with Will and Taylor’s early days cutting their teeth on the college football level. Since Dale never went to college, Compton and Lewan walk Dale through what the college experience looks like as a student-athlete. Taylor explains the chaos of the NFL combine and shares the roller coaster ride of NFL draft night. Will shares the origin story of the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast and the story behind finding the iconic bus. 

The group moves on to discuss the injuries Will and Taylor have encountered over their careers, including the injury that left Lewan heartbroken. Will shares the reason why he turned down the New York Jets late in his career and how he ended up playing alongside Taylor at the Tennessee Titans. The two share the hilarious story of the time they played each other on the football field, which is now known as “The Bussin’ Bowl.” Dale, Will, and Taylor finish the conversation by shootin’ the breeze and sharing the story of how they initially became friends.

It’s the longest DJD episode so far this year and for damn good reason. You won’t want to miss this one. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is back in the Bojangles Studio to chat about all things North Wilkesboro on this edition of Dirty Air. There were multiple grooves of racing and punches flying as the All-Stars of NASCAR graced the famed short track in Wilkes County, so obviously there was a lot to unpack:

During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding:

Tonight, the lights shine brightest on the hopeful candidates vying for your vote to secure their spot in the 2024 All-Star race at North Wilkesboro. Carson Hocevar, Zane Smith, Kaz Grala, and Noah Gragson each make their pitch to voters and weigh in on hot-button issues like short-track package reform, foreign interference in NASCAR by Shane Van Gisbergen, and their economic plans for how to distribute the $1 Million winnings from the race.

Join Kelley Earnhardt Miller in this episode of "Business of Motorsports" as she sits down with Jeff Dickerson, co-owner of Spire Motorsports. Jeff shares insights into his NASCAR journey, revealing how Spire's formation was partly accidental. Delving into the current charter landscape, Jeff discusses the increasing value of charters, the potential for permanent charters, and the implications of a spending cap for teams. Despite teams aligning on four key charter pillars, Jeff explores whether their priorities truly align. The conversation also tackles the challenges of adapting to new changes and the need for clear regulations in the sport.

Jeff shares valuable advice he's received, emphasizing the importance of listening and emotional management in the fast-paced world of NASCAR.

21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov

Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns from vacationing in London and Scotland for another edition of Dirty Air. Although he was overseas spending time with Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth and Casey Mears, it didn’t keep him from tuning into all the action at Darlington:

During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: 

21+ and present in NC. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Gambling problem? Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov.

So close, yet so far from victory. With Kansas providing the closest finish in the NASCAR Cup series history at 0.001 seconds, the DJD Reloaded crew decided to revisit iconic photo finishes throughout all eras of the sport. NASCAR historian Buz McKim calls in to look back at memorable finishes – plus tell us of a TIE on the record books – before he gets put to the test with photo-finish trivia. Plus, the driver of the No. 1 for JR Motorsports, Sam Mayer, stops by to share the emotions of the close win at Texas from earlier this season and how he deals with the heartbreak of being runner-up. Plus, we hear from the fans in our weekly Dale Call segment about their favorite photo finishes of all time. And lastly, we get a "surprise" visit from the only person who can give us insight into the crooked start-finish line.