2004 has always been my favorite season. It was so tough to watch things fall apart in '05, and then for that beautiful red Bud number 8 to disappear after '07, but it's great to hear these stories.

@davidrice3337

Жыл бұрын

it was the last season I was invested in - after I really lost interest - fast

@JackCoombs-iy8vz

3 ай бұрын

Was a huge Jr. fan, saw his win at Richmond from the skybox, also got to meet Richard Childress, great night as an almost 8 year old.

If you asked me today, Slugger is my all time favorite guest. He was very authentic and open IMO

Things would have been totally different at DEI if Big E had been there....💙

@vintvarner16

Жыл бұрын

Agreed, my favourite driver was and always will be Kyle Petty, what about Petty Enterprises if Adam wouldn't have died? Maybe Adam would have been a great driver or maybe he would not have been, we just don't know. But what we do know is 1 death forever tragically altered two teams forever

@pwdrkeg9509

Жыл бұрын

👍 DEI would be what Hendricks is

@jonathonpoloski917

Жыл бұрын

I'm just upset at how Teresa ended up with a company that was suppose to go to Jr..... How does that even happen?

@vintvarner16

Жыл бұрын

I do not like Teresa but she did have a point that Jr had to decide did he want to get serious or party. Jr would have ran dei into the ground and even Jr said he was immature. Now Jr is one of the best as he looked in himself and knew his racing he hsd to get serious, and then the best thing happened Steve Latate who challenged Jr became a threat

@bevnracin

Жыл бұрын

@@vintvarner16 You're So Wrong ! Jr had to grow up fast when his father died in that horrible wreck ! He and Kelley were more capable than " she" was ! DEI would have thrived and still been running if the B had sold it to Dale's children. He built it for them and she denied them access to everything , even their personal belongings. Then she turned around and sold out to Ganassi . Even he , and everyone else who worked there , said she was never around. She didn't know anything about running the race teams . She's THE ONE WHO RAN DEI INTO THE GROUND . I'm right and if you have listened to the people there you know it's true !

Junior, so proud of the lessons you’ve learned in life, there ain’t no instruction manual to go along.

@vintvarner16

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for being honest, Jr by his own admission was too immature and wild. I don't like Teresa but she did have a point about his partying lifestyle, in no way was he mature enough to take over DEI, now granted Kelley would have been there overseeing everything but we don't know if at the time Jr's ego would have destroyed him and Kelley's close relationship. As bad as it sounds those rough years between 2005 and first couple years at Hendrick I think really matured him into the man he is today.

@mistertheking

Жыл бұрын

@@vintvarner16 I wonder if Rick Hendrick and Steve Letarte helped Dale get himself together and become more mature. Dale didn't really turn himself around til 2011 when Steve Letarte jumped onboard as the #88 Crew Chief and I know Dale mentioned how Steve made Dale do a lot of things differently. Maybe that change of routine was part of what helped mold and mature him. It's right around that time where JRM really started to grow and expand, too. So a lot of factors I think were at play for Dale.

@vintvarner16

Жыл бұрын

​@@mistertheking I definitely believe Letarte was the reason, he has to be. But I also give Jr credit for finally listening and turning his career around, if he would not have listened I'm 100% sure he wouldn't be where he is at today, comfortable with himself, confident, family, married, successful race teams

@vintvarner16

Жыл бұрын

​@@mistertheking Letarte just made Jr accountable for his racing in that "hey, instead of telling us the car sucks, tell us how the car sucks, instead of throwing temper tantrums and storming off to go party how about you believe like a adult and stay here and practice the car and give us normal driver feedback

@ethanweeter2732

4 ай бұрын

@@misterthekingSteve also beloved in Dale more than any other crew chief besides Tony Eury Sr.

Too many factors resulted in DEI's downfall. But it all stemmed from that day in 2001. Everyone got into that deep of a depression because of how close they were to the founder of the team. And then, the witch made it 1000x worse, even furthered by the abuse both drivers went through by her, be it physical (in Jr's case) or psychological (in Waltrip's case). By 2005, it all came to a head. The Eurys fell out hard, Jr and Waltrip got into fights a couple of times (Phoenix was most apparent), Slugger got fired, and they were all lost. To this day, the long-term effects still linger

@MPerry-dg1me

Жыл бұрын

Honestly nobody outside that bubble will ever know exactly what went down

@DEIFAN

Жыл бұрын

@@MPerry-dg1me probably could be worse. It's only speculation

I grew up in a family of huge nascar fans. I'm going to the coke 600 in like 2 days with my mom for her 60th bday. I love this podcast, love the Earnhardt's, and love these insider conversations from back when! Keep it up dirty mo team!

@Aaron25thinfantry

Жыл бұрын

See ya there man! Let’s hope it doesn’t rain 🙏

it's still shocking for me to learn of all the issues/drama that happened at dei. I never knew it was like that. I was alot younger back then, so I guess I didn't pay close attention. I just remember the good years 04 & prior. I've don't remember seeing the big fight between Tony sr & dale Jr. still so many things that I'm learning. I do understand why, though, once dale sr died, they lost their leader. i guess its shocking to me how lack their leadership was. i assumed even before dale sr died, he made sure he hired great employers

I now know why Mike wears a hat most of the time. 🤣 Love ya Mike!

9:04 is a leadership lesson. How do I aspire to be a leader that projects confidence and commands the respect in such a way that stupidity leaves the room. These conversations are so real. Thank you.

@vintvarner16

Жыл бұрын

And make them believe you.... sometimes a great leader doesn't have the answer but sometimes if people think you know and you project confidence and belief, that can work. However on the other hand if it doesn't, you are seen as a untruthful leader and they lose trust in you

Such a sad time for NASCAR... And it's never recovered as far as I'm concerned

@snelgrove22

Жыл бұрын

Definitely has, they recovered about 2002 , it’s the fans that can’t let go of the past is the issue

@fearandloathingmedia2051

Жыл бұрын

​@Greg Snelgrove right you are. NASCAR has always been changing. The fans and drivers in 1960 complained about the 70 cars, 80s about the 90s etc. It's gone through several phases, and will continue to.

@rebelscumspeedshop

Жыл бұрын

​@@snelgrove22 can't let go of the past? How many times does someone have to change the recipe of something you loved before you have the right to say " this sucks, it's not even close to what I fell in love with". You fix things that are broken, you don't fix things that work fine

Seeing and hearing from Slugger was awesome. Now I have a request, I WOULD LOVE to see Y'all interview DAVID REUTIMANN!!!! Seemed like a cool guy, took a couple terrible hits in crashes then just disappeared

As a Grief Share leader, this is why I push and support grief share class for everyone who has suffered a loss. I am sorry to you all for your loss and the rough road you all have traveled. May God heal all your hearts. God bless.

@vintvarner16

Жыл бұрын

Obviously though guys like Jr and Michael didn't want it. Unless someone wants help like any addiction it won't help. It would have made a world of difference in that I agree with you. Seeing emotional help is not a weakness, in fact it shows how strong you are. I respect what you do

Junior is so honest

So cool for sharing this Dale. Got Brothers of the RCPT in Charlotte today. Go JRM!

I remember watching Blink of an Eye for the very first time and when the cameras were focusing on Michael I felt and sensed this incredible sadness and grief on the tone of his voice. Some were good and some were not so good and I feel so sorry for him every direction possible known to man that he did not share his win in the 2001 Daytona 500 with Dale Sr. and Dale Jr.

@corvairjim1

Жыл бұрын

What should have been the greatest day of Michael Waltrip's life became the worst. I cannot imagine the elation of winning his first ever Cup Series race after well over 500 races, the Daytona 500 no less, only to hear that his best friend and mentor had died mere seconds before he crossed the finish line. I remember seeing him on television in Victory Lane looking all around to see Dale come to congratulate him with one of his famous bear hugs only to learn of the accident. I have never, before or since, seen a person go from elation to grief so quickly. I know what loss can feel like, at least for myself, having lost both of my parents within the past 4 years, but they were well up in age so it wasn't unexpected. Having someone as important in your life as close as Dale was to Michael snatched away so suddenly must have come to him like a psychological sucker punch to the gut that has left its permanent scar. I feel every bit as much sadness over Dale's death for Michael Waltrip as I do for Dale's kids.

@vintvarner16

Жыл бұрын

And unfortunately Michael's persons as the class clown, goofy, happy, etc really hid the truth from public

These conversations are so great. Thanks to everyone, especially Jr. xCop

omg i love this. no other way to do things than to keep it 100. Slugger, man, been in your shoes regularly -- especially being a smart woman who wont dumb or back down a bit. not only do i know it well, but that hole in the pit of your stomach you can drive a planet thru never really gets gone even though we keep it movn behind someone else getn their knickers in a twist. thnx guys. always a great show. and Slugger, talk to Mikie...he's never really grieved & that shows, but he'll love u for taking the time to spend time with him.

Great podcast lads. It's a shame that the full video format is restricted to peacock.

I bet Jr. knows why he was kicked out the door. Jr. got real quite during that part of the conversation. Then saying “ he didn’t know how much influence he had in that decision “. This is some juicy stuff ! Kinda awkward.

@raymondcarroll3876

Жыл бұрын

I thought and saw the same exact thing as you. Glad to know I wasn’t the only one. Thanks

@GenoSalvati

Жыл бұрын

Maybe he truly doesn't remember or at least doesn't remember the full context... Partying all night can do that. It's not easy to face your shame about bad decisions and keep working to uncover the objective truth - and without trashing anyone personally. After 30 years, I'm becoming a fan on this basis. The work is excellent.

Imagine how the questions from that day when Slugger was your crew chief for 12 hours still haunt him... This is really good work, sir. Thank you. Your interviewing style is fearless, even when the topic involves things that you could have done better. For your next appointment, Dr. Earnhardt, I suggest: Michael Waltrip from Murfreesboro, TN. His name has come up quite a bit lately on your podcast, and I would like to know more about how 2004-5 looked from his point of view - and yours.

@NigelMK

Жыл бұрын

Mike's already been on the show. Look it up

@GenoSalvati

Жыл бұрын

@@NigelMK Good point, but now the interviewer has a bit more material.

I cried during that movie too

I feel like there is WAY, WAY, WAY, did I say, WAY, more to this entire story that has never been laid out to the Tried and True NASCAR fans that lived through that entire era… I think millions of people across this country, in a way, deserve to hear all the inner workings of what EXACTLY all happened at DEI that made out fail. I believe Sr getting killed came at the worst possible time and ultimately was the reason that it “died” with him essentially… He was the leader of course. But, I got one, would love to know more. And after this interview, I feel like no one really knows exactly what happened. Which is really sad! You all worked together! You did amazing things! Work it out now for the better of all! Not to develop DEI of course… But damn. It was an empire in the making.

Looking at Racing Reference, it appears the Charlotte race that Slugger was talking about was the fall race in 2004.

@jasonmoyer

Жыл бұрын

It definitely wasn't the 2005 spring race where Jr wrecked Michael, Slugger was crew chief for Mayfield that year.

Slugger really saved both Paul Menard and Austin Dillons career. 2011 for Menard and 2016 for Austin.

DEI would make nascar interesting again.

LOVE DEI STORIES

All I know is at least your dad passed doing what he loved KNOWING y'all were ($)ecured financially. That's a damn good father and just honorable person, no matter the mistakes he may or may not have made. IMHO always be proud of him for those two things, Jr Much Respect Ej

@borismcfinnigan3430

Жыл бұрын

You are way off.

@vintvarner16

Жыл бұрын

I agree but yet disagree. The only bad I have is Dr as a father. Let's face it up to the Busch series St was not a great father. Even Jr as a kid didn't match up to his father emotionally, Jr was and still is sensitive and in touch with his feelings. Sr kind of ignored that and because Jr didn't fish/hunt/100% into racing as a kid, Sr thought he wasn't focused. At the end father and son were closer and you knew that Sr was proud and loved his kids,he could have shown it more, I mean Kerry was ignored

@vintvarner16

Жыл бұрын

But Jr although he loved and worshipped his dad does things that are more open, shows love, is there for family, isn't emotionally distant. Everything his father wasn't Jr is.

@jeffmentzer9186

Жыл бұрын

​@@vintvarner16 Very valid and in depth thoughts. You are 100 percent correct in your opinion!!! Peace buddy!!

Impressive how Dale Jr. moderates this discussion with his verbal restraint, allowing Slugger Labbe and Mike Davis have their say, when one considers the role Dale Jr. had in DEI. Other people I'm familiar with, if placed in the same position Dale Jr. was in this video, would have been very talkative; possibly taking over the discussion.

The saddest thing is that DEI could have made it and been the biggest team in NASCAR without Dale. His death wasn’t what killed it. The lack of leadership and character of the key people in charge after Dale died is what killed it.

@buttslappingpirate

Жыл бұрын

Oddly enough, a large number of businesses collapse in a similar manner after the head of the company is gone, especially if the head of the company was a publicly strong figure. The head of the company passes away, the kids aren't anywhere near as emotionally invested as mom or dad was (Jr. making business decisions while partying?), and it all usually goes belly-up within a generation or two. What's startling here is that it was gone in slightly more than half a decade, with everyone and everything scattering to the wind...and everyone still here wondering what the hell happened.

That’s some real talk

In 2000 my mother left my abusive father moved states away, I still loved my father even after all i saw and endured. I would watch nascar and Dale Earnhardt in felt as if we were still connected in a way. Then dale passed, I felt like I lost my father twice, my brothers and sister made fun of me at the hint I even felt bad that my hero died. I still to this day no one knows how much Dale Earnhardt meant to me. They know I liked him, that's all. So I was mourning two losses and not able to grieve for an instance. Which I still feel the looses to this day. If I could go back and have one of them back I'd chose dale.

Your volume is to low raise it up

2001 Daytona wasn't just the fanbase turned upside-down. But every single person at DEI. The day racing died.. for many of us. Godspeed Dale Sr.

Damn what a cool name. Also love the Indy milk bottle. Since Dale has it, is that something you can buy now? Or is it something people can get at the track

I think this is great lesson for leaders. You routinely see in business. Dale made everyone way too dependent on him. I wouldn’t say micromanaging but it’s the same outcome. Like being on the roof top when the helicopter was bringing the A/C units in. - micromanaging or making people dependent is all fine and dandy but heaven forbid something happens to that person or leader; NOBODY will be able to function without that person! My mentor always explained it as “Ripping the hard drive out of a computer”. But my experience it’s not a natural thing, it has to learned threw failure usually. Hence why most people don’t have success until 2-3 businesses later.

I really dont recall a 2nd Dale/Michael wreck at Charlotte. I of course remember the infamous incident but not a 2nd incident. Interesting

I know exactly how Slubber feels at a much lower level…my last job I was humming along doing my job, doing more than was required and one day late in the shift while picking orders, was told go to the office and was let go for “we decided to go a different direction”. So no reason why and it’s worse than being told you sucked

JuneBug you can't leave us hanging, i sure hope clarification comes oom

Working at ure dads shop reminds me of working at Cj Rayburn’s shop. Never knew what u motte be doing.

Seems like Dale Jr was the impetus of your dismissal

@buttslappingpirate

Жыл бұрын

"Whoops! Sorry! My bad!"

I lost my dad but to grieve and have that pressure is tough. I can’t blame him for being a little bit wild

Why are they bleeping Dale but not Slugger?

The DEI stories ive heard -Ty Norris to Tony Jr to Slugger- it sounds like a terrible place that treated people terribly.

Well that’s crazy! But it just shows that those men are just human beings!

Things would have worked out if Dale Srs wishes were honored by his wife period. He built this legacy for one reason, his children, all of his children. Kerry, Kelly, Dale Jr, and Taylor. Then any grandchildren that came along. This was for ALL of them. Sadly, not one of his children are involved, heck, there is no DEI. These kids arent even allowed to use their dang names! Jr couldnt use his own number! Ive been to DEI numerous times, ive met Dale Sr numerous times. I find all of this unbelievably sad. One bright thing is, IMO, DEI, racing, isnt Srs legacy. Those accomplished, amazing kids of his are.

Dale Sr would tell Dale Jr no. He was not a whiny yes man.

Dale jr thats what did it

I think Mike Davis is right (shock horror!), i'm pretty sure Slugger was getting his years wrong though. I'm literally in the process of re-watching the 2005 season and Labbe wasn't even at DEI in 05, he was crew chief for Jeremy Mayfield at Evernham. Michael and Junior got together at the Coke 600 in 2005 by which time Labbe was gone. I haven't watched the 2004 season, did Junior and Michael get together at Charlotte that year too?

@BurnNotice2023

Жыл бұрын

I know Jr got spun out by Carl Edwards at Atlanta in 2004 that ended his championship chances, seems like there was another wreck in the Chase.

slugger and jr woul d have been something to see. cant help but think the end of dei might have gone alot better. He may have been at gibbs with slugger lol

Bring Back DEI.

Jr partied a bit … say whaaaaaat!

Steve Hmeil said on the Dale Jr Dwnload he fired Slugger because when he told him he was gonna be Dale jrs crew chief he told Steve he was gonna take a break before he got started working with Jr and Steve didn't like that.Obviously he didnt like Slugger or didnt think he was dedicated enough.

Slugger on the 8 team might have turned things around at DEI.........damn

Sounds like the Eury's pitched a fit and demanded Slugger had to go.

@bradsanders407

Жыл бұрын

Jr said it loud and clear if you can read between the lines. "I don't know how much I influenced that" "they gave me too much control" then with the comment about him coming over at 6 in the morning and jr was still up partying probably rubbed jr the wrong way.

@buckshotjones666

Жыл бұрын

@@bradsanders407 If Jr was up all night into a 14 hour party, that means Jr was up all night snorting cocaine. And it never entered into Slugger's mind that Jr was up all night snorting bugger sugar. So JR shot his mouth off and everyone just assumed Slugger did something wrong and fired him without cause. This podcast will be memory holed very soon.

@bevnracin

Жыл бұрын

That's an awful thing to acuse Jr of ! You don't have any proof and nobody else has ever even hinted at drug use 😡 You better watch your mouth! Jr drank lots of beer and partied but I'm sure he didn't use that stuff !

As much as I'd love to see a round table with all involved, probably best to let bygones be bygones.

@postergmail6202

Ай бұрын

I dunno. We live in a world where no ones accountable. I think accountability is good and makes people think BEFORE they take action.

Turmoil

As more time passes I feel worse and worse for Theresa. I've held her in contempt and blamed her many many times, and of course she is responsible because she was #1 decision maker, but what was thrust upon her was very unfair and tragic. Listening to Jr own up to being so irresponsible here, how can I be mad that he wasn't given controlling stake of DEI? He admits to being a very irresponsible person at that time. Not judging, been there myself. I just cannot continue being mad at Theresa for not being able to control the situation.. too many uncontrollables. Fwiw she never has to tell her side so far as I'm concerned, I do just hope that all can forgive each other and show more grace, fans included.

Has Micheal been on the show? He should be. He was my guy in the early 2000s.

@richardstephens5570

Жыл бұрын

He was on the show 3 years ago.

if it wasn't for dale snr and dale jnr protecting Michaels ass to give him the win dale would still be with us

The crew chief swap should have never happened but if it did how the hell do you let Slugger go? For Pete Rondo? For all we know, Jr and Michael could have been better off with Slugger and the Eury's. But at least let us see how it would have worked out.

It was already dead after dale died. It was destined to fail after that since jr. Couldn't take control of it.

@S.K.R.E.Inc.

Жыл бұрын

Blame the witch

And every single DEI fan said wtf

Yeah I always thought Michael was having trouble concentrating on his driving after we lost Sr and then the problems between Jr, Kelly, and Theresa that had to have been pretty distracting and the thing between Slugger, Tony Eury Sr and Theresa and her assistant was even more troublesome on top of Theresa's threats to sell DEI as soon as she could for as little as a few dollars more than what her accountants said DEI was worth onthe open market didn't make anyone top to bottom on the race teams feel like their jobs were secure enough to tell Theresa that any thing was wrong with the way she was running DEI and people outside the organization could see Theresa's greetingsgreediness and wanting complete control of things which got her the nick name of Theresa the terrible 😊😅😮😂❤😊❤😂😊

Please bring cleetus mcfarland on

The guy who fired him came on jr’s show and admitted he fired him because he went in vacation. Absolutely ridiculous. All respect due, DEI was manned by such self obsessed assholes.

that guys had alot of jobs...................about 30

Labbe is wrong. Eury was Waltrip's Crew chief at that race in Charlotte. Rondeau became Waltrip's Crew Chief during the 2004 season and swapped to Dale Jr in the 2005 season. Jr and Waltrip never wrecked on track when Labbe Crew Chiefed for Waltrip. Labbe was at Evernham in the 2005 season. Wonder why he got that all confused. He was demoted after the 2nd 2004 Charlotte race where Junior finished 3rd. Junior and Waltrip didn't wreck that race. Waltrip got loose on his own with 16 to go in 11th place and smacked the wall. Labbe is just confused.

@kristenangier9673

Жыл бұрын

Slugger got Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in '05 while working for Jeremy Mayfield, and said that messed up his brain a tiny bit as far as remembering things.

So sad what you all did too dei I'm sure Dale Sr is rolling over in his grave

@rdththth

Жыл бұрын

...and bumping the rev limiter.

Any chance we will ever see Teresa Earnhardt on this podcast? Get her and all the DEI guys at the table to talk about what happened.

@sergeantmasson3669

Жыл бұрын

K B ADVENTURES, no damn way will that ever happen. She's burned too many bridges with the entire Earnhardt family because of her greed. Dale Jr, Kelley, and Kerry can't even go to their dad's grave or set foot on their dad's property. There are items, at that property, that belong to them, but greedy witch Teresa won't allow them to get the items. DEI also no longer exists because of her. She arranged for DEI to merge with CGR and she botched that too. She wanted all the glory, and the money, but didn't bother to do her responsibilities that needed to be involved. Her net worth dropped by $20 million in 5 years. Meanwhile, Dale Jr is now worth $300+ million. Teresa has nobody to blame but herself. She's a victim of her own stupidity.

I’m bout tired of Mike thinking he got the story right and the guest has to be like ummm no

@alanhill5513

Жыл бұрын

Except he is not wrong so take a nap maybe

Simple The Witch Of The South killed the team

Between this interview and Ty Norris, this is Junior's way of taking pot shots at Theresa.

DEI after the passing of Dale Earnhardt Sr stopped being a competitive racing team.

@bradsanders407

Жыл бұрын

What a stupid comment

Isn’t Waldrop gay?

I lost all interest in NASCAR when DEI and Dale Jr. parted ways. I continued to watch it for a while becaues I was a fan but watching Jimmy Johnson win every damn championship, I just gave up on the sport and still don't watch it to this day.

@robertormond2629

Жыл бұрын

Same here. I started losing interest around 06-07. I stuck my head in the door a few times since, but nothing to see.

Teresa destroyed everything Dale Sr. built.

DEI fell apart because of greedy witch Teresa.

Wish Mike would be quiet and let Dale and Slugger have a conversation. He adds zero value.

@Timberns

Жыл бұрын

Mike’s been around a long time and he knows things and remembers things that Jr. and others forget or never knew

You guys briefly touched on the reason Labbe was let go prematurely - the conflicts and power struggles between Steve Hmiel, Ty Norris and Ritchie Gilmore. My thoughts are that Steve Hmiel imagined himself as THE vital decision maker within the organization, and unfortunately made the poor decision for DEI to part ways with Slugger. The “vacation” comment from Steve Hmiel’s interview on the podcast a few months ago loomed larger than anyone knew at the time. Dollars to donuts that’s why Slugger was forced out.

@bradsanders407

Жыл бұрын

Yeah but you heard jr say "I don't know how much I influenced that decision and they let me have too much control". That right there says it all.

@darthrevan611

Жыл бұрын

@@bradsanders407 Jr kind of had a deer in the headlights look to him for most of this vid, and he didn't chime in a whole lot like he normally does.

@BurnNotice2023

Жыл бұрын

@@bradsanders407 So what happened at 630 in the morning at the party with Slugger? They left us hanging

To fckn bad Junior didnt catch the wall like dad. DW scammed his way into hell after he killed DE. You cant not see the take over after DE smashed out. GREED,GREED,GREED.