Dale Earnhardt Jr. welcomes longtime NASCAR commentator and his former NBC co-worker Rick Allen to the Download this week. The two discuss Rick’s upbringing, time together in the booth, and Allen’s departure from NBC following the 2024 season. After growing up as a track and field collegiate star in Nebraska and competing on a professional level internationally, Rick first found his way into a commentator’s booth through boredom. Rick explains that during track and field events at the University of Nebraska, he began picking up the microphone and saying traditional phrases such as “quiet for the start please” and “the event is about to begin”. He found that he enjoyed the experience and asked for more opportunities, which began with a women’s gymnastics meet. When the hired commentator for the university’s football team didn’t show up, Rick was in the right place at the right time and became the voice of the Cornhuskers for ten years. Rick’s journey into auto racing came thanks to a University of Nebraska alumni and donor, who purchased nearby Eagle Raceway. Despite having no experience in racing, he invited Rick to call the races through the summer. While there, Rick caught the ear of longtime NASCAR official Tom Deery who recommended he send a demo tape in to FOX and NBC, who were getting ready to take over NASCAR’s broadcasting duties. After a rocky start, Rick became the voice of the NASCAR Truck Series and went on to become synonymous with the sport until leaving NBC at the end of the 2024 season. The interview covers Rick’s rise to becoming the voice of the Cup Series, working with Dale Jr. in the booth, some of his iconic moments behind the mic, and what he’s up to this year. THE PODCASTS YOU LOVE. THE MERCH YOU NEED. Get it all here: https://shop.dirtymomedia.com/ 02:57 -Rick Allen's Journey from Broadcasting to Woodworking 06:04 _ From Athlete to Announcer: The Early Years 08:59 - The Transition to NASCAR: A New Beginning 12:02 - Building Relationships in the Racing Community 14:51 - Memorable Moments in the Truck Series 17:59 - The Evolution of Broadcasting in NASCAR 21:01 - Handling High-Pressure Situations on Air 24:05 - The Importance of Storytelling in Racing 26:58 - Reflections on a Career in Broadcasting 42:09 - Race Endings and Fan Reactions 44:58 - The Transition to the Booth 48:51 - Learning the Ropes of Broadcasting 52:22 - Understanding the Broadcast Dynamics 57:31 - Behind the Scenes of Race Calls 01:01:12 - Memorable Moments in the Booth 01:10:16 - Proud Moments in Broadcasting 01:15:11 - Navigating Career Changes in Broadcasting 01:22:43 - The Future of Broadcasting Opportunities 01:28:59 - Investing in a Golf Course Follow Dirty Mo Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirtyMoMedia Twitter: https://twitter.com/DirtyMoMedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtymomedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dirtymomedia_ All About Dirty Mo Media: https://www.dirtymomedia.com

Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns to the studio after Easter weekend for a new episode of Dirty Air. He is joined by co-host TJ Majors to recap their holidays and the exciting return to Rockingham: • Dale and Cleetus McFarland’s Talladega adventure • The Return of the Rock • Would Cup be good at Rockingham? • Jesse Love’s disqualification • The Xfinity race ending was rough • Sammy Smith has risen to the occasion • Championship back to Homestead • NASCAR Hall of Fame nominees During the Ask Jr. segment of the episode, listeners sent in questions regarding: • Wreck retaliation • The upcoming NFL draft • Cars that Dale regrets getting rid of • What translates best from sim racing to actual racing? Chapters 02:29 Easter with Family 04:30 Exploring Talladega's History and Cletus McFarland 08:00 Bobby Isaac's Story and Racing Legends 10:11 Cleetus's Racing Experience 11:55 Cleetus brings Dale a Gift... 20:05 Exciting Developments in the Cars Tour 23:40 Rockingham 28:58 The Next Gen Car: Prospects at Rockingham 32:58 Jesse Love's Disqualification 40:25 Reflections on Race, Strategy, and Performance 49:32 Avoidable Incidents in Racing 56:44 Sammy's Growth and Pressure 01:01:41 The Importance of Experience in Racing 01:05:07 Championship Race Changes 01:10:12 Hall of Fame Nominees Discussion 01:21:46 Ask Jr. 01:30:01 Car Theft Stories a 01:34:05 The Importance of Standalone Events in Racing 01:35:57 Sim Racing 01:51:59 Dirty Mo Dough THE PODCASTS YOU LOVE. THE MERCH YOU NEED. Get it all here: https://shop.dirtymomedia.com/ Follow Dirty Mo Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirtyMoMedia Twitter: https://twitter.com/DirtyMoMedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtymomedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dirtymomedia_ All About Dirty Mo Media: https://www.dirtymomedia.com Must be 21+ and present in select states (for Kansas, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino) or 18+ and present in D.C. First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat in Connecticut, or visit mdgamblinghelp.org in Maryland. Hope is here. Visit GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support in Massachusetts or call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY in New York.

On this episode of The Dale Jr. Download, singer-songwriter Edwin McCain joins Dale Jr. for an inspiring, in-depth conversation about overcoming adversity, finding purpose, and the long road back to the stage. From being adopted and growing up with dyslexia to navigating complicated family dynamics, Edwin shares how music became a lifeline early in life. He reflects on the highs and lows of his career — breaking through during the 1990s alongside bands like Hootie & the Blowfish and Dave Matthews Band, the success of his hit song “I’ll Be,” and the pressure that followed. Edwin opens up about his battle with addiction, the reality of rehab, and the role mindfulness, real friendship, and intentional living played in his recovery journey. This heartfelt interview also explores his return to music after a 15-year hiatus, public perception, and the challenges of starting over. Dale and Edwin dig into parenting in today’s world, the behind-the-scenes grind of TV production, and what it really means to give your all for your family. It’s a raw, emotional, and deeply human episode — full of storytelling, life lessons, and personal redemption. Whether you're a fan of music, mental health awareness, or just a good comeback story, this inspirational interview is one you won’t forget. THE PODCASTS YOU LOVE. THE MERCH YOU NEED. Get it all here: https://shop.dirtymomedia.com/ For more on American Financing, call 866-877-2322 or visit https://americanfinancing.net/dale. Disclaimer: NMLS 182334, www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org Follow Dirty Mo Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirtyMoMedia Twitter: https://twitter.com/DirtyMoMedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtymomedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dirtymomedia_ All About Dirty Mo Media: https://www.dirtymomedia.com

Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns to the studio after the weekend at Bristol for a new episode of Dirty Air. With most of the industry discussing how to fix the NextGen car’s short track problems, Dale Jr. weighs in with his takes: CARS Tour and Dale head to Cordele Kyle Larson puts an Xfinity Series target on his back A weekend of Larson dominance What can we do to fix the NextGen car’s aero problems A total lack of passing and action Promoters won’t stand for this much longer Grading the Cup field so far in the season During the Ask Jr. portion of the episode, Dale Jr. took questions regarding: Traveling in Canada Rafting adventures Chapters: 02:59 - Racing Experience at the Cars Tour 09:05 - Major Announcements in Late Model Racing 11:51 - Performance of JR Motorsports in Xfinity Series 15:07 - Kyle Larson's Dominance and Controversial Comments 17:55 - Short Track Racing Dynamics and Challenges 37:57 - Diverse Reactions to Recent Races 47:04 - Driver Performance Analysis: Over and Under Achievers 01:07:18 - Insights from Kyle Larson: Racing Dynamics and Competition 01:17:34 - Ask Jr Presented by Xfinity Mobile 01:40:19 -The Ketchup Packet Incident 01:47:57 - Dirty Mo Dough THE PODCASTS YOU LOVE. THE MERCH YOU NEED. Get it all here: https://shop.dirtymomedia.com/ Follow Dirty Mo Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirtyMoMedia Twitter: https://twitter.com/DirtyMoMedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtymomedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dirtymomedia_ All About Dirty Mo Media: https://www.dirtymomedia.com Must be 21+ and present in select states (for Kansas, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino) or 18+ and present in D.C. First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat in Connecticut, or visit mdgamblinghelp.org in Maryland. Hope is here. Visit GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support in Massachusetts or call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY in New York.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. welcomes Kyle Larson and Tony Kanaan to the studio to learn more about Kyle’s return to the Indianapolis 500 as part of the historic Memorial Day double. After a rain delay disrupted the true double attempt in 2024, Kyle is anxious to get back behind the wheel at Indy for another attempt at the incredible feat. Dale asks Kyle and Tony about the process of getting Kyle behind the wheel of an IndyCar and what his first test sessions felt like. They also discuss the comparisons between an IndyCar Dallara and a NextGen Cup car. Kyle and Tony talk about their history together, dating back to winning the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2015, and how that helped streamline their learning process and working relationship at Arrow McLaren. The guys chat about the magnitude of the 500 and the environment at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the month of May, and how it doesn’t compare to anything else in motorsports. Tony explains how he takes information from engineers and streamlines it for Kyle to better understand behind the wheel. The interview also covers the process of timing a pass at IMS, Kyle’s 2024 pit penalty, plan B for 2025 and what’s next on Kyle’s racing bucket list. Chapters: 06:03 The Experience of Testing and Learning 09:11 Tony Kanaan's Role as a Mentor 12:11 Understanding the IndyCar Culture 14:46 The Month of May: Commitment and Preparation 18:02 Navigating Challenges During Practice 21:12 Adjusting to New Tools and Techniques 24:04 Race Day Experience and Strategy 28:57 Timing the Runs: Strategies for Overtaking 31:35 The Dynamics of Racing: Inside vs. Outside Lines 33:21 Understanding Racing Etiquette Across Disciplines 36:17 Comfort and Adjustments in Different Cockpits 38:46 Chasing Track Temperature: The Impact on Performance 40:25 Risk Management: Balancing Safety and Aggression 42:12 Handling Traffic: The Importance of Race Craft 44:09 Moments of Near Miss: Observing Fellow Drivers 49:13 Navigating Pit Road: The Art of Pit Stops 53:52 Tire Management: Transitioning from Old to New 54:41 Weather Considerations: Planning for Race Day 56:12 Weather Forecast and Race Day Preparations 57:22 Qualifying Decisions and Race Strategy 58:28 Driver Changes and Race Regulations 59:20 Future Racing Plans and Commitments 01:00:50 Retirement Reflections and New Opportunities 01:02:30 Exploring New Racing Experiences 01:04:57 Innovations in Dirt Racing and Fan Engagement 01:06:45 The Impact of Sim Racing on Real Racing 01:12:10 Personality and Dynamics in Online Racing 01:14:30 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations THE PODCASTS YOU LOVE. THE MERCH YOU NEED. Get it all here: https://shop.dirtymomedia.com/ Follow Dirty Mo Media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DirtyMoMedia Twitter: https://twitter.com/DirtyMoMedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dirtymomedia TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dirtymomedia_ All About Dirty Mo Media: https://www.dirtymomedia.com