When Dale Jr.'s Bud 8 Team Was at its Lowest Point | The Dale Jr. Download 

We are so fortunate that Jr is such a history buff and shares these podcasts with us… He could have just wandered off into obscurity like so many others have done Thank you Jr.

Steve Hmiel is by far the smartest Crew Chief I have ever been around. Nobody thinks faster on their feet and makes instant decisions faster than Steve except me after I stole his style. He helped my career way more than he will ever know.

The honesty coming through on these interviews is brutal. That’s the way it should be. Tell it like it is and let the chips fall where they may.

The more stories that come out about DEI the darker it gets. It’s really sad, Dale Worked Very hard to build such a great place and once he died it just rapidly declined like Ty Norris said

Don’t you just love listening to two humble people brag on each other and still are humble enough to not take credit for something so big. This is the very definition of love and respect.

If we all could be so honest about our mistakes, fears and failures. Dale pulls the curtain back and exposes his insecurities, vulnerabilities, frustration and uncertainty. You handled a terrible situation better than 99% of us would have. Your dad would be proud.

Steve Hmiel was brilliant and one of the greatest crew chiefs of all time. Mark Martin wouldn't have won all those races without him. Great Job Jr!

His humility and reflection is an ultimate reason why this young man is so revered

Wow I feel so sorry for Steve Hmeil having to deal with that mess Terresa made of Dale Srs dream. Just a sad sad time in history at DEI. I didn't realise all that was going on but I knew nothing was right after Dale passed away and the poor kids Dale Jr ,Kelly & Kerry had to feel so lost not knowing where there future was headed with that witch in charge of everything. I can not to this day believe she didn't do what Dale Sr wanted for the kids to get and keep DEI running and we all know they wanted to do in there daddy's name to carry on his legend. But Dale Sr legend will never die anyways.That witch has no control over all the memories qe all ha e of him his dad and his kids and what the man built. I met Dale Sr a few times and I will never forget how gracious and kind he was with my dad and I. And with me all alone at the busch shop at DEI he and little Taylor came over to the gate and talked to me for a few minutes and I was on top of the world.i could not believe I caught Dale Sr at a time when it was just me him and little Taylor and we talked about the Winston the night before and he had gotten crashed out of the race and I said I was there and hated seeing that and lost that car.He Said it was a good car but are you coming to the 600 I sure am in turn 1 down by the fence. He said well wait till you see that car run, it is an even better car and it is fast. He was penalized 3 times and sent to the back and still came back to win that 600. I was so happy for him and so excited for him. When he passed away it was devastating. I went to DEI with many other race fans that were there and all the news and sports crews covering it. One if the saddest days I've ever experienced. It was hard to even want to watch nascar anymore but I did follow Dale Jr and pulled hard for him and got to experience the great wins he had. Just never did put it all together to win that elusive championship in the Cup series. Dale Jr is actually the only one I haven't met of the Earnhardt family.i met Dale Sr of coarse a few times .unfortunately Teresa and of coarse Taylor and Kelly at Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet and Kerry when I worked at Lowes in mooresville nc. I had bought a truck from Dale's dealership and Dale was still with us at that time.i went for oil service on my truck and asked if Dale Jr was there and the service manager said you just missed him I sent him on a parts run to Charlotte and he went make it back before we close today.i said crap he's the only one I haven't got to meet and talk to. Dale Jr was just maybe 16 at the time just getting going in his young life. So I have alot of good memories and went to alot of races at charlotte and north Wilkesboro and Bristol,Rockingham and darlington to watch Dale Sr. I don't think I ever got to a race when Jr was racing even when his dad was still with us and driving. Every now and then I will go for a ride out to DEI and walk around and remember all the good times like meeting Dale Sr outback at the old busch shop. But my anger for the witch will never fade because she did Dale Kelly and Kerry very wrong and very dirty in my opinion. She was never the racer in that family.she married into it and then killed the whole dream her husband Dale Sr built for his kids to won day take over and runs and race. Will never forget!

Steve Hmiel got his last win as a crew chief at Chicago. That also explains how Dale Jr. and Steve's son Shane were in WinFuel commercials because Shane's dad worked with Dale at the time.

I both love and hate these downloads. I love learning what happened. We all knew something was up but we never truly knew what. The hate was for Dale's legacy. To be a fan for almost his entire career and to know that a huge part of his legacy died when Dei fell apart is heartbreaking.

DEI would still be around if Jr and Kelly had control. Just gonna leave it there

Really makes you wonder if Jr's Dad didn't die, that DEI would still be a thing today and still thriving in the Cup series.

It's amazing how long Jr got by on talent alone. I'm very impressed with the level of reflection and perspective he has developed since 2011, 2012.

So much humility and truth in the room. Steve is like the Dog test. If my dog doesn’t like you, I wouldn’t want to be around you. Upper management failed the dog test.

Dale Jr you are 1000% correct. I raced for many years and for many different teams. If the team I was driving for had faith in me, then I had all the confidence in the world to do well. The results were so much better

Steve Hmiel was a great spotter and crew chief. This interview made me love him even more than I already did.

The absolute best interviews / discussions happen right here!!! Props to the Dirty Mo Crew!!!!

And Steve… You should have named names…. They said it… They reiterated it… And they never retracted it… You owe them nothing

I’m so happy Junior is gonna race 2 times this year. I miss seeing him driving.

Thankful for what Jr is doing here, respecting and sharing history, and some intimate details that we never would’ve known. I’m not afraid to say I was not a huge Jr fan when he raced, but as he’s gotten older I have a ton of respect and admiration for who he is and what he has become. Much respect.

These are pure gold..... pure gold..... Jr, I know you won't see this, but it is so fun and enjoyable to watch you be and do what you were destined to do.... your interview style, honesty, humbleness is pure magic.... THANK YOU for sharing with us!

Steve is such a class act. Terresa did him dirty

If Real had levels, this would be at the top. Even the jokes. Hope Mr. Letarte hears this. A crew chief making a driver believe he can drive. All the words, Real. Thank You!

One you guys best show yet. The honesty and humbleness is without doubt admired by many.

I always wanted to be a crew chief. I never wanted it bad enough or I was scared 30 years ago. I never really understood that I would have never made it until listening and watching your podcast. I never really understood how special mentality and emotionally you have to be. Steve Hmiel is someone who always interested me, but I had no idea he was that special. No idea I would have been competing against someone like him. What a awesome podcast!

This number one in all of the shows you have done. You alone brought me back to Nascar, after I had completely stopped watching any Nascar. Maybe someday we can talk about it.

His insight and honesty is painful and to be respected. DJ was basically a head case after Sr. passed and suddenly had to find his way in the world alone.

Truly appreciate these interviews and the stories surrounding the history of the sport. Stuff we never knew about while watching, but always wanted answers to, finally so much of it is coming to light.

The win at Chicago is the last race I've been to in person and it completed everything for me as I had seen Senior win twice in person so I was pumped to see Jr. win!

Teresa should be ashamed about driving DEI into the ground. What a way to honor your late husband.

Nobody just tells Tony Eury "you're fired". Felt so bad for Steve that he was put in that position

One of the greatest guys in racing. This was one of the best episodes I’ve seen on here.

DEI was destined for greatness it’s a shame it went down the way it did Jr is a heck a wheelman to have put those cars in victory lane with what was going on behind the scenes

I can see how Mark Martin & Steve Hmiel were so DYNAMIC together in the 90s! Steve Hmiel is a LEGEND

Honestly probably one of the top 5 guests you’ve had. Great episode.

That was a great interview. I always loved Steve

Best kinda stuff Dale Jr keep at it kid

The Pocono race they were talking about, i swear that wasn't the only one they changed shocks or springs on pit road. 2007 Pocono 2, I *swear* they did it there too Edit: ah I was right. He spun on lap 123 at the 2007 Pennsylvania 500 and they changed the front shocks on the car. Finished 2nd.

Great interview!! I’m not a nascar guy, don’t know who Steve is but he seems like a good guy! Dales honesty is remarkable!

Great episode! The interview seemed spontaneous and revealing to everyone involved in the discussion.

Assume interview . Steve sounds like a gentleman's gentleman

Man dale, thanks for being so human and thoughtful about your past thoughts here! Very well said and inspirational in a very real way. Also Ross chastain should get some kind of pay bonus from nascar. I wish camera guys did a better job on that one but that just shows u absolutely noone saw that coming, even cameramen

This an amazing interview. Great stuff

The humility and honesty is healing.

Jr. Tku for this podcast with Steve Hmiel, wow i just listen to the full podcast and it is at the top of the list, Steve was the soft spoken man who cared about everyone, what a Beautiful person again tku 🙏🙏

Steve seems like a very knowledgeable person and an asset to any operation.

I have always had a deep respect for Steve Hmiel and treasure the times I was able to interact with him. He is a very special person.

Dale jr in the 8 bud car was so much fun watching. Wish Richard would of offered him a chance to drive the 3 car for him instead of waiting for Austin Dillion.

What I enjoy about these podcasts, is seeing and hearing Dale Jrs humility when he THANKS people for believing in him and pushing him and how important a role they played in his success.

Serious question… what becomes of Dale Jr if… he never gets an opportunity at HMS? JRM certainly never happens like it has and look at all the jobs JRM has provided over the years. Unbelievable what went down at DEI. I just shake my head.

Jr. You always were and always will be my driver!

He was exciting to watch the #8 on the Budweiser team. Teresa destroyed it.

Wow. Just wow.

I feel like this channel is putting all the versions of NASCAR history together and it’s very interesting to hear everyone’s take on things.

I enjoy all the episodes, but this one was special. I am a fairly new fan to NASCAR. Listening to the history of these events, is really special

I have always been a Steve Hmiel fan, since his days with Roush!

Love hearing these stories from those who lived them.

There's more to racing than car going round and round. These stories about team work and struggles are what makes racing so hard to get out of system.

This episode was gut wrenching to me. Shows real drama at dei.

It was Brian Vickers not Ryan Blaney at Chicagoland that held off Matt Kenseth.

Big Budweiser nr.8 fan here from Kolding, Denmark (Scandinavia) And nr.88 fan after Junior changed car. Stay safe 🤘🇺🇲🇩🇰🤘

This was a rough interview on all points. Glad it was put out though

Dale this interview with Steve really helped shed light on how bad Teresa was at attempting to run a business that your Precious Dad had built and succeeded into a mega company and when he passed he would've come back if possible to make things right to where Dale Jr and Kelley would have been head of the most successful team and THE BEST RACE CAR DRIVER EVER, THE INTIMIDATOR DALE SR WOULD NOT HAVE TOLERATED TERESA'S NONSENSE FOR A SECOND!!!! THE INTIMIDATOR INTENDED FOR DALE JR AND KELLEY TO CARRY THE EARNHARDT LEGACY INTO THE FUTURE AND Dale, you and Kelley and Mike and the wonderful people in your inner circle have done AMAZING THINGS AND BEEN SUCCESSFUL BEYOND WHAT EVEN YOUR PRECIOUS DAD EXPECTED AND YOU DID IT YOUR OWN WAY WITHOUT DEI WHICH RIGHTFULLY SHOULD HAVE BEEN YOURS AND KELLEY'S. BUT THAT'S OKAY BECAUSE GOD WILL SEND DOWN HIS JUSTICE TO MAKE THE GUILTY AND GREEDY PAY . GOD DOESN'T MISS ANYTHING AND HE WILL STEP IN AND CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU FOR DOING YOUR FAMILY LEGACY JUSTICE 🙏🏻ALONG WITH YOUR PRECIOUS FAMILY AMY AND THE GIRL'S AND KELLEY AND HER PRECIOUS FAMILY 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻AND JEFFREY TOO. 🙏🏻🙏🏻💞🤗💞🏁🏆🏁

Thank you Steve! THANK YOU JR!

another out of the park interview. Dale and Mike are a great team,, wish you guys would get a job doing national news reporting. no softball questions, going right for the jugular,, the way reporters are supposed to interview.

Man I miss those days the passion is gone these days.

One of the nicest guys in NASCAR

Mike : "we ran like a bag of ass" !!! 🤣

Wow...... after that meeting.......it would have been some ass whooping going on

Talk about a shitstorm. They were screwed the minute the old man died.

Lisa Pressley was the musical act at daytona july 2005

Tony Eury Jr. was back on the box by the late in the year by 2005 and in 2006.

Fall 2005 at Atlanta Dale Jr DOMINATED , Led around 160 laps, but Carl Edward's wound up winning

LOVE Jr's Hat!

This tells you how bad things got after Dale Sr. passed.

You know I love Jr so berry muchos!!

Steve was probably the nicest person I ever met at a Nascar race!!

Confidence is so important. In all aspects of life.

I would love if you were able to get Theresa to come in and sit down and have an open and honest interview. I know this probably won't ever happen but if it were genuine I think it could explain a lot more. These insights from people that worked at dei are so eye opening.

3:45 Wasn't that the same Pocono race when he had all the flat left front tires? (due to too much positive camber)

Steve is a good dude. He gave my dad a tour of the Mark Martins shop and they talked about Kears Speed Shop in Tiffin, Ohio. Where we are from.

10 races to go in 2005 Tony Jr took over as crew chief for Junior. Tony Jr got suspended for 4 races in 2007. Tony Gibson was crew chief.

These interviews show how Dale Sr. put together a team of super capable people. Unfortunately his outsized personality was necessary to keep everyone in line and working together. Unfortunately #2 is that he did not have a plan that worked without him.

It really reinforces the fact that good leadership is not that common.

Theresa could be on top of the world right along with Jr., but she couldn't see clearly. The whole thing is just so totally sad, but you can't keep a good man like Dale down.

I'm the saddest woman in the whole wide world, I lost all my Dale Jr collection to a seen fire makes me cry my heart out, it hurt my heart strings, and all my nascar cars 😭😭😭

Steve Hmiel, one class act.

I was at that Pocono race in 2005 and it was really bad. Dale was literally a 37th to 40th car. And the car didn't even sound right.

WHO said it?!?!?

What a nice respectable guy.....

I remember the days that Steve was Mark's crew cheif and how well they worked together.

A network TV or streaming show (Peacock) on Racing and the Politics behind the shop door would be awesome. Please get on that Mike Joy 👍

Jr tells it like it is. That's what makes him a beautiful soul

Ok while this convo was good, I need that hat in my life! Where do I get one jr?

Teressa is the Yoko of NASCAR!!

I trust your decision Jr

I'll always say if Dale had lived Jr. would be a multi time champion because you could see Dale had built the dominant program and it just crumbled under Teresa...and when she and Jr had their differences come out I remember Jr had like 7 blown engines that year when dei never had engine issues I new it was over

Gosh, I don’t even like nascar anymore but I love this show

Fullers knowledge of suspension dynamics is impressive