Eric is the type of guy you want to root for. Even before the stuff with his Dad. He’s a good dude.

I was so proud of Erik when he won Daytona. I was there and was in tears with just how everything happened to him. I root for him every Sunday. Wish him nothing but the absolute best❤️

Junior could interview a raw egg and it would be worth watching. He absolutely has a gift of speaking to people.

I appreciate the DJD for humanizing drivers while keeping the history of the sport alive.

I’m a Chase Fan but Erik is quietly becoming one of my favorites throughout this year - He’s a good dude 🏁

The Service to Humanity that this podcast provides to us is invaluable.

Erik is a great guy. He still deserves a top tier ride... Under the old points format he would be 5th in the standings. That's crazy consistent for the #43. Great guy, would love to meet him at the track one day

I love this fkn kid. Dude has been nothing but a pleasure to watch race or listen to when he speaks. He stopped by our camp spot at Homestead in 2019 and talked to my wife and I for a little while, even held one of our chihuahuas for a minute while we had to capture the other one who got loose and ran off mid convo😂. Signed my Kyle Busch/JGR flag and told me “Kyle’s gonna get it done tonight” and he did! Got to meet a great kid and watch my driver pick up his second title in the same day. I wish nothing but the best for Erik, he deserves the best.

What Dale and Erik both said about the weird "freedom" feeling when losing someone close to you is exactly how I felt about my granny passing away, and I've felt guilty about that feeling for years. Thank you for talking about that. I was also hesitant to mention it to anybody, so I've never said it out loud to anyone, but you guys have helped relieve some of that guilt just by talking about it on the podcast. Just wanted to say thanks.

Holy cow, this was good. So powerful. Kudos to Eric and what he is doing in the 43.

I lost my dad and son in 1986, in a car / train accident. I was 23 years old, changed my life forever. My heart goes out to all of you for your loss. Someone hero dies everyday, never take a day with your hero, for granted. Love and hugs gentlemen, Joe

Erik telling about the last couple weeks with his Dad had me tearing up a bit. It's such a big loss loosing a loved one. 🙏

I know Erik will never see this, but thank you for sharing your story. I, too, lost my Dad to cancer in March 2014. He never got to see me reach my potential either, and I agree with you 100%, it feels unfair. You don't get to spend big life moments with him. Best wishes to you, I'll be following you as being a fellow Michigander, you've been my driver since your days in the Xfinity series.

I also lost my Dad, the one who kept me in line but supported me in decisions, my Hero, when I was 18. It took years to realize I still had a Great Mother, Grandparents, uncles, and I saw kids who despised their Fathers, kids who never really had a chance to talk with their Father; it finally dawned on me I was so Blessed to have had him as long as I did. Great Podcast !

I always wondered why Eric was so serious and pensive all the time, compared to some others. Had no idea about him losing his dad and mentor at such an early age. God Bless Eric; an amazing young man and great racer.

Erik’s father would be so happy to see how he is doing right now! Folks, enjoy every moment spending time with your father. Not only your father, but your family members in general🙏🏼💙

14 years ago on this day my mother passed and 4 days prior I also lost my dad. Strange how this video pops up at this time. Thank you Erik and Dale for sharing this.

My dad passed October 22, 2019. I still feel lost. I don't think it will ever go away.

Erik Jones is a great kid. love him

Powerful conversation! The Dale Jr. Download has become the podcast I didn’t know I needed. Junior is doing such a good job with his interviewing skills.

I was not aware of Eric’s situation in regards to him losing his Dad so early in life. He seems like a really nice guy. Good luck to him.

Erik Jones is quickly becoming one of my favorite drivers to root for. This interview only made me like him more. I to, know what its like to lose a parent ... I lost my dad to Stage 4 Stomach Cancer - he was diagnosed with it cruelly enough on my sister's birthday, Dec. 4th, in 2017. It was so bad, he was given less than 8 weeks to live ... he fought as best as he could for as long as he could, and he lasted till July 25th, 2018. Its been a lil over 4 years since his passing, and in a way, I'm still not over it. Its EXTREMELY HARD to get over the loss of a parent, especially one that's been so close and so involved in your life like mine was, and what appears Erik's father was in his. I also understand Dale Jr's "freedom" remark, about how he lost Dale Sr. We all have "those fences around us" or that "rock" we go to when we need advice or guidance from. When its gone, not only is it irreplaceable ... but it sets in motion to stretch out in our new "freedom" to make choices and decisions on our own ... not in a careless or reckless fashion, but more through insight and remembrance of what we learned over the years that was taught to us by "our rock" or "our fences". I can totally see where Dale Jr is coming from, from that comment and I whole heartedly agree. As for Erik ... while I root for Chase Elliott primarily (as I was a Bill Elliott fan first, along with my dad), and also Ryan Blaney as well ... I wish Erik Jones a very long, lengthy successful career in Cup. Not only is the kid talented, humble, gracious, and appears to be wise beyond his years, but he also really seems EXTREMELY down to earth. He is someone you can easily tell, he takes NOTHING FOR GRANTED, especially after his heartbreaking experiences. I think JGR got rid of him way too early (JGR does that all the time ... just ask Logano), and gave him a raw deal. Erik's Southern 500 victory with Petty this year was Awesome ... and I hope to see him win A LOT more races in the future.

Thx for the reminder that us "orphaned" grown-ups are not alone in our story. We carry their lessons, and their spirit, in our hearts, but what we would give for one more conversation. Peace and love to you and yours.

Being a long time Petty fan, I am so happy Eric is the driver of the 43. Cant wait to see what's ahead for Eric and this team. I think they both needed each other. Hopefully Eric and Noah will win multiply races next year!

I went through a diagnosis with Leukemia at 39 (2006), again at 2013, again at 2019. I lost my mom in 2016 to cancer. I have learned from those lessons not to lose perspective, bad days at work are not so bad. Be thankful to God for each day you have - appreciate friends, loved ones and life.

My son raced QM with Eric.... Dave was one of the nicest guys I've ever had the chance to call friend .

Erik Is such a nice guy

The Jones Family where great people to get to know at the quater midget track glad to see him doing so well

Damn this is some quality content. Erik is such a good dude, got me really rooting for his success.

One of the best Interviews I see in your show Congrats

Lost my dad July 14th 2021 without any sign it’s a weird feeling to describe but y’all both did very good jobs of summing it up the best you could. This episode made me a little bigger EJ fan.

That was incredibly touching! I can relate to Dale and Eric! I lost my dad to cancer in December 2021 after an 8 month battle. He was 60 I was 31. He was there for my brothers weddings but not for mine this next February. So similar to Eric and the Daytona 500.

Man Jr and Erik both were put in similar situations when they lost their dads. I remember when Jr talked about losing his dad and how Dale Sr was like having a cheat sheet to life and now he has to approach life by himself. Same thing with Erik after he lost his dad. I think we can all agree that your father is your guidance and to lose one at such a young age like both of them I couldn’t even imagine the feeling. But both are doing well and I know Big E and Erik’s father are happy and watching over their boys.

Always been a fan of Erik. Great talent and good guy.

Who know Dale Jr would become the "Phil Donahue" of NASCAR. Keep it up man. You are providing such a unique view into the driver and others minds that hasn't existed previously.

Wow that was Deep, im Proud of you Eric Jones. And I'm glad you have a Solid ride in the Cup Series. Keep up the good work young Man, and just remember God Works In Mysterious ways. Its not fair. But small things will come your way. BECAUSE your a good Man, and a Great Person !!!!!💯🏁🏁😢

I know how he feels and what he is saying I lost my dad at 18 years old and he was buried on my birthday.💯

Powerful message, I know the feeling. I lost my dad in August and I still have the feeling of being lost and not knowing if I'm making the right decisions

I lost my dad when I was 14, he was barley 40 years old. It leaves a big hole in your life.

I was at Jones first Xfinity win @ Texas in 2015 when he beat out Jr. And Kes. I wished they talked about that race. That was when I became an Erik Jones fan and still am. I was rooting for him to replace Jimmie in the #48, glad he found a home in the iconic #43 and got a win!

This really hit home with me. My dad was diagnosed with the same thing in April of 2016 and was gone in July. It can happen really fast, best wishes.

Lost my mom in 2009 and my dad this past December. It's hard to lose the ones who love you the most, and it makes you have to be stronger. I've been a 43 fan since I was a 10 year old kid watching John Andretti win Martinsville. Thank you Erik for bringing the 43 back where it belongs. You're an amazing driver and one hell of a good dude. Your dad would be proud! Now let's keep those wins coming!!

As somebody who lost their father at the age of 13, this hits hard. Great video Dale! I know you will never see this comment but thank you both for sharing on this. It helps with closure!

As I recently lost my Dad (4/2020), well a cpl years but still feels like just months ago, listening to these two guys reminisce about their Dads especially Dale who has said in other interviews when Sr passed he had a weird sense of independence. I cannot empathize more with that statement. I have gotten used to it more and more but I wish I didn't. I miss him everyday, and we weren't the best of pals. But he was my Dad and loved him way more than I even thought when I lost him. Dale and Erik were so young when they lost their Dads and I couldn't even imagine what would've happened had I lost my Dad at an earlier age (I was 42 going on 43). RIP DAD, RIP DALE SR #3, RIP DAVID JONES. It would be remiss of me not to mention Dale Jr's Mom as well RIP BRENDA, RIP MS MARTHA and DANNY who passed not long before Mamaw and not long after doing this podcast.

these stories are why i love this podcast. i lost my father this year very suddently, im 21 and its an earth shattering event to relise that the man you look up to and in my case idolized is gone. hopefully these stories can help people relise that tomorrow isnt guaranteed. im glad eric can share this its hard to do but it helps countless people like me feel a little better and remember the good times i had with my father

I just listened to the entire podcast. I seldom do that but I was so intrigued by the video portion I wanted to hear more. Being a follower of Richard Petty for 50 years I became an Erik Jones fan simply for that reason when he took the wheel of the _43_ car. After listening to this well thought and articulate interview, I am now simply an Erik Jones fan as well. I wish you would make the entire video of your guest interviews available instead of just segments.

Erik is a good human being & a good racer. I wish him the best of everything 🏁💕

Wow...powerful episode. Jr. confirmed something I have thought for years. Had we not lost Sr, I do believe Jr would have had multiple championships. He had a motivation to succeed, not just for himself, but for his dad, and when he lost him, there was no sense of direction. Noone to try to please. Thank you both, erik, and Jr. for sharing this. Even after all the years it's hard to even talk about I'm sure! Never was an Erik Jones fan, but I gained a lot of respect for him after seeing this!

"Bumpers". That's brilliant. My dad didn't die, he just left. As a result, I spent a lot of time with my grandfathers. When they were gone, it really was like I lacked the "bumpers" that got me back on track.

Lost my dad when I was 18 took a lot out of me it was hard still is to this day wishing he could see my kids but now than I got saved I realize my dad is still here through me through my kids and we will see each other again one day

I just hope I'll be the kind of father that his dad was! How special to be that loved by your child!

So much respect for him. I lost my Dad when I was 19 and all the emotions I can so relate to. Like Jr said, there is a sense of freedom but also a vulnerability that comes with that. It's the strangest feeling in the world. Great convo that definitely made me reflect on my experience.

I lost my Dad a long time ago in 1991. I think for me, his passing was like someone kicked the crutches out from under me and I had to stand on my own. I think that is what Dale was referring to when he said a feeling of being free.

I never knew this about Erik and his father. I was 19 when I lost my dad also and I can relate with all of his comments about feeling "free". It's not a relief type of feeling, more like that you are on your own. I miss you Dad

I can totally relate to what Dale and Erik are saying especially since I lost both parents last year within a 4 day time span. It's very hard to express, it's a relief, but at the same time a very empty/chaotic time. I felt/feel lost at times but I turn to what I was taught by my parents and work through things.

I can relate with them. My mother passed at 56 from brain cancer, I get the part about the last little bit and not be able to communicate. I was 29 when she passed but when I turned 57 it hit me (out of the blue) like a ton of bricks that WOW! My mom did not get to see this age! That caught me off guard!

My dad was a trucker. He died in a wreck when I was 4, and he was only 33. Lost my mom to cancer when I was 21, and she was only 48. It's something you never get fully past.

We raced against Eric in the old ASA North Division, good kid

This video hits me hard as I lost my dad to cancer when I was 29 and the anniversary is coming up on Oct 27th which will be five years, Thanks for sharing this story it means a lot

Thank you Dale for such a powerful discussion. I lost my dad in 1992. That feeling of freedom you guys talked about was daunting for me. I really thank Eric for sharing his situation, that had to be tough.

“Thank you for being such a good dad” becoming a new father myself, it bright tears to my eyes.

Makes me appreciate having my dad for so many years, Erik is such a good driver and nice guy, I got to see him win a couple times in his late model at Berlin Raceway!

Erik just know you will see him again. Learning about our consciousness/spirit will ease the pain. Also, I love the town of Paragon and the speedway there I live not far from it but I have family that lived there.

I literally just had my dad sent to Alive Hospice. My guts hurt so bad right now but truly this clip is bringing me a little bit of joy. Thank you all.

I've really become a fan after seeing him rushed out of the 20 and into the 43. He is pushing that car and giving me an underdog team to root for!

I lost my Dad at 14 in 94 from ALS....he is the reason my name is Dale and an Earnhardt fan. He was a drag racer and die hard #3 fan...we even drove a lumina and Monte Carlo

Just shows how important and crucial having a prominent father-figure is in a boys life and putting you on the right track. I never had a father growing up, my dad took off when I was 5 years old so I had to learn how to be a man on my own. My mom did the best she could but a boy needs a strong father-figure and I realize that now, being a 31 year old, more than ever. I envy those that had a father growing up even if it got cut short, those memories created and lessons learned in the time he was around is something I wish I had.

I just recently lost my 70 y/o father unexpectedly on Nov. 4th. It hurts man, but I am thankful that I am 43 y/o dealing with this versus being around 20 y/o and it happening. I can only imagine how much tougher it is to process at a younger age like that, for both Erik and Dale Junior.

I was a Sr fan. I lost my dad in august. He was a demolition derby driver for over 30 years. He won his last race and died on the track. I’m glad he died doing what he loved. I lost both of my idols (dad) and (dale) doing what they loved

Great video I am 56 my dad turns 80 this year he is my best friend we talk every day I can’t imagine losing him my dad has guided me though my whole life I still ask him for advice bid the same thing with my granddad I can’t imagine losing my dad my wife jokingsays she is glad my dads advice was to Mary my wife because we did talk about great and Erik has become a great young man his dad would be proud!!

Lost my dad at 16 hits home he was disabled from a trucking accident …watch nascar together and collected 1/24 scale action and revel Dale and dale jr cars…. Have a hard time watching to this day but love this podcast been 20 years this year .

Thanks so much guys I lost my dad June 7 2020 It happened fast did not get to say good bye. Because of you all now I know its ok to be Free. I am lucky he lived to be 80 and we had great times together. Have a wonderful day everyone.

Dale jr is really good speaking to people who are grieving. Wow

This episode had me in tears from the beginning because my grandmother went through the same exact thing luckily I was there the day she passed. But it was just downhill from the beginning and I understand where Eric Jones is coming from!

Man I can feel this one… Lost my Mom in March and then my Dad in May 2022. I still feel them with me in some way. Thanks for sharing Fellas

I lost my dad from a heart attack suddenly, when I was only 16, the way you describe the "freedom" or lack of moral compass it's a weird feeling. Nothing you buy can fill that void, Nothing you do will ever get that validation of "good job son" again. You just kind of just figure out yourself. Well said

Dammit Dale, quit cutting onions!! I never spoke to my father, for the 50+ years I've been alive. He passed last year of covid. I cannot tell you the regrets I have in my soul because of it. I am sooooo glad you both were able to have that connection before you lost them. I vowed to my son, he will never know what it is like to not know his dad. We talk daily. Granted, he's in EU serving the country, but... I am so thankful for these conversations. To see people get that, actually makes me feel better, knowing that my case is not the norm.

Man this one was deep in emotions and feelings!!! Huge thanks to Erik Jones and Dale Jr for opening up to us fans and making is appreciate having our dad's around still and to make curtain we cherish every moment we have with our loved ones!!! Also the entire dirty mo crew on the podcast which are one.of my favorite things to watch weekly on KZfaq and The pontoon boat captain Mike Davis for his opinions both good and bad lol!!! You all do impeccable jobs and thanks for bringing us fans along for the rides.

Tough business,my dad died 11 yrs ago.....6 months after momma died, Momma in May,Dad in December..talk about empty feelings, really I still haven't recovered from that,I can relate fellas

Well I can say all of you guys have done a great job !

My mom was very private and I helped her and watched her pass in my arms. I was 29. I'm fifty-two now. Their love is with us. 🚙

It's not that your free now... it's simply you're your own man now. And when you become a man the buck stops with you. You have to answer to yourself. Loved this conversation.

Junior, Junior, Junior. Amazing stuff! These moments are gold.. Sandi

Great interview. I went through similar incidents with the feelings Dale and Eric described. My dad passed in my early 50's and mom in my late 50's. After mom passed I had a feeling that I couldn't describe. I understand exactly what Dale and Eric described as being free. But it also felt kind of like being an orphan with both of the people that I relied on for advice gone, no more family dinners with them. It's a strange feeling. Time for us to step up and take their place.

Lost my Dad to stroke, had 8 days being able to tell him how much i loved him and special he is and give him permission to go ahead, we were going to be fine, special time in my life.

Incredibly revealing insight into being freed by the death of a parent. I can totally relate, thank you.

I know how he feels, Iost my dad in 2014 and my mother in 2021 there's not a day that I don't think about them my step dad is 75 me and him getting through it and going on, great video keep up the good work God bless from GA

Excellent... thanks for sharing.

Powerful message

This is so good. Thank you both for sharing. I lost my dad to cancer and he went quick. I really appreciate this.

Yes it broke my heart the day that Erik lost his dad at such a young age. I think Erik handle it pretty well as possible for a young man. It hurts when you, know that his Dad was with him in most of his racing decisions then Erik had to do things on his own. PLUS every one knows mom did what she could to help her son with the loss of his father and her husband.I GLAD that things are working good at PETTY GMS and finally got his first win for the 43 team. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. God bless you and your family.

This is a super interview! Thank you so much Erik and Jr and your whole crew. Super Awesome !

Thank you for this. I just went through the same thing with my dad last December. I felt that sense of freedom like Jr mentioned, and felt the same way he felt about it, which was like he said, weird.

I love these conversations really helps me get through lost my dad at 16.

I can relate with both of them over the loss of a parent or parents in my case 9 years apart. Great segment just wanted to see this clip.

I will always be a fan of this young man.

GREATNESS…. Thank you guys

Thank you for sharing this with us. Very meaningful and this shows the real side of two people that have found success in the NASCAR realm but also success as a person. People with loving and involved parents that gave unconditionally are so blessed. I didn’t have that but learned from my situation to be a better person as a father. I still had many emotionally driven wrongful decisions in my life but learned along the way as I dealt with my inner self driven by tough times of childhood. God bless you guys and thanks again for opening up your own difficult times.

What a great young man. I recognized his talent right away and at one point I was grateful he was at Gibbs. JGR messed up letting him get away. I am a real fan of Eric's. You and him really helped with my loss of Pops. Thanks again for your great podcast.

Eric realy opened up,its hard but time heals,and I had same thing with my mom,I lived in NC and drove to Ohio 10 hours friday and 10 hours back sunday nite and work till next friday for 3 months in hospice care,and 1 night after I visited mom who was in coma like state recognized me and we had talk,2 hours later I got the call she passed.After going to hospice i felt such a relief and joy,felt bad but the nurses reasured me it happens and knew it wasnt me being selflish but she had the pain stop and no more suffering.