The Unlikely Path to NASCAR Glory: Paul Andrews’ Story

Рет қаралды 56,267

Күн бұрын

In this episode of the Dale Jr. Download, Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with longtime NASCAR crew chief Paul Andrews to uncover his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming a Cup championship-winning team leader. Raised by his grandparents in Louisiana, Paul found his way to St. Louis, where a job at his stepfather’s motel and a chance encounter at a vacuum repair shop led him into the racing world. Paul shares his experiences working with Rusty Wallace and later joining Alan Kulwicki’s team, where they faced numerous challenges but ultimately won the 1992 Cup season championship. After Alan's tragic plane crash, Paul continued to honor his late friend and moved on to work with various top teams, including Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Michael Waltrip Racing. Today, Paul manages his properties and occasionally works as a crew chief for JR Motorsports' late-model stock program. This episode is a deep dive into the life of a true NASCAR legend, filled with stories of perseverance, dedication, and triumph.
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Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
03:43 - Joining Rusty Wallace's Team
10:18 - Transition to Real Estate
36:16 - Building a Championship Team on a Limited Budget
37:28 - The Devastating Plane Crash
41:13 - Carrying On in Allen's Memory
42:11 - Introduction and Initial Impressions of Rusty Wallace
43:38 - Involvement in Jeff Gordon's Team and the Sale of the Team
44:18 - Working with Alan Kulwicki and the Impact of His Passing
45:06 - Building and Updating Cars for Jeff Gordon
46:03 - The Hoosier Tire Controversy
49:25 - Leaving Jeff Gordon's Team
50:52 - Working with Jeremy Mayfield and the Challenges Faced
52:16 - Being Fired
55:38 - Transitioning to Late Model Racing and Working with Young Drivers
01:05:20 - Injury and Transitioning to Part-Time Racing
01:09:45 - Current Involvement in Racing and Future Plans
01:13:07 - Reflections on the Interview and Paul Andrews' Emotional State

Пікірлер: 146

@Open-eq8qx Ай бұрын

I’ve never heard of Paul before in my life, I couldn’t have more respect for him than I do now. Very cool to meet these people that work behind the scenes that some of us would never know without this show.

@timhabiuk1915 Ай бұрын

Paul is a family friend, we hear the stories from others all the time. He is a private person and doesn't share much. I have been asking him for years to tell his story, I am glad he finally did and I hope there was some healing for him. He is very respected in racing.

@alfee9411 Ай бұрын

Yeah he was "driven" and very great at his craft!! Bet he drank some MGD no doubt lol

@Chad-sp4hq 26 күн бұрын

When it comes to Alan's team, it wasn't here here here

@cademackenzie4402 Ай бұрын

strong man right there. tearing up when he thought about how much the wallace’s took him in and took care of him…man that hits you right in the soul.

@donaldlemaire3592 Ай бұрын

Thank you for bringing Paul on the show. He has had a remarkable career. It was so sad when Allen lost his life. Good luck Paul.

@johnnysechrist6313 Ай бұрын

My pops died back in 69, and I still shed a tear when I think of him or look back at picture albums, we all deal with grief of loved ones differently. It aint a weakness when a man cries.

@jthiemeyer Ай бұрын

These types of interviews are the reason I come to this podcast. Rich in history. Rich in knowledge. Dale Jr. your legacy in racing is only surpassed by what you are doing on this podcast these days.

@DirtyMoMedia Ай бұрын

We appreciate your kind words!

@bbrcummins1984 Ай бұрын

This man never forgot where he came from 💪

@blacksheepexpedition6347 Ай бұрын

I am lucky enough to call Paul a long time friend and also worked out of his personal shop. He is a great guy with wealth of knowledge..

@CaptainDerty Ай бұрын

You can tell how deeply he cared for those guys even to this day.

@jolenew9595 Ай бұрын

Nothing wrong with men being emotional. Those tears are healing tears! Paul is a good man!

@bb667788 Ай бұрын

I was always a big AK fan because he achieved his success on his terms. Still sad today..... Very nice interview.

@ristemocaroski2934 Ай бұрын

DirtyMo media is kick ass. I hope one day it’s number one podcast. Y’all deserve it.

@albertbergeron2647 Ай бұрын

Crying is not a crime. The passion from the start makes it emotional for him. His story will bring one to tears. He was ready to run a race and it was over in Bristol. I think we all got weepy losing Alan and Davey

@johnnydodge Ай бұрын

Paul I have the upmost respect for you wearing your emotions on your sleeve brother. Your stories are inspiring to us. Your life experiences and racing career are awesome to hear. Thank You kind Sir

@DirtyMoMedia Ай бұрын

Well said

@IanTheMotorsportsMan_YT Ай бұрын

Let it out, Paul. There is nothing wrong with crying! Alan is missed everyday. You will see him again one day. Great episode, DJD!

@user-bk7gp2yn2m Ай бұрын

Dale jr legacy is going to be helping guys like this. So proud of both of you. Stay Strong. Great interview.

@pops8623 Ай бұрын

Never heard of the man. Sounds like an unsung hero. Glad hes getting to share his story to the world. Keep it up JR

@charlessmigo6175 Ай бұрын

Dale, thanks so much for this interview with Paul. I was a HUGE AK fan. I still get emotional when I think about Alan's passing. This interview hit home.

@dennisparker4935 Ай бұрын

so courageous to show his emotions regarding all those who helped him along the way God Bless you Paul, your wife and your family too!!! wow talk about taking risks .. I hope you are happy and healthy moving forward and life brings you continued blessings

@anthonydeloreto3881 Ай бұрын

You can tell those tears are real. He knows it, he can still feel it, he’s been in Alan’s presence, he was like a brother to him, etc. Telling stories like this are never, ever, easy.

@ginobuchignani9078 Ай бұрын

This interview ranks right up there with the best of them! Paul seems like a special guy for sure. I really enjoyed hearing all about Alan Kulwicki... AK was and always will be an absolute legend 💪🏼 Him and Davey will forever be my top two racing heros!!! Dale JR truly is the most valuable asset to the sport of Nascar and all of stock car/short track/Saturday night racing! He is larger than life and I hope he knows how much he means to the real racing fans... He really brings it all together and does it while staying true and Humble! Words just don't do it justice! I have the upmost respect and appreciation for Dale Earnhardt Jr! Keep up the great work! This deserves a polish victory lap🏁🇺🇲

@migueldelatorre3 Ай бұрын

He was one hell of a crew cheif he also worked well with Steve Park

@bradfreer2132 Ай бұрын

Tku Jr. for having Paul on, wow the man has been down some rough roads sure hope he can get some help, Love these live interviews so raw and real. Tku 👍🇨🇦

@plantfeeder6677 Ай бұрын

Before I watch I want to tell about the first time I ever saw Paul. He and Alan Kulwicki were sitting in a car after the Sears Point race in '92 having a discussion probably about the last pit stop when Alan lost a bunch of positions. Can't wait to hear this interview now. Been waiting for this one. God Bless you Paul Andrews!

@JasonFeimster Ай бұрын

IMO the number 1 rule of any media is to make the viewer FEEL it. To do that, it's always best when the actors, or podcast guests in this case, feel it too. So whether sadness, happiness, eagerness, excitement, or whatever the human emotion, I commend all who authentically express it, and moreover, make us the viewer feel it. Great video!

@NonNein-bn6ni Ай бұрын

Don’t apologize for caring and being human Paul! Loss and those close to you is hard and emotions should be felt, even when they’re forever raw. Amazing discussion between the two of you, thank you both.

@amystoltz4800 Ай бұрын

One of the best interviews I've watched on your podcast. A true love for the sport. Paul in his lifetime has experienced a lot of triumph and with it came tragedy. His emotions show he cares and truly put his heart and soul into the sport of racing.

@DirtyMoMedia Ай бұрын

Thank you for your kind words!

@jackstow8411 Ай бұрын

What a great guy. Total respect.

@cecilnelsonjr.5733 Ай бұрын

This was a wonderful episode, I never recovered from the death of my cousin, whom I help get his job as a pilot out in Alaska. He crashed in December 2004, I flew two more decades,but the loss is real. You press on ❤

@bryanjones262 Ай бұрын

Dale is pausing so Dale feels it too

@chasee3797 Ай бұрын

Was fortunate to meet Paul at the Daytona 500 in 2019 - great guy who I was blown away by his kindness then and true emotion now - I feel awful for what he had to go through with Allen and how badly Geoff treated the team after he bought it.

@mikestansberry8656 Ай бұрын

31 years later and this is still raw to Paul. I remember it like it happened yesterday. Really affected me as a fan. Great interview as usual Jr.

@NJBeachlover1 Ай бұрын

Wonderful interview… the compassion Jr. shows him ….. it’s so very heart warming… I just want to give Paul a hug….

@brianadams4309 Ай бұрын

Paul is golden! He and Skullwicki were a awesome team!

@jwgirl5291 Ай бұрын

Great interview Jr. Once again, you were able to navigate your way thru a very difficult subject. You have found your calling.

@TheBibleExplorer Ай бұрын

A person with a TBI can be laughing one second and crying the next... It doesn't mean they are necessarily sad or have a heavy heart... It's just how the brain can cope after it gets injured... I know all too well & will keep him in prayer...

@deepspace1992 23 күн бұрын

Love these guest segments. I’m a relatively young fan and fairly new to NASCAR, but I’m obsessed and trying to soak in as much history as I can. This helps haha! You the man, Jr!

@larryt5894 Ай бұрын

That was a tough one, but I am glad to hear his story. I was a huge ASA/Artgo fan and became a big Alan Kulwicki fan. Paul was such a large part of Alan’s success in cup.

@ChrisJonescciustn 27 күн бұрын

really impressed by this Dale, you are such a pro bringing out the best in individuals. Paul is really a good man, it can be heard how honest and truthful that man is and was such a valuable member of the NASCAR family he is.

@GregorySovine-bt9hj Ай бұрын

Heard his name a lot, never knew much about Paul Andrews though, 20 minutes in and I am a fan.

@toddtalbott8243 Ай бұрын

Great interview, he leaves it in your face ,straight emotions ,that's honestly a great interview, Thanks Jr. N crew

@kurtracer43 Ай бұрын

Paul Is carrying alot inside what a really nice guy thank you for letting us get to know him🙏

@ehss192 Ай бұрын

Paul has a heart of gold. Some people just do.

@leehendrickson3030 Ай бұрын

Wow what an interesting interview, what incredible career, thanks Dale for showing the inside of the racing industry

@DirtyMoMedia Ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

@jordanhannah5839 Ай бұрын

This is a hit! Thank you for having him on. I have never heard of him but loved his story. What a story!

@DirtyMoMedia Ай бұрын

Thanks for listening

@jordanhannah5839 Ай бұрын

@@DirtyMoMedia thank you! Everyone time you post I’m tuning in!

@glennsloss9326 28 күн бұрын

thank you Dale .. The authenticity and REAL emotions shown by Paul was wonderful. Moreover your authenticity in the interview was so joyous to HELP PAUL verbalize his journey and possibly UNCOVER many feelings that could have been buried .. AND some Healing for Paul.. FYI,,, I'm so glad FOR ALL who listen to your podcasts because of your notorierity and witness your genuiness in your emotions and feel "ya know Dale, shares his inner emotions , so it must be ok , so I'm going to begin." Blessings on your podcasts

@jefferyrobertson7520 Ай бұрын

Paul Was Cool Cat NASCAR Winston Cup Series Crew Chief From The 80s And Early 90s Totally Amazing Badass Thanks For Uploading

@TracksideViews Ай бұрын

Need to have Alex Bowman on soon to talk about 2016 and the story there after. I feel like there’s a whole lot more to that story we’ve never heard in true detail. What his thoughts are on being severely underrated, often discounted by the media, and quite frankly overlooked within his own team. The live show last year in Nashville wasn’t much of an interview and in reality shouldn’t even count as being on the show. The guest segment is sponsored by Ally after all but it doesn’t seem like there’s any interest on having him on for whatever reason. Does anyone from the show even read the comments?

@khcaver 29 күн бұрын

Home run interview. Great guy, great questions, touched my heart. I hope NASCAR understands how much you are doing for the sport. You are recording history one conversation at a time.

@kurtnielsen6684 Ай бұрын

That whole time in Mr. Andrew’s life is so traumatic to him that all these years later he is that emotional still either shows how loyal of a human being he was and that he truly loved what he was doing, and the people around him, but that shows his dedication to Keeping someone’s dream alive through even the pain it caused him. I have a whole new respect for that man.

@jordanhannah5839 Ай бұрын

This is a hit! Thank you for having him on. I have never heard of him but loved his story.

@dgrimes438 Ай бұрын

I can tell you from my own experience, after falling from a 3 story roof having a severe head injury will make you extremely emotional, you cry for no reason. Things hit you incredibly hard in your life for about a year before you feel like your back to normal.

@bbrcummins1984 Ай бұрын

👍✌️ I also experienced this after 2 heart attacks. Something emotionally changed in me,

@DavidSmith-cr4pw Ай бұрын

Incredible stories continue on this podcast. Thanks to all of you that make it happen.

@chriszasada9756 Ай бұрын

Learned a ton about Paul today , thank you so much for bringing him on .

@ralphhorst3682 Ай бұрын

Had to be a terrible day for the team when Allen passed! Coming off a winning season and championship, it was a shock and tragic ending for Allen’s career.

@jimb_28 Ай бұрын

Great interview with Paul , i remember him with Alan , and he was really great getting those " Underbirds " going fast .... He is really a good man having to go through life like he has , i admire him with full respect.

@tommyking-gl5xb Ай бұрын

Thank you sir, one of your best show's when you are one on one with your guest thank you.

@JOHNJKNAPP Ай бұрын

Glad to hear this guys story. What a great perspective

@bobbymayse9926 Ай бұрын

As you get to your latter years things hit you different. I don't think it is a load he carries as much as he appreciates the life he has lived. It just hits people different. Loved the interview and I do think he has lived a great life.

@bensurface4376 Ай бұрын

Great interview! I was fortunate enough to work for Paul during his time at Akins Motorsports with Kasey Kahne in the 38 car. Paul was the first real professional crew chief I had worked for. No disrespect to the other crew chiefs that I worked with before him. He just brought something different well organized and 100% focused on the job at hand. He taught me a lot about racing and being a professional in the sport. Great guy!

@alvinrineer3003 Ай бұрын

So far in the Dale Jr download, three people have cried or teared up talking about the effect Rusty Wallace had on their lives. Paul Andrews, Todd Parrott, and Kenny Wallace. Tells ya something about the kind of person Rusty is.

@chuckcoppinger557 28 күн бұрын

Thank you Dale for taking the deep dive into real life and overcoming. Appreciate your investment bringing Paul and these stories to life.

@GregorySovine-bt9hj Ай бұрын

One of the best yet, and you have a pretty high bar set before this.

@HappyAirplane-yc2zs Ай бұрын

Love seeing these

@agodwin2011 Ай бұрын

I always loved Alan's K song I Did it My Way. The Under Bird Great interview !

@josephhartman8370 Ай бұрын

Nailed it with this one. Love hearing from guys back in that era. Great interview! Gotta get Tim Brewer in there sometime. :)

@jeffreygortz6146 Ай бұрын

10 minutes in and paul gets emotional , i can tell i like this guy , now back to the video .......

@fivestar8337 Ай бұрын

Always good hearing from some of the old guard!

@FrankFernandez-ge3rp 29 күн бұрын

Awesome man !!! That is a great man right there much respect .

@chrisdaviddunn3012 Ай бұрын

He and AK should have went in the NASCAR HoF together.

@jordanhannah5839 Ай бұрын

I will probably watch this 5 times!

@jessegirten3453 17 күн бұрын

Never ever be ashamed for having the emotion that you have!

@sandrahammond5361 Ай бұрын

I pray for Paul, very tough situation. Very strong man, glad that Dale jr let him talk

@reneeburgher4616 Ай бұрын

I had the pleasure of meeting Paul through his wife Evelyn, Paul's dedication and expertise has left an enduring legacy in the racing community. As a crew chief Paul has multiple victories and pole positions, his resilience and commitment to the sport are truly commendable. Great job Paul.

@CliffsideStables Ай бұрын

Great interview with Paul Andrews! REALLY REALLY miss Mike cohosting the show!!!

@user-mf8kh4vs9i Ай бұрын

Wonderful story Paul.

@Kayodleman Ай бұрын

Excellent interview... thanks Dale Jr. and Paul. AK oversaw almost all of the details of his race team. Ironic and sad that one of the few things AK had no control over was the type of airplane the sponsor chose. The Merlin was a dangerous, unforgiving twin engine general aviation aircraft even in ideal weather conditions. The weather that night produced icing conditions.

@richmyers4602 Ай бұрын

damn good guy thanks for having him on

@davidgough1161 Ай бұрын

I feel the same as Paul about many things in life. He is a real deal car guy. If I had the means, I would hire him at top dollar to work on anything I had. He is truly driven to suceed in life. I am built like him, with the same type of emotional things and how they have effected me. I appreciate him so much and will forever respect this man.

@kevinhaun1 Ай бұрын

What an interview.

@carlmccoy5146 Ай бұрын

Yes sir jr! I just watched end of video. I feel the same. Wish he would get peace.

@samiam9008 Ай бұрын

30 years ago, and the wound is still there. Alan was a true racer, and his team was his foundation for a great effort without a lot of help from Ford. His emotion shows how close that team was.

@CJPostal Ай бұрын

Great timing here. If anyone hasn’t seen Brock Beard’s latest series on what happened with AK/AK Racing, I highly recommend it!

@scottiesauls3918 Ай бұрын

Paul Andrews fan. Genuine guy & a great crew chief!

@DirtyMoMedia Ай бұрын

We are also big fans!

@King1614 Ай бұрын

Bless his heart.

@monicamarusa2037 23 күн бұрын

I feel his pain of a childhood less desirable. He overcame the situation. Instead of turning to drugs, etc. Good man right there.

@randalthies9321 Ай бұрын

Never fear. We love emotional people here on this channel Paul.

@158shm Ай бұрын

That’s a man you want in your corner 🏁🏁🏁🇺🇸🇺🇸

@travislohneis224 Ай бұрын

“I got these awesome pickles” lol ….now I wanna try some

@jeffcornia137 29 күн бұрын

Loved the interview. Had me emotional. Good guy. The lady was right about the busch light situation. Red flag on her part. Maybe she doesn't drink. Love pickles.

@johnnapier7283 Ай бұрын

Great guest. I would love to hear him talk through the Atlanta race strategy and winning the championship with Alan.

@BBAbest01 Ай бұрын

It's kind of sureal listening to this, while a few weeks back i was watching the Brock Beard documentary "After Alan" and I kept hearing the name "Paul Andrews", and I kept thinking to myself "I heard of that name, but I don't know where?". But after looking back at a few old races and this, now I know where I've heard Paul Andrews from. In fact, I was shocked to hear that he left racing to pursue Real Estate early in his career. Glad to see he's still involved in racing nowadays. Edit: change in information

@TanDawg58 Ай бұрын

Its been 31 years, hes worked for various teams after AK was killed, including DEI when Big E was killed, and he still gets THAT emotional over AKs death, tells the real impact that Kulwicki had on people

@WilliamDuncan-us7yh Ай бұрын

just got home watching your show on Paul Andrews like your show when you gonna come to a dirt track again u need to come to Port Royal in pa

@jah9791 22 күн бұрын

Besides Mark Martin (because I lived in Batesville in that era) I always admired Alan (maybe because I’m an engineer too) and was proud when he won the the championship on his own terms. I had forgotten about Paul until this video and how much he did with the team. What could have happened if Alan and Paul could have gone to Junior’s team with a huge budget? He “did it my way”!

@jah9791 22 күн бұрын

I’ve added Paul to my hero list.

@jah9791 22 күн бұрын

Thanks Junior!

@eddyredmond7758 Ай бұрын

Paul is a legend.

@raykaufman7156 16 күн бұрын

That was awesome. Period

@carlmccoy5146 Ай бұрын

Excellent!❤

@kurtnielsen6684 Ай бұрын

You can see when he was talking about his family a couple times he got choked up and you can tell some of the stuff that he has real emotional connection with

@dot_dash Ай бұрын

Thanks Paul. 🙏

@Bulldawg1982 Ай бұрын

Paul needed to do this.

@tonyschmitz1997 Ай бұрын

I remember when he was let go at Petty. I didn’t understand that move. Happened in 2007. Yeah they didn’t have the top tens they had in 2006 with Parrott leading the 43 crew but they were running more consistent. Doug Randolph replaced him.