Had Dale Earnhardt lived, I have no doubt that DEI would be a powerhouse team to this very day!

Wrong question Kenny. I believe its what if Terressa Earnhardt didnt destroy DEI? I swear that plate dynasty from 2001 to 2004 by Michael and Dale Jr by a duo of teammates was short lived and has still not been matched before or after. That among so much more could have been accompanied had T. Earnhardt not been in power. She destroyed DEI.

Thank you for your opinion and talk Kenny. Always great to hear your perspective.

Favorite driver 14 years

Spot on Herm!!!

Jr was definitely a better driver. It was just unfortunate circumstances, bad choices ,and timing that kept him from really showing just how great he should have been. If Dale Sr doesn't die, we don't even have to have this discussion. Jr would have been so much more successful.

I believe with all my heart that if Jr went to RCR it would have been magic. Nothing against HMS. But at RCR Jr would have been the priority. RC would have ensured it.

Spot on Herm! A good part II, would be: What if Big Dale was still with us today... There wouldn't have been the Chase/Playoffs & stage racing, no COT debacle, which coincides with 2006 being the peak, then the big decline since. DEI would be a powerhouse, with several championships.

Hey Wallace! Agreed. Dale Jr was destined for MUCH more then he ended up getting.... circumstances just didn't fall into place for him. Regardless, he definitely left a HUGE mark on Nascar... and will forever be held as one of its Greats! Stats... dont always tell the whole tale.

someday we will sit down and have that beer

Love the celtics photo bro and yes you too!! I have been in rehab this past month for unfortunate alcoholism. Missed watching you in that time but im back! Love u kenny! 😊

Well said, Kenny..

When Jr left for Hendrick, they broke all merch records according to Joe Mattes. Pretty good consolation prize.

Great episode Herm!

I believe dale sr passing was the biggest blow. Imagine always wanting to make your dad proud and all of sudden that opportunity was gone. And jr was a young man that got the whole world put on his shoulders. I honestly believe that dale jr did save nascar after his dad died. If it wasn’t for him nascar would have ended.

I hate driving by that place seeing it just sit there and collect dust.. I agree with your points on the DEI situation.

True talk. Love ya brother!!

I agree with you 100% on that,

I agree Kenny 100 percent

Agree with you 110% Herm! Where Sr. failed was in the paperwork. He should have had his wishes on paper for DEI. I believe, heck I know, he created DEI for Jr. It was just bad circumstances that took control of Jr.'s future! DEI would have been alive and well to this day had it not been for bad circumstances, rivaling Hendrick and Gibbs racing.

Circumstances led Junior into a team where he wasn't priority with Jimmie and Jeff, but I give him credit for sticking in there. He was starting to win on plate tracks again before he suffered concussion. Junior was an emotional driver and showed at times his skill to drive.

Junior did great his last few years before his last concussion

I love your straightforward commentary and humor Herminator!! I agree with you and Bill Elliot. Dale Jr. did not win as much or run as well at Hendrick Motorsports. I think under the circumstances with the Teresa issue, Dale and Kelley got the best deal they could for Juniors future.

That red Budweiser number 8 imo is the 2nd or 3rd most recognizable car in motor sports in the modern era

Horse shoes and hand grenades!!! Kenny

I have a special love for Jr as I think we all do, but I grew up watching that 8 car at a young age, like 3-4 years old glued to my TV, he was incredible… I appreciate that he hops in the car still today, he could drive any track, but the way he would drive the super speedway plate tracks was just masterful, I try my best to copy him when I Irace, when I first started I had no experience driving and I was winning off the bat at Daytona and Talledega, now I’ve actually gone and beat guys that raced in the Xfinity series today and have had a couple good battles with Jeremy Mayfield on there, Jr was definitely my original teacher when it came to racing and he’s even a huge part of iracing so I cant thank him enough. Tony Stewart knew who the guy was to follow haha, gotta love Tony too, we were spoiled with all these great driving talents, you too Herm!!! You guys are legends and will live in my heart forever.

When you gonna go on Dirty MO podcast talk with Junior that be awesome

Hey Kenny hope to maybe see you Bristol , live 20 min from track Johnson City, TN big fan , Really enjoy the show, but I will get to the point , been pulling for Dale Jr since 97, Why did Tony Eury Sr, and Jr , not just jump over to Hendrick take the whole team, even engine staff, I would have if owned a team, when they made the switch, been on my mind for yrs, Everybody is gonna argue , and fuss sometimes, but they just clicked, and I feel The Eurys really cared for Dale Jr more then other Crew cheifs his well being,could you do Coffee with Kenny Short sometime maybe explain if this was ever discussed, be interesting to alot of us, Thank You for this video , and all the content this channel, and Dirty Mo is the best

I wholeheartedly agree...Dale Jr had so much greater potential, there's no way anyone would have believed that he would only get 26 wins, especially coming after 6 wins in 2004 in the ole Bud car, man the memories of those days! If not for crew chief swaps, concussions, the whole ordeal with his stepmother, bad years at Hendrick, he had some really bad luck, I don't think he would have been as successful as his daddy but he definitely should have about 40-50 wins and a championship or 2, and if he didn't have all those concussions he would probably be still racing but in the twilight of his career.

DEI should have never been left in the hands of Teresa. DEI should have been left to Junior, Kerry and Kelley. This was a big fail for Snr not having DEI separate from his wife.

Kenny, I agree. Junior and Kelley could have saved DEI. Teresa should have left them run DEI. They had the sponsorship money. Hoping Dale and Kelley become Cup owners and build their Teams to become what Dale Sr ENVISIONED for Dei. I also think if Amy came into juniors life soon would have grounded him. Number of wins and championships doesn't always define how great a driver is. Great conversation 😊

Great Video

DEI would have been a power house they had the 3 biggest sponsor in the business who are in still in NASCAR today.

Love ur show Kenny. My thoughts are wins and losses aside i believe the greatest thing about Junior is the man he has become.

dale was such a good person at getting sponsors and running things I absolutely coukd see DEI winning championships and dominating. chevy was so engrained with him and they would be a top tier team for sure

Great content Kenny you should do a show about once a week about stories about some of the different people you have competed against and been associated with in NASCAR throughout the years.

Jr's driver skills are unmatched

Dale jr is the man! Major respect for that man

You're right Kenny.

I agree totally

The fire he had at Sears point I noticed that was a turn.

great conversation Kenny....but here's another "what if" i always think about...what if Dale Jr had gone to Joe Gibbs . . .

Dale Jr lost alot when Big E unfortunately passed away, Teresa let D.E.I. Fall apart & people didn't wanna work for her, Jr wanted to leave that abrasive situation & had to regroup, on HMS team Jr Would of won a few Cup championships he is a 2 time Busch series championship Jr is a Champion of the sport in most of our eyes, & he is great about nascar History & nostalgia he's great for the sport even retired now love your logic Herman I know you were & still are close with Dale Jr and was great buddies with big E great video UNC 💪🇺🇸🙏

Herm you got it stirring now! I don't have a dog in this one! For Me,,, It's better to not say anything at all sometimes! 😂😂😂❤❤❤

At least your inside from the heat. It's really bad out there. I live in Gray Summitt.

Just watched the 2005 race at Richmond where your brother Mike had that incident with Truex where he rode the wall on his side......i didnt know that happened until i saw the video. Crazy sheet bro !

Great show HERM You know family problems are evil

Herman I fully agree, and I have always said that if Dale Junior would’ve stayed at DEI the story for him would be different. He would have been a Cup Champion with Pops and Tony Jr. And I think if you could have been a top notch ride your story would also be different I believe that if Dale Sr would have lived you would have had that chance.

kenny nailed at the start, the real question is what if Sr never died...then June never leaves and who knows what else

I would love too see him make a come back he's still young man 👨

I watched an interview the other day with him where he said he had 20 concussions😅

I'm thinking Dale Earnhardt Jr.+The Kenny Conversation = HOMERUN!!!!

I agree with you 💯, the Tonys were on top then!

I couldn’t agree with you more, DEI was gonna be a force to deal with. Jr was going places, and the concussions ended his career way too early, and mentally his skills was altered due to the injuries

Jr. did more than most of us expected. His 2 Busch Championships were by throwing the most money at a second tier championship and driver.

Totally agree with you Kenny. Dale jr record could have been a lot better. But if I could pick between a really good record or the fans that jr had. I would pick fans every time

As a person who suffered concussion it changes you. It takes away your edge on things. I can't exercise the same, I've had to change my recreational things too. If I need all my faculties to rock climb I can only imagine how it affects a driver.

I like this little segment. Here’s a question….what if RCR puts Kyle Busch in the 3? Would fans hate it or love it?

So true so so true

Thank you for saying this Kenny. A lot of people feel the same way including me. Upon hearing you say this I'm sure other will think the same as well. Except the haters of course. lol. How anyone could haterDale Jr. is beyond me.

My given name is Dale Ralph! I was a fan of senior and junior, and think it's pretty cool that our names are so close!

I agree herm 100% they where a ship with out a rudder very sad really.

I my opinion, during the final laps of races, the #3 car was usually moving forward. However, during the final laps of races the #8 or #88 car often seemed to be fading. The son just didn't have the closing abilities that his father had.

@carguy3500 It just seemed like when Teresa lost her knight in shining amour Dale Sr the deck of cards fell apart >> we will never know , but i wish someone would ask her if she thought she made the wrong decision back then,

You are correct! HERM I love your videos especially the "hometown tour" on Mitches channel.

You Are Right Kenny" It's Sad! It Was Bad Enough Loosing Dale Sr, HMS And Mr Hendrick Are Awesome! I Just Wish Dale Jr Would Have Been Alot More Successful Staying At DEI As You Said, Or Greater Success At HMS!! Super Talented, Excellent Driver! Kenny Also A Thought: Was The Pressure Too Much, Driving In His Dad's Shadow?? Blessings Kenny And Safe Dirt Racing!!

Are you by chance running in the camping world SRX racing s series?? absolutely

all that you say, agreed and I think you can say he is still a success

Yes, l agree he was on a hell of a roll with dei. when he went to Hendrick thow he had some wins , I thought Gordon and Johnson were getting better cars but that may not be true. Maby things just didn't click like when he was with DEI. food for thought

Like they say would've,should've, could've. Heard something when all this was going on about Jr, that may have made a big difference if things had been different !

Jr drove like his ass was on fire in the DEI days. He had swagger. The #8 was bad fast and that team was gritty! He lost it when he went to Hendrick. Kind of seemed like he went corporate. That being said, he definitely would've had a championship or two and would be in the 50 win club. -My 2 cents

It would have been awesome if Dale Jr. Drove for RCR in the #3.

He would of took over the whole damn world.

Kenny, if you’re ever in Nashville, Tennessee, come to Johnny Cash’s on 3rd Friday-Sunday 2-6. I’d love to have a beer with you. #hermforprez24 🏁

Had Jr’s health allowed him to continue into this new era with Harvick, Hamilton, Truex, & Bush, I believe Jr would have doubled his wins and won at least one title. He would have piled up several more wins at Daytona & Talladega. There was a lot of stiff competition back when Jr was running. Johnson, Gordon, Stewart, Harvick, Bush brothers, Edwards, Keslowski etc. in my opinion it was probably the most competitive era in NASCAR racing history. I think if Jr hung in there for another 5 years he would have for sure been one of the most dominant drivers in the last 10 years. We all have a shelf life. Some shorter then others. You can beat your head against the wall with “what could have beens?”. In my opinion Jr will go down in history for contributing to Nascar other then just victories or on track performance. Look what Jr has done for our sport just recently. Look what he’s done for North Wilkesboro. I was at the All Star race all week. Partied till I dropped every night. Even saw Jr drinking at Dean Combs garaged Wednesday night after his race. I know this much, his dad would be super proud of the man and the asset to Nascar that’s he’s become today. He has every reason to hold his head high. Not to mention, I don’t think he really cares what we think anyway. And that’s what’s so awesome about the guy.

Dale Jr not being able to take the number 8 with him to HMS bothered me more than him leaving DEI. I stopped watching Nascar for a few years, felt like my favorite driver wasn't on track without Jr being in the 8.

Concussions,Death of Big E and the COT those 3 factors hurt jr.

Kenny you are spot on I wished DEI could have kept going I get JRs attitude towards Teresa I had a similar situation in my family with a family's business that my grandfather owned but I didn't get along with his new wife and the business went belly up after his death. JR could have been great and been a cup car owner as a powerhouse team like a Hendrick ,Childress

Isn't it ironic how Dale jr had a direct connection to both Truex and Hamlin when they first started their careers in NASCAR..and yes, Jr tried to stay at DEI, it was Teresa that didn't want him there with the controlling percentage of DEI.

Jr has already indicated lately he is to blame for some of the not staying.

Jr only had 1 person to impress HIS Dad Once he died so did jr’s super drive he had

If Jr got what he wanted with DEI it'd be a powerhouse by now. Seeing how well he's done with JRM is insane, now give him a foundation laid by the greatest racer of the last 40 years? Damn. That said idk if he gets a chip cause of how turbulent Teresea let DEI become and how much she screwed him over with the crew change

I don't really agree. DEI needed a leader that they didn't have. Its hard for any team to rival Hendrick. DEI just didn't have it long term. What Earnhardt needed was a good crew chief. Jeff Gordon found a way no matter what crew Chief he had. Some drivers can. Earnhardt Jrs success was crew chief dependent. Eury Jr just wasnt a good crew chief. And Mcgrew wasnt the motivator/structure guy Jr needed. Jr needed someone that would keep him walking the straight and narrow. His Dad(not a crew chief,but was a leader), Tony Sr, Steve Letarte/Greg Ives. Earnhardt finally matured into a consistent race car driver. Sad his career ended early. He had four straight 20 top ten seasons before he got hurt. Had he not got hurt, he would have won ten more races in his 40s, putting him at 36 career wins.

7:41 wellll ain’t disputing that he’s good (he being Dale Jr) but Mark Martin wheeled a lot of squirrelly cars to top fives… and loose is fast. But Dale Jr drove well, clean, and careful for sure.

Well Mr. Hermanator here's my comment below... I'm not much for the "what if"s, were ifs and buts candies n' nuts, it'd be Christmas every day. That's my disclaimer..ha ha. I agree 100% with you on this "what if"! In my humble opinion, Dale Jr. got stabled going with H.M.S., no doubt in my mind. J. Johnson wouldn't have had his 5 in a row or 7 cup championships. The G-father knew that. The irony was he had to get Sr's kid stored safely in his stable in order to tie his record. Even at the expense of Dale's son's legacy. Mr. H got really brazen with his G-Father comments when he saw a Dale Sr. type driver rattle the cages of his drivers on the track. The love of money ... Timing and circumstances, very true.

Honestly, this question should be reworded to, what if Sr. Was still around to manage DEI? Cause he built it specifically for his kids and a certain Waltrip as he confirmed in interviews. If Jr winning at TexARSE showed his relationship with the witch, it wasn't pretty. And seeing how things turned out between them...... Anyway, back to a reworded question. Dale (3) knew what he was doing with his cars than anyone else in the sport. If Dale (8)'s podcast showed anything, he didn't have a great relationship with his father either until a certain point. The Intimidator would have done the same with Waltrip had he heard he was wallowing in self guilt like what Slugger confirmed on Jr's podcast. He would have set him straight and had him move on from it and focus what he's got ahead. He would also be concerned and even furious when he finds out his own son was hiding the fact he got concussions in Fontana, and if he finds out that Jr split his head open at Jimmie Johnson's place, their relationship would have been on the rocks for a while. Remember, he doesn't like Jr's escapist lifestyle, as shown when he saw what he was doing in the past(going to nightclubs with Schrader, getting drunk with his buddies because he presumably lost his chance at making the big leagues), he definitely wouldn't approve him making decisions while he was out partying. One possibility I heard of, is that Dale divorces the witch for good at one point after walking in on the aftermath of one of her "rants", and the ironic thing I find is, Sr would have told Jr the same thing (the infamous rock star quote) but because Sr wasn't an abusive ahole like the witch was, Jr could have quickly heeded his advice and changed his ways and decided to become the persona he is today a bit sooner. Once he gets his head straight and reveals his dark medical history, the path is golden for him. He would have won around 5-6 championships, his teammate would have won 3-4 championships (of course, under the old points system for both ocassions), and when they tell Sr they want to start their own teams, he would have been wary and just give Jr control of DEI, like he was planning to all this time, before the witch derailed plans cause she's a cheat-sucking control freak. He would have also been wary of Waltrip using Toyota as his maker for his team, but ultimately give him his blessing to do so once he sees the potential that they bring to the table. At that point, DEI is in the hands of Dale Jr and he steers it on a blaze of glory, so much that Chevy completely ABANDONS Hendrick Motorsports and fully backs DEI as the SOLE Chevy team, forcing Hendrick to go to Dodge, which in turn forces Penske to go Ford. There still would have been 4 car makers competing in NASCAR today, 2 of them being connected to one of the biggest legends of NASCAR alive at that point. Spingate would never happen because the Chase was never implemented. The COT was HEAVILY edited so as to not go overboard on the safety which while beneficial, basically made them rocks that can only turn slightly and many complaints from the drivers. And Jr would have been one of the few successful drivers to race for his own team and win. He would have been racing up to this day, still bringing fans but this time not for his partying, hatback, Green Day persona, but for his expertise, his humility, and simply becaise he says it straight and to the point. Sr was a major part of his life, and had he still been around, he would have acheived the greatness he set out to do all those years back

I agree !!!!

He would have lost if not went Hendricks! Herman come to Quincy Sunday?

It was truly sad to see DEI destroyed. I had always thought Theresa was a smart woman until then. She single handedly destroy what Dale Sr worked so hard to build. Kenny’s right, Jr would of been amazing had he stayed but we all know he had to leave because of Theresa.

Hey Herman, I agree. Dale Jr. Definitely could have and would have had more wins. We are at a bar, as you say, so I will say this. " Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. would not have had the wins and accomplishments they have had if we lost Dale Sr., if Jeff Gordon didn't retire, Jimmy Johnson didn't retire, Rusty, Mark, Tony, Terry, Bobby, Dale Jarrett, Jeff Burton, Clint, Carl, etc. So much more powerful talent and badass wheelmen to compete against. But, the "circumstances" retired out much better racers than Denny, way better. Martin had been improving but still not as talented as that much stronger class of drivers.

I love Jr, but people need to be real. No one had more backing and support than Jr. He was in the best equipment money could buy his entire career and he’s as good as he did with it. Others have done more, with less, and should be given credit for it.

I feel the same way definitely would have got a championship for sure also he was pretty close in 2014 I believe that was the year take the concussions out of the equation I feel feel like you could have got a championship at Hendrick

Never met the man but I always got the impression that Jr was enjoying every second of his charmed, privileged life and so maybe the dedication to the championship grind suffered a little. Edit...That sounded more snarky than I intended. Its just that most "champions" have this internal hunger that is never satisfied and Jr always looked happier than a pig in shix being who he was and would tell you same without shame.

I still think Toyota has an unfair advantage

I have a stepmother myself, so I know how difficult that relationship can be at times. I feel like Theresa failed to realize that the fans who pay their hard earned money to keep Nascar and all the teams alive were with Dale. When he left, that was DEI’s death sentence.

The ticket was Theresa should have had the maturity to step aside and hand over control of DEI to a management team to support Jr. Such as Ty Norris , The Eurys and Kelly who each in their own weren't ready but I think with Junior and his Earnhardt name out front pulling this train they could have put the right people in place under Ty to be a long term winner and that's my opinion til death donus part 🙌👌👍👍

I love Dale Jr. My favorite driver ever, but he admits he was unfocused (late, not in the garage, hung over) through much of his career. It’s the concussions that did him in, but he might not of gotten to to 50+ anyway. He would of had to average 4 wins a year for 5 more years to get to 47. Unfortunately, we will never know.

My whole thing was Dale sr open that race team solely for jr. That was jr team from day one. He and his sister should have gotten that team. Dei would still be here today. However I’m not sure that they would be up there with hms. I also believe that jr motor sports would be partners with dei obviously. I think that a couple drivers would still be there. I think that chase and bryon would be in cup with dei.

If a frog had wings he wouldn't bust his ass every time he jumped

I know that some people will not like this, and one of Dale Jrs guests even said this she was trying to deal with losing her World when Sr died. grief sometimes makes you not do things that are good for everyone. I"m not saying she is right or wrong but had never thought of it that way even though I have lost 4 family members to cancer