Tuesday mornings are a Dale Earnhardt Jr. cheat day.

It happens inside JR Motorsports. Earnhardt sits at a large rectangular wooden table to the right when you’re coming in the door. The room is outfitted with racing memorabilia and other trinkets. In addition to the table where Earnhardt takes up residence, there is another corner outfitted to look more informal, like a mini living room with different coloring, a side table between a lawn chair and a comfortable-looking armchair, a third corner with a smaller but taller wooden table and then a glassed-in engineering room.

For those unfamiliar, it’s the Dirty Mo studio and Earnhardt, alongside co-host TJ Majors, are recording The Dale Jr. Download podcast. And, as he describes it, cheating while doing so.

“We’re not the first voice you could hear,” Earnhardt tells RACER. “There are a bunch of different people creating content and we know that. So, I like that we get a couple of days to hear what everybody’s opinions are. It’s a little bit like cheating, because we can come in and already have an idea of what the temperature of the fan base is, or the reaction to whatever happened Sunday.”

Earnhardt admits the recording schedule leaves his opinion open to being swayed. Or if not swayed, at least opened up to perspectives and additional information he had not considered. The Dale Jr. Download or The Download, is recorded and released Tuesday.

The show drops after the release of The Teardown, another Dirty Mo show, featuring reporters Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi. There is also Door Bumper Clear, yes, of Dirty Mo that features spotter Freddie Kraft, Rick Ware Racing competitor director Tommy Baldwin, Earnhardt’s niece Karsyn Elledge and a guest. Denny Hamlin’s show, Actions Detrimental, usually comes out Monday, if not Sunday night, after a race. But in addition to the shows close to home, there is other NASCAR-related content dropping that Earnhardt might hear.

“We get an advantage going Tuesday and on the backside of a lot of stuff,” Earnhardt says.

The group tries not to take itself too seriously, as heard in the audio that makes it into an episode, where they rag on each other, with Earnhardt sometimes leading the way. On this day in late October, when RACER sat in as Earnhardt and Majors recorded the episode leading into championship weekend at Phoenix Raceway, that dynamic was on full display – including seeing what doesn’t make it into an episode.

The current version of The Download is arguably the strongest it has ever been, thanks to Earnhardt’s voice and presence. When the show started in the 2010s, back when Earnhardt was still a driver, he was nothing more than a voice memo used in an episode. Mike Davis, a longtime right-hand man of Earnhardt through various roles and now the president and executive producer of Dirty Mo Media, was the primary host alongside Taylor Zarzour, breaking down that weekend’s race from a Team Earnhardt perspective.

But the shift in Earnhardt taking more ownership of the show began when he retired and became an NBC Sports broadcaster. Earnhardt joined the show full-time alongside Davis and it expanded to a broader discussion on the sport, JR Motorsports, and weekend events. It’s now Earnhardt and Majors running things, as Davis has shifted to solely overseeing the company.

“I think it’s more important than we can even articulate that Dale Jr.’s opinions and voice are heard, even if Dale doesn’t think they are,” Davis tells RACER. “Is he comfortable? Has he embraced it? I’m not so sure he has. But to his immense credit, he has given that to us, and he brings it every single week.”

Earnhardt, of course, is one of the sport’s most prominent figures. People listen when he talks, and they want to know what he thinks as both a former driver and current team owner, and because of his history and passion for the sport.

There are times, though, when Earnhardt doesn’t feel the need to share his thoughts. The antitrust lawsuit is one example. Earnhardt battled his loyalty to the France family and what the sport has given him with trying to have sympathy toward Hamlin, Michael Jordan and Bob Jenkins. It created a few times when Earnhardt wanted to stay out of it.

“People were going on and on about either something I had said or the lawsuit or the show, and how I was in a bad (expletive) mood,” Earnhardt says. “Sometimes I’ve been in there, and I’ve said, ‘I don’t want to talk about this (expletive) today.’ So, I went on Reddit and said, ‘Y’all, sometimes I don’t want to do this.’ I don’t want always to go in there and sit down and go, ‘Here is what I think, everybody!’

“So, I don’t know that I’m comfortable, or have gotten more comfortable. I really don’t. Some days it’s easier to be there than others.”

Earnhardt is not naturally attracted to the spotlight, but has learned to lean into his role as interviewer and pundit.

Earnhardt does agree that he has a responsibility to use his voice.

“I care enough about the sport that when I’m really adamant or very passionate about something or a direction or change, I’m going to absolutely give my opinion,” Earnhardt says. “I don’t ever want to be a problem, but sometimes you just don’t agree with stuff, or you don’t like the direction we’re headed in, and you think it could and should be better. The show lets me say that, and my delivery sometimes isn’t the best, but I think I’m getting better at it.

“And I think I’m in a good spot now with NASCAR, where they are comfortable with my show being part of the ecosystem, and they know I’m always going to tell my opinion and not shy away from maybe saying some things they don’t love. But they feel like I’m an asset, or I’m a value, for the most part.”

A well-received segment of The Download is the guests Earnhardt talks to. Those individuals have come from across the garage, both current and former – some with ties to the Earnhardt family. If one were to track from early episodes onward, the evolution of Earnhardt’s style as an interviewer and a listener is clear.

“It’s a borderline miracle, because you think about the introvert, the shy guy,” Davis says. “He’s never been comfortable in big public settings or expressing his opinion.”

Earnhardt will receive notes from their resident historian and depending on the guest, Earnhardt will either take those notes and dive in or, when he sits down, he starts a free-flowing conversation. He credits his experience with NBC Sports for lessons he learned as an interviewer, including through seminars. Dan Patrick, a longtime sports broadcasting great, is another person Earnhardt follows.

The fundamentals are essential to Earnhardt, and he tries to focus on them rather than on how nervous he gets when asking questions. Nerves would lead to not having the next question ready, and Earnhardt would be in own his head, and he felt that usually led to a stale or unemotional conversation.

“What I try to do is listen to everything they are saying and find the next question in their answer,” he says. “That tends to produce the best reaction from the fans when they listen and are like, ‘This is a great show.’ Those are the ones where I was listening to the person and going, ‘Oh, wow. Why’d you do it that way?’ Or I’m listening to the answer, it brings curiosity and I lean into it.”

Admittedly, there are still people who come into the room that make Earnhardt nervous or anxious. Those are mostly non-racing-related individuals.

The segment serves in two ways. While the fans get to hear more about the sport or those from its history, Earnhardt is also learning. Sometimes, even about his own family or his father’s career.

“I think that’s probably the reward for me is the discovery,” says Earnhardt. “It’s like music. I love music and I love discovering a new song. … Discovery in music is so fun and motivating and that’s the way the podcasts are. It’s like, I’m going to go in here today, and I don’t know what I’m going to learn, but it’s going to be fun. We’re going to ask all the questions and try to drill down and get some good stuff out of them. And I don’t know what it is about the table or the room, but people just feel so comfortable, and we get to talking, and they open up.”

And at the heart of the show, or what Earnhardt hopes the content coming out of Dirty Mo is accomplishing, is just being a part of the conversation.

“I love what a lot of people are doing out there and I watch it,” Earnhardt says. “I ebb and flow with what I’m creating based on what I’m seeing outside of our business. But I try to find competition in everything, and that is what will motivate me.

“How do we win? How can we be better? How do we keep taking over market share and being the best?”

Steve Phelps, whose derogatory remarks about veteran team owner Richard Childress became public during the federal antitrust suit against NASCAR, has decided to relinquish his position as NASCAR Commissioner and step away from the sport, NASCAR announced.

In a statement released Tuesday morning, NASCAR said Phelps “made the personal decision to step away from the company and his role as Commissioner.” Phelps, who joined NASCAR in 2005, will “transition out of the company by the end of the month.” NASCAR said no successor would be named. His duties will be delegated internally through NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell and the executive leadership team. No other leadership changes were announced.

During the antitrust suit filed against NASCAR by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, an email Phelps sent during the more than two years of Charter negotiations said, “Childress needs to be taken out back and flogged. He’s a stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to nascar.”

Phelps testified for more than four hours on day seven of the antitrust trial that ended in a settlement on the ninth day of the legal proceedings. Phelps wasn’t in attendance the day the settlement was announced.

Richard Childress (left) and Steve Phelps at Darlington in April.

“Words cannot fully convey the deep appreciation I have for this life-changing experience, for the trust of the France family, and for having a place in NASCAR’s amazing history,” Phelps said in a prepared statement. “As I embark on new pursuits in sports and other industries, I want to thank the many colleagues, friends, and especially the fans that have played such an important and motivational role in my career.”

In Phelps’ 20 years at NASCAR, the sport transformed its annual schedule, reshaped its strategic vision, expanded its international footprint, secured long-term media rights and Charter agreements, and assembled a leadership team focused on building stock car racing’s future with the fan experience at its core.

“Steve will forever be remembered as one of NASCAR’s most impactful leaders,” NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France said in a prepared statement.

NASCAR Executive Vice Chair Lesa France Kennedy said in a prepared statement that in Phelps’ two decades at NASCAR, he had “balanced strong leadership and a consistent pursuit of excellence with a sincere commitment to our fans.”

“He has helped to bring fans some of the best, most unforgettable moments in our history, and most importantly, he’s laid an incredible foundation for continued growth and success for the entire sport,” Kennedy stated.

A North Carolina native, Deb Williams is an award-winning motorsports journalist who is in her fourth decade covering auto racing. In addition to covering the sport for United Press International, she has written motorsports articles for several newspapers, magazines and websites including espnW.com, USA Today, and The Charlotte Observer. Her awards include the American Motorsports Media Award of Excellence, two-time National Motorsports Press Association writer of the year, and two-time recipient of the Russ Catlin award. She also has won an award in the North Carolina Press Association’s sports feature category.  During her career, Deb has been managing editor of GT Motorsports magazine and was with Winston Cup Scene and NASCAR Winston Cup Scene for 18 years, serving as the publication’s editor for 10 years. In 2024 she was inducted into the NMPA Hall of Fame. 

Steve Phelps resigned as NASCAR commissioner on Tuesday, bringing an end to his tenure with the league after 21 years. With Phelps out, NASCAR will officially move into a new era beginning with the 2026 season.

Reactions from across the sport have come in the aftermath of the news. Hendrick Motorsports, one of the longest-tenured teams in NASCAR, released a statement on social media.

“We thank Steve Phelps for his leadership and dedication to NASCAR over the past two decades,” the statement read. “He helped our sport navigate opportunities, challenges and periods of significant change while positioning it for the future. We appreciate his service and wish him all the best in his next chapter.”

Phelps’ departure comes one month after NASCAR went to trial against Cup Series teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The teams filed an antitrust lawsuit against the sanctioning body and its CEO Jim France, alleging monopolistic practices. The discovery process revealed several text messages and emails which raised concerns about Phelps’ leadership.

In an August 2023 text exchange with Brian Herbst, NASCAR chief media and revenue officer, Phelps said that longtime team owner Richard Childress should be “taken out back and flogged.” Phelps called him a “stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR.” Phelps’ comments came after Childress publicly criticized the Next Gen car and the media rights deal that was still being negotiated. During his trial testimony, Phelps expressed regret over the text messages. He said he apologized to Childress even before the messages became public.

During the trial, Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris called for Phelps to step down or be fired. Bass Pro Shops is a major sponsor for the league. One day after Morris’ open letter, the two teams settled after eight days in court.

Steve Phelps out at NASCAR ahead of 2026 season

Phelps joined the league in 2005 as vice president of corporate marketing. He was promoted in 2018 to chief operating officer before being named the fifth NASCAR president later that year. Phelps became the league’s first commissioner in the spring of 2025.

Among his accomplishments, leading NASCAR to become one of the first leagues to return to action during the COVID-19 pandemic and finish its 38-race season. Phelps helped negotiate the 2025-2031 media rights deal, worth $7.7 billion.

“Steve will forever be remembered as one of NASCAR’s most impactful leaders,” France said. “For decades he has worked tirelessly to thrill fans, support teams and execute a vision for the sport that has treated us all to some of the greatest moments in our nearly 80-year history. 

“It’s been an honor to work alongside him in achieving the impossible, like being the first sport to return during COVID, or in delivering the unimaginable by launching new races in the L.A. Memorial Coliseum and NASCAR’s first-ever street race in downtown Chicago. Steve leaves NASCAR with a transformative legacy of innovation and collaboration with an unrelenting growth mindset.”

Cummins, Inc., a global power technology leader and one of America’s most storied engineering and motorsports innovators for over a century, is partnering with RAM and Kaulig Racing to return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026.

The industry-leader in diesel, natural gas, and alternative power technologies will serve as a full-season primary sponsor for defending ARCA Menards Series champion Brenden Queen, as he drives the No. 12 RAM 1500 for Kaulig Racing’s brand-new Truck Series program.

.@03Butterbean‘s No. 12 Cummins Ram 1500 will look stellar at Daytona! ?@Cummins | @RamTrucks | @KauligRacing pic.twitter.com/AoAc2KGBWM

— Kaulig Trucks (@Kaulig_Trucks) January 6, 2026

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Cummins to the Kaulig Racing family,” said Chris Rice, CEO of Kaulig Racing. “Their engineering experience and commitment to innovation are a perfect match for our vision. Brenden is an exceptional talent, and we’re building a program around him that we believe can compete for wins and make a playoff run right away.”

Cummins has a long history of involvement in NASCAR, including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. From 1996 to 1998, the brand partnered with Petty Enterprises to sponsor the No. 43 for Rich Bickle and Jimmy Hensley, netting a single victory at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.

“Cummins has racing in its DNA,” said Brett Merritt, Vice President and President, Engine Business, Cummins. “From Clessie Cummins winning the first Indianapolis 500 as a crew member to our leadership in commercial power, we’ve always pushed the limits of what’s possible. Brenden Queen represents that same spirit – talented, hardworking, and full of momentum. Partnering with both Kaulig Racing and RAM provides the opportunity for us to continue to write our motorsports legacy.”

Queen, known affectionately as ‘Butterbean’, is a fan-favorite driver from the world of short track racing, who last season got the opportunity to have a breakout season on a national platform and won the ARCA Menards Series title for Pinnacle Racing Group.

The Chesapeake, Virginia-native was also tested with select starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series, where he delivered solid results. Those performances turned heads and led to him being named one of Kaulig Racing’s five drivers for the RAM program.

“To have a company with Cummins’ history and worldwide reputation support me is incredible,” Queen said. “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of this RAM 1500 and represent Cummins and Kaulig Racing every weekend. This is the type of opportunity that every driver dreams about.”

Queen will make his debut in the No. 12 Cummins RAM 1500 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway, set to take place Friday, February 13 at 7:30 PM ET on FS1, NASCAR Radio Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Illinois’ opaque budget process handed $12 million to NASCAR. Fast and furious is no way to treat taxpayers’ money.

Illinois’ 2026 budget included $12 million for NASCAR, but the cash was handed out too fast for anyone to see exactly where it was going.

A $5 million grant to NASCAR from the general revenue fund is for “costs associated with operating expenses.” Another $5 million grant is from the Build Illinois Bond Fund for “costs associated with capital improvements, including prior year costs.” No details were provided about those costs.

Another $2 million grant to Enjoy Illinois Tourism for NASCAR is also for unspecified “operating expenses.” It is possibly for its sponsorship of the Enjoy Illinois 300, held in September in Madison, Illinois, where the title sponsor is the state tourism department.

NASCAR is a private organization that runs high-end stock car racing events and owns the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet. In past years, they have held events in Chicago, converting city streets for use in large-scale events. The event is not taking place in 2026, which raises more questions about why NASCAR needs millions from taxpayers.

Lawmakers claimed the 2026 budget contained no pork, but a closer look shows 2,815 items over $200,000 lawmakers decided to fund in the final hours of the legislative session – rushed, harmful to taxpayers and with no time for public scrutiny. They included $40 million for a high school sports complex at the alma mater of Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch.

The justification commonly given for using state funds to fund activities and events is they help generate tourism and could potentially break even depending on the contract. However, such a method of spurring tourism often ignores substantial hidden costs such as increased police presence.

It also uses the heavy hand of government to pick winners and losers. A better way to increase tourism would be making it cheaper to visit the state, such as eliminating hotel taxes.

NASCAR generated $102.6 million in profit in 2024. They are financially able to cover the costs of events themselves. Plus, the key infrastructure of racetracks already has been built in most locations.

Competitive grants with objective evaluation criteria and reporting requirements should be scored and tracked by a state agency. This ensures the funds are allocated and used properly.

By contrast, earmarks such as NASCAR grants are problematic because they lack transparency. Taxpayers do not know why the appropriations were made or how the funds will be spent.

Illinois’ opaque budgeting process enables this kind of spending to slip through without public review. Lawmakers pass the budget in a rush, with limited time for open debate and no requirement to justify or audit earmarks.

Illinois faces low economic growth, high debt and ballooning pensions – all because state lawmakers are taking ever-more from taxpayers and driving out jobs and working families.

Illinois doesn’t need to funnel $12 million in taxpayer dollars to giant sports associations. It needs to fix its broken budget process.

Reforms such as spending caps, mandatory public review periods and requiring detailed grant disclosures would help restore transparency and trust in Springfield.

Want to see the 2,815 earmarks and questionable spending state lawmakers put in this year’s budget? Use our look-up tool below.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The fallout from NASCAR’s federal antitrust trial continued into the new year as NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps announced his resignation Tuesday after more than 20 years with the top racing series in the United States.

His resignation comes after last month’s trial in which inflammatory texts Phelps sent during contentious revenue-sharing negotiations were revealed. Phelps will leave the company at the end of the month, ahead of the start of the first exhibition race of the season on Feb. 1.

He was named NASCAR’s first commissioner last season after a courting process for the same role by the PGA Tour. The opportunity with the PGA Tour was revealed during December testimony of the antitrust trial brought by two race teams against NASCAR, and Phelps testified he pulled out of consideration for that role upon the NASCAR promotion from president.

The top executive at NASCAR was deeply bruised during the trial — and the discovery process leading into it — when communications he exchanged with his leadership team were exposed. In one exchange, Phelps called Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress “a stupid redneck” who “needs to be taken out back and flogged.”

That led Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, an ardent supporter of both NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing, to write a damning letter demanding Phelps’ removal as commissioner.

After he concluded his testimony in the nine-day trial last month, Phelps left the stand with his jaw clenched, his face red, and he made no eye contact with NASCAR’s owners as he briskly headed directly out of the courtroom. His fiancée trailed after him as he even refused to look in her direction.

NASCAR settled the lawsuit with 23XI Racing, owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports, owned by Bob Jenkins, the day after Morris’ letter went public and two days after Phelps’ testimony.

“As a lifelong race fan, it gives me immense pride to have served as NASCAR’s first commissioner and to lead our great sport through so many incredible challenges, opportunities and firsts over my 20 years,” Phelps said in a statement. “Our sport is built on the passion of our fans, the dedication of our teams and partners and the commitment of our wonderful employees.

“It has been an honor to help synthesize the enthusiasm of long-standing NASCAR stakeholders with that of new entrants to our ecosystem, such as media partners, auto manufacturers, track operators and incredible racing talent.”

He added he will seek “new pursuits in sports and other industries” and thanked colleagues, friends and fans that “played such an important and motivational role in my career.”

He also thanked the France family, the founders and owners of NASCAR, who hired him away from the NFL two decades ago and promoted him to a position that could have netted him $5 million annually with bonuses.

“Words cannot fully convey the deep appreciation I have for this life-changing experience, for the trust of the France family, and for having a place in NASCAR’s amazing history,” Phelps concluded.

Phelps is a native of Vermont, where as a child he became a fan of local racing. He graduated from both the University of Vermont, where he set the school record in the 800 meters, and Boston College, where he earned a master’s in business administration.

NASCAR thanks Phelps for leadership

NASCAR said Phelps’ leadership transformed a stale schedule with new events, “bucket list fan experiences,” and reshaped its strategic vision. Phelps also was lauded for expanding NASCAR’s international footprint, securing long-term media rights and charter agreements and building a leadership team that is focused on building the future of stock car racing with fan experience at its core.

“Steve will forever be remembered as one of NASCAR’s most impactful leaders,” said Jim France, the NASCAR chairman and CEO. “For decades he has worked tirelessly to thrill fans, support teams and execute a vision for the sport that has treated us all to some of the greatest moments in our nearly 80-year history.”

Phelps also led NASCAR as it became the first sport to return to competition during the COVID-19 shutdown, as well as developing races inside the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the downtown streets of Chicago.

“Steve leaves NASCAR with a transformative legacy of innovation and collaboration with an unrelenting growth mindset,” France added.

Lesa France Kennedy, the NASCAR executive vice chair, said “while his career may take him elsewhere, he’ll always have a place in our NASCAR family.”

NASCAR did not announce any additional leadership or personnel changes and said there are no immediate plans to replace him as commissioner or to seek outside leadership. His responsibilities will be delegated internally through NASCAR’s president — now Steve O’Donnell — and the executive leadership team.

O’Donnell moved into Phelps’ role as president upon Phelps’ promotion to commissioner. Although the two were mostly in favor of improving revenue-sharing for the teams in two-plus years of bitter negotiations, the discovery process showed their growing frustration with NASCAR’s board of directors over its refusal to make the charters permanent.

The Childress texts

Phelps appeared to be an advocate for more concessions for the race teams, but as the process dragged on, he ultimately fell in line with the France family. That’s when his communications became more pointed. He testified he felt the teams had received a fair deal on the new charter agreements.

But it was the attacks on Childress that drew the most attention, and Phelps said in court he regretted his words, had apologized to Childress and explained he was venting out of frustration.

It wasn’t good enough for Morris, a longtime backer of Childress teams.

“We can’t help but wonder what would happen if Major League Baseball brought in a new commissioner and he or she trash-talked one of the true legends who built the game like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle or Babe Ruth?” Morris wrote. “Such blatant disrespect would probably not sit well with the fans — such a commissioner most likely wouldn’t, or shouldn’t, keep his or her job for very long!”