Dale Earnhardt Jr. confesses to hating “NASCAR being characterized negatively” after Michael Jordan’s lawsuit

Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has some bold statements defending NASCAR from the blow back over the anti-trust lawsuit.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. confesses to hating “NASCAR being characterized negatively” after Michael Jordan’s lawsuit

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Jordan (Via IMAGO)

The NASCAR community was shocked when Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Bob Jenkins’ Front Row Motorsports took the charters wars to the court, suing the sport for monopoly. It has spilt the garage with many having strong opinion for and against the legal actions, as it will be marked as one of the most important chapters in the series’ history.

Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the recent episode of his podcast explored more details of the lawsuit and revealed his true feelings about it. He finds it hard to see NASCAR and its CEO, Jim France, being characterized in a negative way, following the details of the lawsuit was released to the public.

YouTube video

I do not like how NASCAR has been characterized or Jim France has kind of been characterized in some of the comments I’ve read. So, I hate to see, that’s unfortunate. To see NASCAR be talked about in a negative way.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said via Dale Jr. Download.

But that doesn’t mean he thinks the sanctioning body is beyond criticism, as he asserted that he himself will not stop calling out NASCAR when they make mistakes. He pointed out he will remain critical of NASCAR via his podcast.

Because listen, I’ll criticize them all day long, you know, I have been very critical about them on our show here, and I will criticize them going forward when I feel like I don’t agree with a call or a decision they’re making in the sport.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. explains the reason for his negative feelings

The main reason for the aversion Junior has towards is criticism is the love and respect he has for everyone working with NASCAR, as he has been part of the sport since his childhood. Him being really close to many active and non-active members associated with sport puts him in a tough spot.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Via IMAGO)

But it’s kind of like your – that’s my family. They have been everything that I’ve known. That garage, that industry, everyone in it. They’re – it’s very close to me and a lot of people in the industry. A lot of retired drivers, mechanics.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.

Junior is oaky with NASCAR criticism, as long as it comes from within the sports, calling out BS decisions and calls. But the two times Busch Series champion gets offended when outsiders make negative remarks about the sport.

So, we can criticize it and go ‘Oh that’s B.S. They shouldn’t do that.’ But when someone else comes in the room and says anything negative, you’re like, ‘Woah, you better watch it. Hey now.’ And so that’s the feeling that I get a bit about this.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.

Junior’s words suggests that there is a growing concern within the racing community about things going overboard with criticism, when it comes from individuals less associated with the sport. It will be interesting to see how the lawsuit will playout in the coming years and how it’s going to affect the sport.