Dale Earnhardt Jr. urges Michael McDowell to change his “checkers or wreckers” mentality

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is disappointed with Michael McDowell over Ryan Baney crash.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. urges Michael McDowell to change his “checkers or wreckers” mentality

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael McDowell (Via IMAGO)

Front Row Motorsports’ Michael McDowell has found himself in a tough situation in the 2024 season. Unlike last season he hasn’t had the consistent front running Fords from FRM and now has to win a race secure his spot in the playoff. He came close to doing it last week, but messed up by wrecking Ryan Blaney while racing for P2 with nine laps left in the race at New Hampshire.  

Reigning Cup champion Ryan Blaney was furious with the veteran driver for the “law percentage move” that caused the wreck and Hallof Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. has the similar feeling. He asserted via his podcast that he should change his mentality of racing hyper aggressive at the end for the win as it often leads mess for all drivers involved.

YouTube video
You’ve got to change that mentality of, ‘Oh shit, here we are I see a win in front of me, I’ve got to do everything possible, checkers or wreckers,’ Because ten times out of ten he’s going to crash that car going into Turn One. Ten times out of ten. There was no shot in Hell, ever, that that ever works out.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said via Dale Jr. Download.

While further talking on the point, he asserted that the incident was unnecessary as there was no way he could have won the race even he was able to get out of the situation unharmed. He added that the incident and the excuse McDowell given for it is not a great look for the veteran.

FS Video
So, you know I just, he takes out another car unnecessarily. It’s just not a great look. Even the reasoning behind it, even the excuse, the reasoning behind it doesn’t add up.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. had some harsh words for Michael McDowell

Junior went on to assert that with the move, McDowell was digging his own gave and there was no justification for it. He asserted that the Ford driver wasn’t going to make the corner under any circumstances.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Via IMAGO)
He didn’t have a, that’s not going for it. That’s not going for it, that’s stepping on it. That’s pooping in the bed. I’m sorry. There was no win there, he was not going to make the corner. What did he think was happening?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.

For McDowell, everything went bad at the moment at New Hampshire and he has to fix his reputation. If he didn’t, other driver will do the same to him and use it has excuses. It would be interesting to see how the reminder o the 2024 season would playout for the veteran who is set to join Spire Motorsports next-season.

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