One does not become a friend overnight—at least, not as a grown-up. People tend to grow on each other. It requires patience, nurturing, and, most importantly, trust. Something similar happened with Dale Earnhardt Jr and Tony Stewart. Unlike many other friends, they did not bond over similar likes and dislikes. Instead, it took a scuffle to get the two to bond.

And interestingly, this was something the two jovially discussed in the latest episode of The Dale Jr. Download podcast.  

Dale Earnhardt Jr acknowledges Tony Stewart’s bonding skills

During a wholesome moment in the episode, while addressing his co-host Mike Davis, Dale Jr spilled the beans. He said, “There were moments where we didn’t agree. We were frustrated with each other. But he is a kinda guy, you know. He is one of those friends. He gets over those things easily.”

Tony Stewart might be ruthless when it comes to racing. However, when it comes to friendship, in Dale Jr’s words, “He wants to protect and care for the friendship. And it matters to him. Just a good dude.”

The two-time Daytona 500 winner also acknowledged Stewart as being someone who is easy to bond with. He said, “When you are around, everybody appreciates him so much. And how he is able to get along with pretty much everybody. He has got friends all over the world.”

Coming from Dale Jr, it is indeed high praise for the Stewart-Haas Racing owner. Junior further added, “He is coast to coast, making connections every single day. It’s impressive how he can juggle it all.”

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Foes to Friends: Tony Stewart and Dale Jr

Well, all was not well before the two legends became fast friends.

In an earlier episode of The Dale Jr. Download podcast, the #88 legend recounted an event. Dale Jr disclosed that “There was an altercation and pushing and shoving between me and his crew chief. Nobody really got popped or anything.”  

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It was later in Milwaukee that the 3x Cup champion took the initiative to break the ice. Dale Jr recalled, “But he came up to me. And said, ‘Hey man, we’re going to be racing each other for a long time. So let’s be friends. Let’s not run into each other anymore. Let’s not drag this out.” 

Since then, they have been the closest of buddies. They seem to cheer and support each other in their work. This was seen when Junior supported Stewart in his recent venture into the drag racing arena. The host congratulated him on his first Top Alcohol drag race win in Vegas.

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