Dale Earnhardt Jr‘s two Daytona 500 victories hold a special place in his heart, but it’s not only the wins themselves that he cherishes. In a recent live stream on the Dirty Mo Media Network’s YouTube channel, Junior shared one of his favorite pre-race memories—his surprising enjoyment at being the 2020 honorary starter for The Great American Race.

Never one to shy away from the fun, Junior also infused the flag-waving discussions with his signature humor. He poked fun at the technique (or lack thereof) of some notable figures who’d previously graced the starter’s stand, including celebrities and even NASCAR Hall of Famers.

Dale Earnhardt Jr Throws Shade at Past Flag Wavers Ahead of the 2024 Daytona 500

During the live stream, the newly minted media mogul delved into the intricacies of waving the gloried green flag, a ceremonial duty he performed as the honorary starter for the 2020 Daytona 500. Reflecting on his own childhood fascination with flags, “Man waving the flag was so much fun because… there is a technique to getting it right. There I was the little kid that you know had the flags when they were 8-10 years old and had them in the house…”

In a humorous twist, however, Dale Earnhardt Jr also took a dig at the celebrities and NASCAR Hall of Famers who have taken on flag-waving duties in the past. Without naming names, he playfully criticized their questionable techniques, “And there is a way to do it the right way. You’ll see all these celebrities and other people that get invited to come do it. and you can tell some that have maybe tried to practice a little bit. Some that have not held this flag till the moment they get ready to wave it for the green flag…”

“Then you’ll see some people that are in our own industry that youre like, ‘You’re a driver or a mechanic, crew chief, whatever, and you’re a hall of famer, and that’s your wave? You’ve seen this done a million times!’” emphasizing that even industry insiders should master this seemingly simple task. His animated gesture of the laziest flag wave had the whole room chuckling, providing a lighthearted glimpse into the entertaining dynamics of NASCAR traditions. 

A Family Legacy at the Great American Race

For Earnhardt Jr, the Daytona 500 holds profound significance, rooted in his childhood memories of watching his father, ‘The Intimidator,’ Dale Earnhardt Sr, pursue victory. Additionally, Earnhardt Sr’s triumph in 1998 left an indelible impression on Junior, those who witnessed firsthand the emotional weight attached to winning the prestigious event.

The year 2001, however, cast a long shadow over the Daytona 500 for Earnhardt Jr. The tragic death of his father in that year’s event forever altered the landscape of the sport and left an unhealable wound in the hearts of millions. For many years, the weight of his father’s legacy and the painful memories associated with the event made the Daytona 500 a bittersweet experience for Dale Jr.

Yet, time has a way of weaving its own narrative. Junior returned in 2004 to win his first Daytona 500. He added to his tally with another triumph in 2014, marking off an incredible Hall of Fame career. Moreover, in 2020, Earnhardt Jr. returned to the Daytona International Speedway, not as a driver however, but as the honorary starter, tasked with waving the green to signal the beginning of the Cup season. A full-circle moment in the story of the Earnhardt clan.

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As the 2024 Daytona 500 approaches in a few days, Earnhardt’s reflections serve as a captivating prelude to the historic race, inviting fans to share the joy and nostalgia associated with ‘The biggest party of the year.’

Read More: Years After His Father’s Sad Demise, Dale Earnhardt Jr Is Still in Awe of The Intimidators’ Unparalleled NASCAR Legacy