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Dale Jr Reveals the Intimidator’s Poker Diaries That Helped Him Meet a Former NASCAR Record-Holder

Published 03/28/2024, 10:36 PM EDT

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Imagine a poker party hosted by all current and former drivers in the NASCAR world. We don’t get to witness such scenes now. But there was indeed a time when this was a reality, thanks to the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr. In addition to his fierce competitiveness on the track, the intimidator found joy in hosting poker parties away from the racing environment. These gatherings allowed drivers, crew members, and friends to unwind, connect, and exchange stories beyond the adrenaline-fueled world of racing.

One such attendee at such a party was Bobby Hillin Jr, one of the popular racers of their era. And now, it looks like Dale Jr is awestruck to have him on his show. Recalling incidents from his childhood, he continued discussing events that led to their first meeting.

Dale Earnhardt Jr was 7 when he shook hands with Bobby Hillin Jr

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Former NASCAR record-holder Bobby Hillin Jr appeared in the most recent episode of Dale Jr’s show, Dirty Mo Media. The podcast aired on Spotify, and the host walked through lanes of nostalgia. He spoke of how he met his guest for the first time. During the conversation, Junior said that he went through his notes to find out that he was only 7 when he met Hillin Jr for the first time with his father.

Having recalled the meeting, the former turned curious about how Bobby Hillin Jr landed up at his dad’s place. In reply to this, Hillin Jr revealed that he was invited to a poker night at the Intimidator’s place. “I mean I can’t remember but there were probably four or five drivers, two three media guys, and some other mechanics. It was poker, big poker night,” he said.

 

“Yeah, and you were there with your little sister or big sister; you were all there. And I went met in the kitchen, you shook my hand, and you know, I’m like, Oh, that’s cool, you know,” Bobby Hillin Jr continued as he added to Dale Jr’s memory of their first meeting. As he cherished recalling the incident, a surprised Dale Earnhardt Jr said that it is impossible to think of a poker night these days with drivers such as Denny Hamlin and the media.

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The legacy of Bobby Hillin Jr continues

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The Texas-born former NASCAR driver, Bobby Hillin Jr has a remarkable record of achievements during his time in the racing world. Having started racing at the tender age of 17, he was the youngest driver to clinch victory in a Winston Cup Series event in 1986 at the Talladega 500. He raced in 334 races of the Cup Series in 17 years, with a win in one. Additionally, he ran 114 races in the Xfinity series for 14 years to secure two wins.

Fast forward to the present day, and the former NASCAR record holder has transitioned to the business world. Having retired from the fast-paced world of NASCAR, Bobby Hillin Jr is now the CEO of T-Rex Engineering and Construction. His company is a provider of essential services for the oil drilling industry in the Gulf of Mexico. Be it racing or business, his passion for his work continues to make him a success in every field.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. thus gets nostalgic as he recalls his father’s poker night that helped him meet Bobby Hillin Jr.

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Written by:

Mamata Mukherjee

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Mamata Mukherjee is a NASCAR Writer at EssentiallySports. Combining her love for writing and motorsports she has created some interesting and in-depth stories on drivers like Kyle Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Joining ES with 3 years of experience in the field of writing, Mamata feels right at home in her role as a NASCAR Journalist.
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Edited by:

Shivali Nathta