In the world of NASCAR, legends are born, and dynasties are built. Among them, the “Man in Black” Dale Earnhardt was an icon that left an indelible mark on the sport. After his untimely demise, many wondered if his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr, would be able to carry forward his legacy at Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated (DEI). 

Renowned NASCAR personality and close friend of Dale Jr, Kenny Wallace believes that the path to greatness for the prodigious driver was hampered by unforeseen obstacles. In a candid episode of his popular YouTube series, the Kenny Wallace Show, Wallace delves into the “what ifs” surrounding Dale Jr’s decision to leave DEI and how it might have altered the course of racing history.

Teresa Earnhardt’s iron grip: Did it cost Dale Earnhardt Jr a championship title?

Wallace recalls pivotal moments in Dale Jr’s career that may have impacted his trajectory, such as the concussions he endured at DEI. One standout incident occurred in Fontana, California, leaving Dale Jr publicly acknowledging that he wasn’t operating at full capacity. Another critical point in the 2x Daytona 500 winner’s journey arose from his strained relationship with his stepmother, Teresa Earnhardt. 

“Dale Junior was destined to be way better than he ended up!

“When we lost Dale Sr, Teresa ended up running DEI […] So remember I drove underneath Teresa Earnhardt as the sole owner, Dale Jr was driving the Budweiser car, and I was Dale Earnhardt Junior’s make-believe teammate for 10-12 races, so I’m privy and I kinda know,” Wallace stated.

Dale Jr’s “make-believe” teammate recounts his tenure driving under Teresa’s sole ownership. During this period, Dale Jr was piloting the iconic Budweiser car while Wallace played the role of a make-believe teammate for several races. Wallace candidly shared, “If Dale Earnhardt Junior could have worked it out with Teresa, he would have went on to win a championship.”

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However, history played out differently, with Dale Jr eventually parting ways with DEI, leaving many pondering what could have been.

Breaking free: Dale Jr’s gut-wrenching decision to leave DEI

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Dale Jr, eager to preserve his father’s legacy and make his mark, sought to have a significant ownership stake in the company. However, his stepmother Teresa had different plans. The widow of Dale Sr, who was at the head of DEI after his demise, apparently blocked Junior’s chances.

Wallace added, “Dale Jr’s growth was stunted because he could not get along with Teresa Earnhardt. […] If Dale Jr stays at DEI, DEI never ends.”

The former Hendrick Motorsports driver’s ambition clashed head-on with Teresa’s vision for the company. He yearned for control, seeking at least 51% ownership, believing that would propel DEI to new heights. But Teresa wasn’t convinced of her stepson’s commitment to the cause. The tug of war over ownership rights created tension that reverberated through the organization.

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Eventually, the simmering tensions reached a boiling point, and Dale Jr made a career-defining choice—he decided to leave the company his father built. It was a difficult decision, for he was leaving behind a team and a legacy of family ties. The Earnhardt name had become synonymous with racing greatness, and now, Dale Jr was about to carve his own path.