Dale Earnhardt Jr. has earned enough money in his career to elevate him to the top of the list of the richest drivers in NASCAR. But along with a net worth of over $300 million, he has earned something more valuable than money, than fame.

And that is the love and respect people have for the NASCAR Hall of Famer in and out of the sport.

Most notably, fans voted him the most popular driver award for 15 years in a row. And if there was such an award given by people inside the NASCAR community voted by team bosses and team members, Earnhardt Jr. would still win it.

This is all the more clear considering the incredible demand he put on the table for his former team owner Rick Hendrick. Or rather, the lack of it.

In 2008, when the country and the entire world were suffering from a devastating recession, Dale Earnhardt Jr. offered to take a $1 million pay cut. “I don’t remember what was going on in the sport but everybody was a little nervous and I called him one time and told him to take a million dollars off my salary if he needed to,” Earnhardt said during an interview with Rick Hendrick.

In his response, even someone as experienced as Mr. H admitted he was “shocked.” “That just shows you the character that he has and his relationship with people,” Hendrick added.

“I want the dang thing to look good” – Dale Earnhardt Jr’s demand to Rick Hendrick

When Earnhardt Jr. was negotiating the terms to join HMS, he had one demand – he wanted his car’s side skirts to be color-coordinated with the rest of the car.

“I drive the car, I want the dang thing to look good. I never understood drivers that don’t care about what their car looks like,” Earnhardt Jr. said.

So how did Rick Hendrick respond to this demand?

Well, he let his driver do the entire paint job to his liking.

Also Read: Dale Earnhardt Jr Honestly Admits His Father Would’ve Been Disappointed With His NASCAR Career