Last Friday was always going to be an eventful day, with 48-year-old Dale Jr. taking a seat behind the wheel for his first start in 2023. Driving for his team, JR Motorsports, in the Xfinity Series, the Hall of Famer started the race from P15 but never finished. Racing alongside drivers from his own team and his nephew Jeffrey Earnhardt, Dale Jr. looked set to take a spot in the top 5. But an abrupt incident involving a fire and smoke parade in his car belted him down with just 30 laps to go.

Watching their hero’s unfortunate meeting with fate has got NASCAR fans on a roll. The peak of their jolly character was displayed, with one fan deciding to send Dale Jr. into similar situations in the future.

A fan sends in aid to Dale Earnhardt Jr. to help in the future

Despite beginning the day at the Bristol Motor Speedway outside the top 10, Junior was quick to establish himself as the top gun on the grid. He engaged in a strong battle with season regulars to gain control of the race moving towards the finale, but fire played spoilsport before he could leave them in the dust. As smoke filled his car, he had to move to the pit and exit the vehicle.

Speaking about it, he’d said, “That last lap, I saw a big fireball down in the tunnel of the car, and I felt it. Obviously, my uniform was burning up. I was like, ‘I can’t keep going. I got to stop.”

In the illustrious career that earned him multiple accolades and fame, Junior must have faced and overcome multiple fire accidents like the one on Friday. But this time, a fan had made up his mind to help the ‘Pied Piper of Daytona’ out.

Watch Story: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Dilemma: Losing a Prized Pupil to Spire Motorsports

Disclosing a priority mail that he’d received through a story on his Instagram handle, the driver expressed his amusement. Hilariously, the fan had sent him a fire extinguisher with a letter that read, “Dale Jr. Please keep this for all future races.“

https://www.instagram.com/stories/dalejr/3193909281279948854/

The night wasn’t all that hot for Junior, despite catching on fire

After retiring from full-time racing, the son of Dale Earnhardt spends his time playing NASCAR as an analyst and team owner when he is not engaged with his family or friends. Still racing in the Xfinity series under his own banner, he takes his No. 88 Camaro for a breath of fresh air occasionally. Doing so on Friday, he was under no pressure to find P1. But long habits die hard, and that was what he went for. Despite not being able to finish the task, he did not appear at all fazed.

With this star driver, Justin Allgaier, clinching the win that he couldn’t, Junior was only pleased with the day. Hanging outside the window of Justin’s No. 77 car as it rolled to celebrations, the legend did end up finding the victory lane after all. Reacting to NBC about the events that unfolded, he said, “Oh yeah. I had fun. I had a blast. Check that box. Justin wins. The Brandt car wins. Great for Rick (Brandt) and his whole team. Thanks to all the fans. We had a great crowd tonight.”

We will be watching Dale Jr. take the wheel again for his next start at the Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 21st. Let’s pray that the package that he received in the mail will help him just a tiny bit if the situation comes to it.

Read More: 48 Years-Old Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reveals Bristol Motive With Heartwarming 5-Word Admission