For over a decade, NASCAR fans have grown to love Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Dirty Mo Media and all that it entails. Through years of sharing some of the sport’s greatest stories, the media company has established itself as one of NASCAR’s most promising platforms: A fact that was further solidified by SiriusXM’s eagerness to ink an exclusive advertising rights deal with the media house. With that being said, this new deal also raised several concerns for fans.

Would users now have to tune in to SiriusXM’s platforms to watch the Dale Jr Download? Would the existing setup on Spotify and YouTube change from now on? Fortunately, one of Dale Earnhardt Jr’s closest allies put an end to the fan speculations!

There’s no reason to worry, says Mike Davis

Whilst Dale Earnhardt Jr. may be the face and voice behind Dirty Mo Media and the Dale Jr Download, another man on the podcast is largely responsible for the company’s success. When Earnhardt Jr’s good friend, and co-host, Mike Davis, announced his decision to step away from the Dale Jr Download, his focus was on building the brand further as the President of Dirty Mo Media. Fans were unhappy, but Junior knew it was the right call. Fast-forward to 2024, and it seems Mike Davis’ work behind the scenes is paying off well after all.

With the new SiriusXM deal, Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Dirty Mo Media is all set to be taken to new heights. But before the podcast began to air twice a week on the SiriusXM Radio channel, Mike Davis put fans’ concerns around its exclusivity to ease. The Dirty Mo Media president made an appearance on DJD Reloaded where he stated, “If you’ve accessed any Dirty Mo show, that’s still the way you can continue to access it. Nothing changes there. SiriusXM, they bought into what we’re trying to build. They liked us for what we are, they’re not trying to change us. That matters to me.”

According to Davis, Dirty Mo Media’s programs wouldn’t be limited to SiriusXM’s platforms, but the deal meant there were also other avenues for the programs to be aired. For Davis, protecting Dirty Mo Media’s core identity has been one of the biggest concerns. Something he doesn’t need to worry about with the new collaboration.

He stated, “If we can build a platform of people who own their thoughts and are unafraid to say them, come hell or high water, no matter what happens on social media or whatever else, they have a place here for us, and SiriusXM likes that.”

With his statements, Mike Davis made sure fans understand that not much would change in terms of their access to the beloved podcasts. That being said, Davis’ appearance on DJD Reloaded prompted many fans to share their wishful thinking. What did fans share?

Dale Jr Download fans can’t help but miss Mike Davis’ presence

Before Mike Davis walked away from the Dale Jr Download to focus on his executive role, fans had grown accustomed to hearing Junior’s shenanigans with his close confidant. Over the years, the two shared insightful moments about The Intimidator’s legacy and Earnhardt Jr raising a family, creating a connection with fans that was the biggest factor behind DJD’s success.

But now that Mike Davis wasn’t around anymore, fans realized how much they missed his voice on the Dale Jr Download after his appearance on DJD Reloaded. One fan stated, “Man I miss Mike on the download, still hoping he comes back for an episode or two” as another chimed in, “Really miss Mike. The new group is boring. They just don’t have it.”

As for others, Davis’ brainchild wasn’t shining without his presence. Another concerned fan stated, “Seriously; bring Mike back. Sometimes, change isn’t a good thing. You tried something different. It didn’t work.”

On the flip side, the deal with SiriusXM will result in more live events and live shows as well as execute the strategic vision they have. So it seems Davis is completely busy with his executive role and fans might need some time to get used to his absence. For many users, the current format of the Dale Jr Download just lacked the chemistry Davis and Junior brought to the table. Fans sidelined the new co-hosts to highlight, “We need Mike back with Dale….. I liked the podcast much better with Mike.” 

Other fans understood the commitments Mike Davis had as the president of the organization. Users commended Davis for putting together such a major deal for the media company. Still, Davis was a deeply missed figure in the community.

A passionate fan concluded by sharing, “#MikeyMoMedia Really really sad (but happy for him) when it was announced that he’d be stepping away. Absolutely miss Mike on the pod weekly. Hopefully, he can make a few more one-offs but also know he’s gonna make DirtyMo one of the biggest Motorsport Media companies in the world”

After looking at the push from fans for Mike Davis’ return to the Dale Jr Download, do you think we just might see a special episode soon?