How Dale Earnhardt Got His First Big Break
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ส.ค. 2021
- He's not just a humble man with gray hair, an old Goodyear hat, and red suspenders, Will Cronkrite is a former NASCAR crew chief and car owner full of amazing stories that Dale Earnhardt Jr. wants the world to hear. His #96 car gave Dale Earnhardt what many consider to be his big break in NASCAR and Dale Jr. gets the low-down on how it all happened. As a "scrawny kid" he stood in his father's truck at Cronkrites shop as they readied the car for the World 600, a part of Dale Jr.'s life that Will brings to life in this fascinating conversation. The story was so much more! How did Willy T. Ribbs and Humpy Wheeler help create a chance that would springboard The Intimidator's career? Cronkrite details the early days of a father and NASCAR Hall of Famer.
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Man looking at Dale Jr. when the old timers tell him stories about his dad back in the day , he looks like a innocent child listening contently .... In a way breaks my heart seeing the amount of love that man has for his Dad !!!
Yessir. Every man wants to hear about how great his dad was. It's a sad story that all I have is every once in a while I hear about my dad's Mechanical skills back in the day, but the alcohol and such held him back from doing big things with cars, even his brain told him theirs no money in mechanics, which I know now to be false but wish he had taught me everything he knows because I'd love nothing more than to have had that relationship with him. He can't be bothered to even so something as simple as help me change plugs and wires, he'll give me a brief description of the easiest way to access them but won't do anything else unless it benefits him somehow.
That is so true. Was tragic to lose someone so soon that we all admired. But never imagine how hard it was on Dale Jr. losing his dad so early. Thanks for the great comment.
Him and his dad weren't even close. He has said as much
@@chuckwhitson654they might not have been. but the love was still there.
@@khaoticpenguin3945 i know that feeling so well about your dad not having or taking time to help his kid...I guess I love my dad in some ways but in other ways I hold a grudge against him..some people are just not parent material and my ass whole dad was one of them people
This stuff is priceless to us old diehard earnhardt fans. Yes we are still out here. always will be
We sure are! I'll be a fan of Iron Head til I breathe my last!
Damn Right... God Bless Ya
Still run a 3 plate on front of my black dually, people love it
This is priceless to everyone who enjoys nascar I was just coming to the age of starting to really understand racing when he passed but hearing any stories like this regardless of the drivers is awesome would love anything like this for any driver
Raise hell praise Dale
That man Will Kronkrite is a treasure trove of memories! A nascar treasure!
He did an interview last December with Steve Waid and Rick Houston for The Scene Fault. You can link to it via Jayski.
@@jamesscully529 ... in case you didn’t know, The Scene Vault is also a TH-cam channel...
That is pure American culture they're talking.
Loved every bit of it.
@@twoblacklabs904Great channel, but they have audio issues sometimes, but they have great interviewees on there.
I can see why Dale Jr wanted this man on his podcast. Old school, the way the Cup series and NASCAR in general used to be.
Too bad this is not how it is today. Good people doing the right thing.
In 25 years, Dale Jr will be the old school, and the NASCAR of today will be looked back upon fondly with misty eyes and they’ll all say how it isn’t like it used to be. This narrative has never changed since I watched my first race 40 years ago.
What I learned in this thread...Time doesn't stop,people get old,and things are always changing....thanks guys...
Back when they raced car's. Not cookie cutter sticker cars.
+1000
Love how humble everyone is. They all have so much respect for each other. Awesome podcast need more people like this in the world.
Definitely a dying breed...
That was just well said !!!!!!
What a humble polite man. Someone to certainly strive to be like.
I think they knew Dale Jr was going to toss their salads after the show....
@@chrishollar6080 🥲🥲🥲 ZZ
I could listen to Will's stories all day long!
That might have been one of the best stories so far .. jr interviews are so much fun. Miss him on the track but what great content he is doing now
You should get a copy of his book
@@calebrumph669 good advice but honestly I can not settle down enough to read a book.. maybe one day.. I have only read one small book in my life.. I just get distracted to easy to follow along
Nikki is not
The simple acknowledgement by Jr. of what Will did for his dad meant so much. You could tell that Will was just getting emotional receiving that recognition from Jr. So Awesome!
I know how it is to work so hard to do the best you can and be recognized for th
at effort by someone you know means it.
With that said , I would like to thank Jr. for his effort putting these podcasts together. This has quickly become my favorite channel and brought back the enthusiasm I once had. I'd stopped doing anything Nascar but am able to live that time again thru memories and filling in the gaps of those.
I loved being a fan of your dad getting to meet him and watching all the things he did in a race car. You've enabled myself and many others to live those times once more.
Driving a 1964 Chevy pick up in 1978 to a NASCAR race what a classic story.👍😎😎
with a stolen "borrowed" trailer. Gold.
That sounds like my grandfather not letting him borrow it- them boys where rough with stuff back then. My aunt used it for her car, her brother used it for his car, then the next generation- my sister used it for her car and my cousin for his car, and then the next generation - my nephew(sister’s son) used it for his car
Wish we had more owners today like Will Cronkite, humble guy, old school smarts! Great interview!!
Love how proud Jr got, when Will told him "you was there with your Daddy" and also how well mannered Jr was! 😃!! So many of us, who had a Daddy we were in awe of, cause in our eyes our Daddy was a Hero! There's a special feeling you get, whenever you get the golden opportunity to talk to older folks, folk's who knew your Daddy & knew thing's about him that maybe you didn't, like that your Daddy was so proud of ya & would bragg on you every chance he got, but only when you weren't there to hear him do'in it 🙏😞
I did sneak up and hear my dad talking about me that was a good time !!!
My autographed pic of a skinny Dale, from his rookie season, where he's pullin' his Wrangler jumpsuit open to reveal his tee shirt that says, "Damn I'm Good!", will forever be my most cherished memorabilia.
I literally started following NASCAR Because of him in 1979!!
I also have the 1979 Rookie of the Year, and 1980 Championship unopened Coke bottles
I bought on our honeymoon in 1980.
The Memories will never be forgotten.
Feburary 2001 started a series of tragic events in our lives, that culminated in us losing our son three years later.
He was a Big Junebug Fan.
Eights and Threes border his grave, because my most Cherished memories are of the things we enjoyed together, and one of the first was watching the Races every sunday, when he was in diapers.
RIP Intimidator.
The Love for You remains!
My level of respect for the Earnhardt racing family just continues to climb. Great stories. This guy needs his own channel.
That "Tell her I asked about her" it means a lot where we come from. 😌😌😌
I love how JR let’s the old timers talk and not interrupt it’s great to watch
I enjoy when you talk to the old school guys. I’ve been a NASCAR fan since you only got to see 10 or 15 minutes on Wide World of Sports. Loved watching both Sr. And Jr. race. I respect your honoring the history of the sport and it’s roots.
THANK YOU Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Dirty Mo Media ! ! !
Your contribution to NASCAR is absolutely priceless ! ! !
Ed Negre, Will Cronkrite and Rod Osterlund are all car/team owner names EVERY REAL Dale Earnhardt fan should know by heart. They established the foundation for his later successes with Bud Moore Engineering and Richard Childress Racing. So great to finally see Will on the show, Dale Jr.!
Dale jr.l can't tell u how much l truly enjoy ur show!keep up the good work!!!!
The car was owned by Ed Negre who I believe Humphy said was a good friend. This was in 1975. So, Jr was only one year old.
Man, so cool to hear about the old school era of NASCAR from those that were there and experienced it. That's not something you can say about most sports. I'm very glad Dale Jr has this podcast, because these stories may have never made it to the masses without it
Definitely,hats off to Jr. Just the way he can relate to his guests. He makes them feel at home,comfortable. Good guy.
@@samrumade9429
Junior is an honest and real guy, just like Dale was.
Dale is smiling down for sure.
Just incredible to watch this old hand become emotional talking about Dale and how things came together. I am 80 this year and I used to watch Ralph ( Dale Jr's grandad) do power slides at the Greenville-Pickens dirt track on Saturday night in the summer of 68. Watched Wendell Scott run at Greenville also. Richard would always run up against the wall and it would shake the entire stands when he came down the front straightway. For me, it was always about the old days. I know you can't turn back the clock but I've tried.
Dang. He should have YOU on the podcast. The stories you could tell…
This here TH-cam is the turning of the clock. It may have its cons and is limited but nonetheless it's a glimpse and its better than not having it.
I wish I knew a way to turn back the clock for you , I believe that you really deserve it .
Learning that Sr. practiced the proverbs of giving so the left hands doesn’t know what the right hand is doing is pure awesome!
It’s one thing to give and be proud in front of the world. It’s another thing to give and expect nothing in return.
Learning this about Dale Earnhardt Sr. is very inspirational for me and the times I am living in.
It has to be the major key factor in his time here in earth with us.
Dale you need to push for more full episodes on here . mr cronkite is a 5 star guest . we and you learn more about your dad almost every show . i can see it in your face every time you learn something about your dad that you had no idea about . love ya brother .
Wow! What a humble and good man! Whole lotta respect at the table on this one.
Nothing like hearing some old Earnhardt stories. Cool stuff
I want to see a movie made about Ralph Earnhardt racing back in the day
We need JK Simmons to reprise the role of Ralph again for it!
That would be cool if that ever happened like they did a movie on Dale Earnhardt
I want a better dale earnhardt movie
Yeah but good luck with that
It would be cool if John Schneider would make a movie about the good old days of stock car racing back when Lee petty ned jarrett and Ralph Earnhardt were racing
Jr., this is awesome. Keep up the old time content. We all love hearing the old stories of racing that have been lost. Great stuff!!!!
No. 3 that reminds men.
It's the best feeling when an old timer tells a story your dad did long ago that helped someone. These stories are golden...
Jr. Is very thoughtful an Will is just as grateful ! Lot of gratitude 🙏
I Can Only Imagine the way Dale Jr feels hearing these stories. I'm sure he absolutely loves it because I know I sure do
That picture of Will's old truck towing his race car on an open trailer brings tears to my eyes. He had such desire to be in racing, it didn't matter that he didn't have a chance against the big dogs. Big things start small.
And Humpy Wheeler giving the $3500; grand gesture.
I can relate. Pulled into the pits of a little dirt track in the middle of nowhere the first night of my career with a 6 pot F-150 and a borrowed hay trailer with no ramps. I had to raise the nose of the trailer (still attached to my truck) to get the rear of the trailer low enough to use my car ramps as trailer ramps to get my car on to the trailer. Won enough that first night to pay my entry fee, put some gas in the truck and enough high test in the spare tank for the car the next week. That’s how broke I was and how bad I wanted to race.
Will seems like one hell of a good guy. Really neat to listen to.
Got to be so cool. Hearing stories from a guy who was there with your dad back in the day. I know a guy who raced your dad and grandfather. Number 27 sailing Sam sommers lost speedways.
Just so much class, jr and his team just know what the hell they’re doing and they get a lot of respect from they’re guests it’s so great to hear all these old school stories
This man is Gold! "If Humpy said Dale can drive the car, I'm good" totaly old school love it
So Great to hear these stories and how hard those little guys struggled and ran with little or nothing but the drive, ambition and the heart of loving what they were doing
What a nice, humble old man, salt of the earth type of guy. That was also very sweet of Jr. to give that to the old man at the end. You just know that means the world to him; having the son, accomplished in his own right, of this legend tell him how important he is in his dad’s mythos
My husband liked Dale Sr and Jr because they are telling us how this sport should be. Old school but with respect.
Read his book. This podcast is the icing on the cake. Loved seeing and hearing him in real life.
Jr. seems almost like a little kid during these stories. Amazing! I could listen to these all day
I love these stories. Why the hell can't we go back to our roots of old school racing. Keep this up Jr. It's badass
I think to many people died , half of sr’s legacy is what his death did to improve the safety of the sport
Another history lesson and told by a great story teller. Jr. we need more like this, Thank you all for sharing the history in such a colorful way.
It's nuts hearing all these stories about racing and Nascar. I have been binging on these for 3 weeks straight. All day all night. The Dale Sr stories are truely special. You can never say Nascar without saying Earnhardt.
Will is a great guy in general and one of the few treasures left of Nascar as we knew it and having the pleasure to personally hear many of these stories from him has shown me his love for the sport is still as strong today as it always has been
Hey Dale Jr this podcast was by far the best podcast I have ever seen in my life it hit me right in the heart where it hurts the most 🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁
Will was definitely a big part of Dales career. Jr, man what a story, best one yet!
These guys got a PhD in auto racing. Excellent video the old guy validated that Era of Dale. Wow what a guy.
This is one of my favorite Dale Jr Download podcasts. Really really good stuff.
Love hearing these stories about your Dad. Please keep those coming. You are helping to keep his spirit and memories alive for all his fans. Thank You.
Jr what a gift that you are giving us! Thank you for your ambition to share the real stories and experiences with everyone that has been a part of something so Big.. we are out here. Still fans. We all miss him!
We miss him so much he was fun to watch and even when he would win it was great !!!!!!
We miss him so much he was fun to watch and even when he would win it was great !!!!!!
We miss him so much he was fun to watch and even when he would win it was great !!!!!!
We miss him so much he was fun to watch and even when he would win it was great !!!!!!
We miss him so much he was fun to watch and even when he would win it was great !!!!!!
What a great watch! This generation of MEN really got things done!
Southerners are so badass! Humble and real.
So true.
These ol' Timers have the best stories. Never knew Will was such a humble man.
Love this interview. Can tell that Will respected Dale Sr. See the emotion and admiration he had for him. The stories were great. It's also great to hear that Dale may be hard ass but had good heart and loyal to his friends and those that helped him. Thank you for another great show.
Dale was always responsible for the seat. I just didn't know it had started so early. Great stories!
Jr. has some real interviewing skills. There's a nice flow to his shows. Very entertaining.
Dang it Dale where’s the full episode with Mr. Cronkite? I love hearing from the old school guys.
I cant stop watching these interviews, Dale has gotta be the nicest guy in the racing world if not on the planet, always putting people and there feelings first and always complementary to all.duch an awesome guy.
Thank you Will. Without you we may not have a Dale Earnhart.
I've watched/listened to this story at least 4 times, and I still enjoy it as much as the 1st time
It was great having him on my show a couple weeks ago and hearing his stories. I’m planning to meet up again next week and visit Bill Rhine together with my father-in-law Ken Thompson. Cant wait for that!
Tell him thank you very much for helping him get his start millions of us appreciate that
Before I got to the end, I totally handed Mr Cronkite his due for handing Dale his. Good on you sir.
I love these stories, they are cool .
Jr., thank you guys for doing interviews like this. What a joy to listen to this guy tell his story (stories). This was incredible. Thanks again!
I think your dad's next big break was when he was given 2 vehicles built by Ronnie Hopkins to take to Osterlund racing. Dale made that deal on Ronnie's porch on a Sunday in Berea South Carolina. Ronnie built him 2 cars and told him if he won in them to make sure he mentioned his name. Your dad later on came and paid Mr Hopkins in full for both cars which is an awesome story.
This is so special to hear Dale's thoughts and Jr's view about all this. Outstanding to hear this about Dale.
This is my favorite video of all time!!! Thank you Will and Dale!!! Good to hear your voice Will!!! Thank you for sharing such great history!!!🏁🏁🏁
another example of why NASCAR
will never be able to replicate the times when Stock-Car racing appealed to your rank and file gear head - the fan demogaphic
was lost when the $$ became more paramount and instead of recognizing the fan based bone marrow in the preverbial backbone which was cultivated and flourished by the fan bases at places like North Wilksborogh , the grass area sections at tracks like Bristol and Charlotte - Greed and unrealistic expectations killed the NASCAR i knew and loved - as every day becomes a memory , the good days continue to disappear in the rear view mirror - Thanks Mr Will C
My earliest Memory’s as a child. Was being in a Dually watching my dad race and turn his Funny Car around. Thank God for the Sleeper.
A stolen trailer, these old timers are awesome your not gonna here this stuff out of a 20 year old. Let’s see how fast we can go let’s see how far we can go. Love these stories guys keep em comin.
All Dale needed was a strong car and a good seat lol.
Nothing but respect for this man. Wow
I love these stories of the history of racing, and Dale Jr.
It's great hearing these stories as a fan and would have to be that much more awesome to be the interviewer asking these legendary racers and team owners questions about your Dad. Interesting content for sure all the way down to the P B & J's
Dale is so proud of this story and rightfully so! It's a good one...keep it up DirtyMo
I can't get enough of these "back in the day" stories about Dale Sr. This one was mesmerizing! Love the part about Dale Jr. as a 2:00 a.m. garage buddy. Sending love and peace to you all. ❤
I worked for Will back in the mid 1980’s at his Fort Mill shop. He was one of smarted men I have ever met.
I think you got him to tear up when you gave him the credit for helping your dad get his
cup career going.
The conviction in that mans voice when he spoke about darlington....
My favorite blog you've ever done. That's the farthest back at your dads beginning I've seen. Thanks.. go3.
I’m not even a racing fan and I love this channel, the stories, and the great unique characters involved.
Everyone always says Sr. didn't want anything he did out of the kindness of his heart to be known. He was building his image as a no holes barred belly to the ground tough guy. But, even after he had that image, he kept it up. I guess Sr. must have thought that if people knew the real Dale it would have, somehow in his mind, made him look weak. He truly wanted to be known as "One Tough Customer".
When you open up the podcast talking about working on cars at MaMaw's house, then you got serious roots.
At 26 minutes, what follows almost made me cry. Very cool, humble, and honest. Well done by Junior with great incite! I reran this a few times just to soak that in! Chapeau, Will!
OMG! The Builder of "The Fastest Chicken in the South" T-Bird. Mr. Cronkite is one of my favorite NASCAR heros.
I've got to go listen to the full podcast RIGHT NOW!
Please just spell his name right. It’s “Cronkrite...”
Humble man, true legend would love to see more from this guy. These interviews about Dale Sr. Are truly priceless.
I'm 16 minutes 30 seconds in thank you so very much Junior these stories are priceless I've had to take some pretty deep sighs listening.
Will Cronkrite is the man!
I could listen to Dale Sr stories all day.
It's awesome you do interviews like this, I remember seeing a diecast of this car when I was a kid and thinking it was so cool Dale drove a Ford.
I'm 60 and watching these interviews is more entertaining and interesting than watching current cup races.
$3500 in 1978 is over $16,000 today to put it in prospective.
Love these stories!!
Like I said Jr. this stuff is priceless and I love it . To hear about the racing history is awesome in my book 📖 👍👍👍
Great story, Thank you Mr.Cronkite for giving Sr. that chance. Jr If you even read these comments, Awesome Mike Stafanik shirt!!!! I grew up In New England (CT) and I know Mike Stafanik's driving very well. He was a Modified great and also racing great like your dad, I love your shirts, I tune In sometime just to see what shirt your wearing, And Ive been watching "Lost Speedways" and I saw the green "Music City Racing" #34 Last seen Talladega 81? Ive read that story, that was a crazy story and you got a shirt of It, That's awesome stuff man.
How cool is that Jr wearing a Mike Stefanik shirt...I haven't heard that name in years!
Oh btw, awesome ep! I know I'm old but didnt realize being in my 40s is OLD old! Lol! Keep these memories rolling!
JR is a humble man great guy god bless you man
Buy Will's book "I Was a NASCAR Redneck". It has all these stories & more laid out. Incredible life & he autographed the book when I ordered it last Christmas.
Love hearing these stories about your Dad. Thanks Jr. Keep it up!
Great stories. May need a part 2 with Will.
This is by far the coolest DJD that I’ve heard thus far. This is really damn cool to hear. This is why I subscribe to this channel. Hats off to y’all for getting Will Cronkite on the DJD, this is just cool man!
Love hearing these stories about Dale. I was in his fan club till he was killed that was my last time I ever watched Nascar
Love this show,Dale your whole family are my heroes.