The former NASCAR flyer and Hall of Famer, Dale Earnhardt Jr., once confessed to being too lazy for the rigorous schedule of today’s racing generation. However, in a recent turn of events, it seems he’s taken a playful swipe at the perceived inactivity of the current generation. His apparent hypocrisy was humorously exposed by a fellow NASCAR veteran.
It all began when Jesse Love Jr., a friend of Earnhardt Jr., shared a photo of Connor Zilisch, a young driver, sleeping peacefully. Earnhardt Jr. couldn’t resist a playful taunt, commenting, “Why do y’all kids need so many naps? I was a bolt of lightning at that age.” His jibe was met with a witty retort from Bob Pockrass, a NASCAR veteran who reminded him, “Says the guy solely responsible for the end of the most popular driver breakfast announcement.”
The driver breakfast Pockrass referred to was the renowned Myers Brothers Breakfast, an annual NASCAR event that honored the legacy of Bobby and Billy Myers. It was a platform for rewarding significant contributors to NASCAR and a reflection point on the season. However, the tradition shifted from breakfast to lunch, allegedly due to Earnhardt Jr.’s difficulty in making morning appearances, resulting in a few close calls.
Unfazed by Pockrass’s comeback, Earnhardt Jr. proudly embraced his role in the schedule change, stating, “I’m very proud of getting that (Myers Brothers) event changed to a lunch.” The event now continues as a lunch tradition, honoring the recipients of the Myers Brothers Award.
Earnhardt Jr.’s teasing comment triggered a flurry of fan reactions, many of whom pointed out his own reputation for being a sleepyhead. One fan humorously noted, “A bolt of lightning lasts less than a second then it takes a nap until the next bolt. These kids are just waiting for their next bolt.”
Earnhardt Jr.’s relationship with beer was also brought up. Known for his profound love for the beverage, he was with Budweiser for a decade before giving it up upon the arrival of his children. Addressing his fondness for beer, Earnhardt Jr. jokingly pointed out that the younger drivers “aren’t old enough to drink beer yet.”
The jovial exchange highlighted the contrasts in lifestyle between Earnhardt Jr.’s generation and today’s young drivers. While Earnhardt Jr. was known for his nocturnal habits and love for beer, modern racers focus more on maintaining a healthy diet, fitness regimes, and a high-profile lifestyle. As one fan pointed out, “That’s because you were juiced up on energy drinks and cigarettes. These young bucks eat kale salads and drink quinoa smoothies. They have no energy.”
The digital era has also impacted the lifestyle of the new generation. The younger drivers are often preoccupied with their digital affiliations, which can be a hindrance to their sleep. As one fan mentioned, “It’s called playing video games until 3:30 in the morning. I’ve lived that life and at 32 I’m reformed. Now I can only go until 2 in the morning, tops.”
This playful back-and-forth not only reflects Earnhardt Jr.’s affable personality but also reveals how the racing culture has evolved, shifting from late nights and beer to fitness routines and digital distractions.