The NASCAR Cup Sequence is again at Pocono Raceway this weekend. And each time the game rolls again into the Tough Triangle, I can solely consider one factor: I ponder if the signal remains to be there.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is clearly probably the most recognizable face in NASCAR, having been the game’s hottest driver for 15 years straight after which serving as a member of a broadcast workforce on race day.
However apparently none of that mattered to 1 safety guard at Pocono Raceway a pair years in the past.
On an episode of his podcast, The Dale Jr. Obtain, after the Pocono race in 2021, Dale defined that he had some hassle getting onto the observe as a result of he didn’t have his credentials in hand.
You’d assume Dale Jr.’s face could be credential sufficient, however I assume not…
Based on Dale, he had simply left the published sales space after calling the race for NBC with a backpack containing his credentials on his shoulder, when he determined to stroll down via the grandstands and throughout the observe to get to the storage.
The followers within the stands, who had made their approach to the entry gate to see who would come via, clearly acknowledged Junior as he was making his approach down the grandstands. And Junior, being the person of the folks that he’s, fortunately obliged after they requested for footage and autographs proper in entrance of the safety guard who was watching the entry gate.
However when Junior completed up with the followers and tried to make his approach throughout the observe and into the storage, the safety guard stopped him and requested to see Dale Jr.’s credentials earlier than opening the gate for the NASCAR legend.
What?
Now, if there have been ever a time to drag the “Don’t you realize who I’m?” card it will most likely be right here, when you might have one of the crucial recognizable faces in NASCAR being blocked from the storage by some 25-year outdated safety guard.
However in keeping with Dale Jr., that’s not his fashion – and he didn’t should say it anyway, as a result of the followers did it for him:
“I’ve by no means in my life uttered the phrases, ‘Are you aware who I’m?’ I’ve by no means stated that, I’d by no means take that stance, ever.
And I stood there and the folks round me are doing that for me. They’re saying, ‘It’s Dale, it’s Dale.’ They’re laughing on the man like, ‘Are you severe? You don’t know who this man is?’
And I’m standing there they usually’re doing it, proper? I don’t even should say a phrase. And the man’s simply acquired this s***-eatin’ grin on his face holdin’ that gate. He’s like, ‘I don’t care, I must see your card.’”
Okay, so at this level the man is both on a severe energy journey or he’s simply being a dick.
However Dale, who admits he was flustered by this level, places his bag down and digs via it to finds his cross to show that, yeah, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is allowed within the NASCAR storage.
Now, Dale admits that he was pissed by your complete encounter, and after passing via the gate he rotated to ask the safety guard what the deal was:
“I stated to the man, ‘That was such a d***head transfer.’ Like, I used to be astounded. Not ‘Hey you’re a d***head,’ I used to be extra like, questioning him. Like, man, that was such a dickhead factor to do, why?”
Properly apparently when the parents at Pocono Raceway came upon in regards to the scenario they determined to ensure it by no means occurs once more.
