Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently opened up about the deep and often complicated relationship he had with his father, NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., in an emotional retelling featured in the new Prime Video docuseries Earnhardt. For many years, Dale Jr. felt distant from his father, who was completely focused on his racing career. That dedication to the sport often meant Dale Sr. missed out on key parts of his son’s life, including school activities and important personal moments. As a child, Dale Jr. frequently felt like an afterthought, believing that his dad showed little interest unless it had to do with racing.
Despite those feelings of neglect, Dale Jr. revealed that his main reason for getting into racing was to connect with his father. He believed that succeeding in the world of NASCAR was the only way to gain his father’s respect and attention. Once he entered the sport and started performing well, they began to build a closer relationship. Dale Jr. said that it wasn’t until they worked together in the racing world that real communication and mutual understanding began to grow between them.
A defining moment in their relationship came when Dale Jr. wrote an article that expressed his true admiration and love for his father. After reading it, Dale Sr. was visibly moved and initiated a heartfelt conversation—one Dale Jr. remembers as the most important they ever shared. That moment became a turning point, leading to a deeper bond between father and son. Looking back, Dale Jr. credits his father’s influence—both good and bad—for shaping who he is today.
