FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 12th, 2018
NOTES AND QUOTES FROM DALE EARNHARDT JR.’S IN-STUDIO DEBUT AS ANALYST ON NBCSN’S NASCAR AMERICA
“I’m excited to be back together with Steve, and be able to spend the weekend with him watching races and calling races.” – Earnhardt on reuniting with Steve Letarte
“They are the new dominant pairing between driver and crew chief in the sport.” – Earnhardt on Kevin Harvick and Rodney Childers
“I was impressed with the way he handled the whole weekend. He handled the situation better than a lot of other drivers would.” – Earnhardt on Harvick
STAMFORD, Conn. – March 12, 2018 – NBC’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. made his in-studio debut as an analyst on NASCAR America this evening, joining host Leigh Diffey, and fellow analysts Steve Letarte and Jeff Burton.
Following are highlights from tonight’s edition of NASCAR America on NBCSN, which included in-depth analysis and discussion about Kevin Harvick’s third-consecutive NASCAR Cup Series race win, this past weekend at ISM Raceway in Phoenix. Ariz.
Earnhardt on joining NBC Sports: “I’m really excited about it. I’ve had a great opportunity the last several weeks to experience a lot of big things, with the Super Bowl and then the Olympics. So far it has been an amazing ride. I’m excited to be back together with Steve, and be able to spend the weekend with him watching races and calling races. I’ve got a lot to learn from this guy over the next year.”
Letarte added: “I think it is going to bring a unique perspective, knowing that we competed at these race tracks together. Now with us being in the booth, we can analyze how the guys on the circuit are still doing.”
Burton added: “It’s pretty simple, just go have fun. I love my job and I think Jr. will too.”
Earnhardt on Kevin Harvick: “I was impressed with the way he handled the whole weekend. He didn’t dodge the media, he went to the media center, and spent time in front of the camera before the race. He handled the situation better than a lot of other drivers would.”
Earnhardt on the dynamic between Kevin Harvick and his crew chief Rodney Childers: “When that relationship is as strong as it is with Kevin and Rodney, the pride and joy that you get from winning those races just means so much more. That is the way it was between me and Steve. They are winning together and accomplishing this as a team. They are showing some great unity and strength. Plus, they had each other’s back in the media. It feels like they have been together more than five years. They have won so many races, and a championship. I think that they are the new dominant pairing between driver and crew chief in the sport. What they can accomplish going forward could be incredible.”
Earnhardt on all four of Stewart-Haas Racing’s drivers finishing in the top ten at ISM Raceway: “You have got to be excited for Tony. I think about what he meant to the sport as a driver, and now how he is adding to his legacy as an owner. It is incredible. It is so hard to get one car in the top five, much less four in the top ten. It is really incredible what he has been able to do. I think you also have to give Kevin (Harvick) some credit for how good those teams are. I’ve had Kevin come to work at JR Motorsports, and I know what he does as a driver for an entire organization.”
–NBC SPORTS GROUP–
