Dale Earnhardt Jr. is no longer a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver. However, the legendary son of the all-time great remains very close to the sport.
The son of Dale Sr. owns an Xfinity Series team. He also works in broadcasting, will compete in a race or two every year and has a very strong social media presence. Dale Jr. isn't afraid to go after people online, though.
Dale Jr. was recently on the receiving end of a negative message from a NASCAR fan. Dale Jr. had the perfect response, however.
The legendary NASCAR driver was discussing if Carson Hocevar could challenge Chase Elliott for the 2026 NASCAR Most Popular Driver award, following Hocevar’s first Cup Series win at Talladega. Dale Jr., who won the NASCAR Most Popular Driver award 15 straight times from 2003 through 2017, is pretty qualified to talk about the subject.
Jul 19, 2025; Dover, Delaware, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. looks on from pit road during the BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn ImagesMatthew O’Haren-Imagn Images.
Dale Jr. joked that YouTuber and racer Cleetus McFarland would have to show a lot of support for Hocevar for him to get the title.
“Cleatus would have to campaign on social daily to make it competitive," he joked.
One angry NASCAR fan, though, disagreed.
“You don’t know that. You’re just dismissing him, and it’s clear the disrespect you have based on the way you spelled Cleetus wrong on purpose. I’ll reiterate that u don’t know bc the numbers ain’t released publicly. Unless they’re released to you?? Is that what you’re saying?”
Dale Jr. had the perfect response
Dale Jr. didn't need to say much to clap back at the fan. He had the perfect response.
“I won it 15 times and have a pretty solid understanding of how it works," he clapped back in perfect form.
That's about as good as you can do if you're Dale Jr.
This story was originally published by The Spun on May 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the NASCAR section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
