321 - Kyle Larson & Rick Hendrick: Second Chances

In a Dale Jr. Download exclusive, we sit down with Kyle Larson for his first interview since being reinstated into NASCAR. In May the use of a racial slur during an online race resulted in Larson's suspension from NASCAR and the loss of his Cup Series ride at Chip Ganassi Racing. Larson opens up about how he used that time to educate himself and experience true life change. Now, he's getting a second chance in the big leagues. We speak with Larson and his new car-owner Rick Hendrick about one of the biggest announcements of the year. Larson opens up to Dale Jr. about his road back to the top-level of the sport, and how his approach and work to get back, needed to not just check boxes. The California native, known to be one of the most diverse talents in the sport of Auto Racing, explains how learning about social diversity has created that true change. Larson says he has something to prove and he'll get that chance in 2021 piloting a #5 Cup Series car for Hendrick Motorsports. During the period that Larson was suspended, he traveled coast to coast, collecting checkered flags at grassroots dirt tracks. In 82 dirt races, he amassed a staggering 42 victories. Larson discusses the mind-blowing success and if he'll still get to strap in at Short Tracks now that he has signed with Hendrick. Speaking of dirt, Dale Jr asks him about next years' dirt race at Bristol Motor Speedway and how he thinks the race may go. After Larson's interview, we dial up Rick Hendrick for his take on signing Larson to drive for Hendrick Motorsports. Mr. H shares his thoughts on why he believes Kyle Larson deserves this second chance. He talks about channeling his inner-Earnhardt to bring back the original number that started Hendrick Motorsports. Rick also answers questions about the youth-movement in his driver-lineup and if he will let Larson, and his other drivers, compete at local race tracks on the side. In the AskJr segment, we find out Dale's thoughts on whether NASCAR could race with rain tires on ovals. We also find out the truth on how the deal went down that put JR Motorsports Late Model driver Josh Berry in the team's Xfinity Series ride in 2021. Also, Jr. discusses his favorite cameos. Just when you think the show was over and the bow was tied, Dale Jr. introduces the DJD gang to shredded beef jerky.