And you’d be surprised how many stars I’ve covered who have never seen tape of some of the great moments in their careers. I learned Tuesday that Dale Earnhardt, Junior is different. But only about one moment in his racing career.

Junior was the star of the promotional press conference for the upcoming races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Part of the “show” was showing Dale’s win at the All Star race in 2000. Junior not only watched the race unfold on the big screen, he stopped and really watched. When his dad appeared on screen with him, celebrating that breakthrough win, Junior swallowed hard. I thought maybe I was misreading his emotions, but other people around me saw it, too.

Later when he spoke, Junior called that win the “favorite moment of my racing career.” He explained that it was special because his father shared it with him. Not for 5 or 10 minutes like the others, but for 30 or 40 minutes. A father proud of his son, but also proud of his entire race team. Proud of family and friends he trusted enough to guide his son’s future in the sport he helped build.

Dale, Jr. later admitted how scared he was when he first started racing on the Cup series in Charlotte. Not afraid of wrecking, but afraid of failing. I left that press conference understanding that Junior is a man who will always offer honest answers. He didn’t want to talk about negotiations with DEI, so he said so. I also left understanding that his popularity is built on far more that simply his family name.

This is all new to me, this NASCAR business. It’s one of the big factors that led me to come to work in Charlotte. I look forward to more days like Tuesday.