LONG POND, Pa. — Dale Earnhardt Jr. is no stranger to victory lanes, but this time, he celebrated from a new vantage point—a crew chief. With the commitment of a seasoned veteran, Earnhardt attended meetings, took notes, and was present for pit practice, all in preparation for his debut as a crew chief at the NASCAR Xfinity Series race in Pocono.
This was more than just a publicity stunt for the Hall of Fame driver and co-owner of JR Motorsports. Earnhardt stepped up to replace Mardy Lindley, who was serving a suspension following a pit violation at Nashville. It was Lindley himself who suggested Earnhardt fill the interim role, offering a unique opportunity for the racing legend.
Connor Zilisch ensured the debut was memorable, taking the lead with five laps remaining to secure his third Xfinity win and his first on an oval, simultaneously handing Earnhardt his first win as a crew chief. "Certainly more of an adrenaline rush than being an owner," reflected Earnhardt. "I love owning race cars and stats, but this role had a different competitive edge."
Although the team ensured Earnhardt's duties were manageable, as the race unfolded, both he and the team adapted and ramped up their competitive strategy. "I felt involved, energizing the crew, and working closely with Connor on race goals," said Earnhardt. "He was eager to meet those expectations and delivered when it mattered."
One of the most challenging moments came when Earnhardt had to descend the pit box and assist during a pit stop, rolling a tire to the carrier. "I was most nervous about setting that left front tire," he admitted. "Every second counts, and precise placement is crucial."
The podium at Pocono featured Jesse Love in second, followed by Christian Eckes, Chase Elliott, and Ryan Sieg. Meanwhile, race stages saw Brandon Jones take Stage 1, with Zilisch claiming Stage 2. The racing series continues on June 27 at Atlanta, promising more excitement.
