Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reveals the Dietary Habits That Were A “Recipe for Freaking Disaster” During Races

NASCAR drivers must maintain optimal hydration and energy levels during the continuous 3-4 hour races, usually relying on specially prepared energy drinks. But occasionally, one might spot drivers snacking during a race. NASCAR veteran Dale Earnhardt Jr. dismisses it as entirely unnecessary.

He advocates for a substantial pre-race meal that’s filling yet gentle on the stomach, avoiding any foods that could cause discomfort.

On his podcast, Dale Jr. shared insights into his own pre-race nutrition strategy, emphasizing caution in his dietary choices to avoid race-day mishaps.

“I always try to not eat anything that might make me sick,” he explained. “So, no chicken, no Mexican Like grilled chicken undercooked is a recipe for freaking disaster… Nobody’s going to be eating Mexican before race.”

He elaborated further, “No chili… No ghost pepper sauce. Yeah, so, typically I would eat a very basic ham sandwich. You had to have a little bread — that’s energy — that’s going to get down in there and keep your belly kind of feeling somewhat full.” Yet, he expressed a strong opposition to snacking during a race.

Dale Jr. clarified his position by comparing it to other endurance sports, asserting that marathon runners or triathletes, even cyclists tackling a steep climb, might pack a snack to boost their protein intake and help them cross the finish line. But in a NASCAR race, it’s unnecessary. Drivers don’t need food in the car.

When Dale Jr. went on a detox diet.

Dale Jr., typically mindful about his diet to avoid race-day ailments, once faced a different kind of challenge. Back in 2013, he indulged a little too much, feasting on pizza and wings daily to the point where he needed his firesuit adjusted throughout the season. Deciding to shed the extra weight during the off-season, Dale Jr. took his diet into his hands.

He began by monitoring his caloric intake to avoid any further issues. Before the racing season started, Earnhardt started on a 15-day detox plan recommended by a friend, which restricted him to chicken, fish, and either raw or steamed vegetables, with two days limited to just fruits and vegetables.

Admitting the regimen was challenging, especially the meat-free days accompanied by prune and carrot juices, Dale Jr. shared how the diet was part of a broader commitment to health as he aged. By the season’s start, he had successfully dropped 15-20 pounds and focused on better calorie management.

About the author

Neha Dwivedi

Neha Dwivedi is an experienced NASCAR Journalist at The SportsRush, having penned over 5500 articles on the sport to date. She was a seasoned writer long before she got into the world of NASCAR. Although she loves to see Martin Truex Jr. and Kyle Busch win the races, she equally supports the emerging talents in the CARS Late Model and ARCA Menards Series.. For her work in NASCAR she has earned accolades from journalists like Susan Wade of The Athletic, as well as NASCAR drivers including Thad Moffit and Corey Lajoie. Her favorite moment from NASCAR was witnessing Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr. win the championship trophies. Outside the racetrack world, Neha immerses herself in the literary world, exploring both fiction and non-fiction.

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