Earnhardt Nation: The Full-Throttle Saga of NASCAR's First Family – A Biography of Rivalry, Legacy, and Speed Across Three Generations

by Jay Busbee

Earnhardt Nation is a fearless portrait of the larger-than-life first family of NASCAR and the rise of the world’s fastest stock car racing organization.“Jay Busbee steers us through the book like an Earnhardt racing in the draft.” —ESPNMore than sixty years ago, Ralph Earnhardt toiled in a cotton mill in his native North Carolina to support his growing family. Weekends he could be found going pedal to the metal at the dirt tracks, taking on the competition in the early days of box car racing and becoming one of the best short-track drivers in the state. His son, Dale Earnhardt, Sr., would become one of the greatest drivers of all time, and his grandson Dale Jr., would become NASCAR’s most popular driver of the 2000s. From a simple backyard garage, the Earnhardts reached the highest echelons of professional stock car racing and became the stuff of myth for fans.Earnhardt Nation is the story of this car racing dynasty and the business that would make them rich and famous—and nearly tear them apart. Covering all the white-knuckle races, including the final lap at the Daytona 500 that claimed the life of the Intimidator, sports writer Jay Busbee goes deep into the fast-paced world of NASCAR, its royal family’s obsession with speed, and their struggle with celebrity. He looks deep inside the lives of these men and women who shaped NASCAR, delving into their personal and professional lives, from failed marriages to rivalries large and small to complex and competitive father-son relationships that have reverberated through generations, and explores the legacy the Earnhardts struggle to uphold.

Genres: Sports, Nonfiction, Biography, Racing, Biography Memoir

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2016

About the author

Jay Busbee is a senior writer for Yahoo Sports, where he’s covered the Olympics, the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Masters, the Daytona 500, the Kentucky Derby and, of course, the Iron Bowl. He is also the host of NASCAR Studios’ “Home Turn” travel/history show, and he writes a weekly Southern culture Substack newsletter, Flashlight & A Biscuit. Jay’s work has been honored by Best American Sports Writing, and his book "Earnhardt Nation," a biography of NASCAR’s Earnhardt family, won praise from both Kirkus and Publishers Weekly for its in-depth research and narrative scope.

He lives in Atlanta with his family and worships at the church of SEC football.

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a "must read" if you are an Earnhardt family fan. Actually it is so well written , you may want to read this even if you aren't a fan of the family.

The author did a very good job, lots of little unknown details, nothing major, but enough new stuff to hold your interest. The book "flows" well and the author knows how to tell a story. I find a lot of racing books to get boring after a bit because of too many " on lap 72, he passed.." kind of details. In this book, these descriptions are kept to a minimum. There are some of these lap by lap descriptions , for a few of the more important races, but the book is thankfully centered on the family and not on a bunch of races!

Ii would certainly recommend this book !

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say the name “Dale Earnhardt” and people will immediately think of the crash that killed the popular NASCAR driver at the 2001 Daytona 500. This book by Jay Busbee is more than just a good biography of him - it portrays a racing family in both good times and not so good ones.

While the entire family is included in the book and there is good, detailed information on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s driving career as well as the split he had from the family’s racing business before joining Hendrick Motorsports, the book is primarily about Dale, Sr. Not only his life, but the impact that he had on the sport even 15 years after his death (the book was published in 2017).

The writing on Dale Sr. is very balanced and that is the primary reason that I felt that this was an excellent book. Busbee give the proper respect and praise for Earnhardt for his accomplishments, but this is not a hero-worshipping type of portrayal. The flaws in his personality and life choices are mentioned, but there is also the side of him that shows how he was truly nice to many people.

One great example of this portrayal is the story of an 8 year old girl who got to meet Earnhardt through the Make-A-Wish foundation. It was on the day of the 1998 Daytona 500 and the girl was told Dale may not have much time for her or that he may be not very nice. Not the case at all - he spent a lot of time with her and the girl gave him a penny for good luck. Earnhardt took that penny, taped it to his car’s dashboard- and then won that race, the only Daytona 500 win in his legendary career.

NASCAR fans, no matter their level of interest or their knowledge of the sport during this time, will enjoy this book. One will learn a lot about Dale Sr, even if they thought they knew much about him. Add in the material on Dale Jr, Teresa Earnhardt and her ways of keeping the family business running and even the other two Earnhardt children Kelley and Kerry and you have a great look at this legendary racing family.

[David Swidor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do it for Dale.

[Zach Lay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like, just a solid 3…maybe 2.5. Fun and interesting for bit, but reeaaaaally drags on in the last act.

[Don · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll reserve my review of the book for a personal story.

I just can’t remember, so many years ago, however in 87,88, or 89 in either North Wilkesboro, Martinsville, or Richmond, my dad and I went to watch the race. In the south, when you say "THE race" everyone knows you mean the NASCAR race that weekend. Anyways, somehow dad and I end up in the NASCAR Family side of the infield at the track. This would be in turns 3 & 4, the action packed corner of any track. We wanted to be near the action. Making our way from where dad parked the car, we get up to the fence, keeping us about 15, maybe 20 feet from the track. We had no chairs to sit for the entire race and we were offered a tailgate of a pickup truck to sit on. We later found out we were watching the race from Kyle Petty's truck bed. Next to the son of "The King's" truck were two guys who happened to work with Dale Earnhardt. These two also happened to have pit passes! They graciously offered to take my dad and I into the restricted pit-lane and watch a Dale Earnhardt pitstop. When my turn came, I was second after dad, I got to see a green flag pitstop - it was amazing! I remember being able to literally feel the power of Dale Earnhardt’s car as it leapt out of the stall and back on to the track And the gas man, Chocolate Myers, watching him do his job was seriously like a ballet. Handling two gas cans without missing a beat.

However, this isn't even close to the best part of the story.

Dale Earnhardt went on to win this race. Victory lane back in these days was right on the track near the start/finish line. And, yes, dad and I got to go into Victory Lane. To get to victory lane we had to cross the pit road. The very same road all of these BIG LOUD RACE CARS are being driven down by a bunch of pissed off drivers who just lost. Not being used to the situation and not paying attention I wander out on to pit road without looking and almost get run over by either Morgan Sheppard or Ricky Rudd (depending on which year it was) driving the Quaker State Buick. Surviving this close call, I am on to victory lane! Getting into the crowd finding the perfect spot, I lean back on the driver side front quarter panel of Dale Earnhardt's car. Let’s just say, after running flat-out for the past three or four hours, it was damn hot! Jumping up to avoid being burned I bump into the camera man filming the victory lane interview.

Still not the best part – during the interview, I decide I want to shake Dale Earnhardt’s hand. I stick out my hand in the middle of the interview in the middle of victory lane and shook Dale Earnhardt’s hand. How cool is that?

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I’ve been a Dale Earnhardt fan all of my life. My heart was broken when he died. To be honest I still feel sad about it on occasion, even though a lot of years have passed since that fateful day on Feb. 18, 2001. I love to revisit the “good old days” of Earnhardt and NASCAR, which I haven’t watched regularly since the 2001 season ended. This book is a telling of the origins of the Earnhardt legend – beginning with Dale Sr.’s father, Ralph Earnhardt, continuing with Dale Sr., and ending with Dale Jr. There were some Dale Sr. stories in this book that I had not heard prior to reading, and I found myself wishing that more had been known about Ralph Earnhardt’s life and racing career. The Dale Jr. portion was a sad ending, really, because it’s so hard for anyone to measure up to someone who looms as large as his father did (and still does). The book also offers a look at how drastically the sport of NASCAR has changed over the years, which also left me with a sense of sadness. But if you are a NASCAR fan, it will take you back to the days that you loved so much and will remember forever. And it’s just a great read, period – for fans and non-fans alike.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't give a damn about racing. Never watched a single NASCAR event in my life, only saw a couple of laps by accident if it's on TV somewhere. This book, however, was written by my friend and colleague Jay Busbee, so I knew that wouldn't matter - Jay is a storyteller, so I wanted to read this story. I loved learning about the rise of NASCAR and its first family. Even if I may still never watch a race, I now understand how the personalities of the drivers and race strategy drive the sport's popularity. If you dig racing, definitely read it. If you don't, it's still a good read.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for Nascar fans and non Nascar fans alike. It doesn't just tell the story of the Intimidator. It tells of the people he came from to the people he left to shape the Legacy even more. It doesn't shy from anything to make him look like a Saint. It tells truth, and facts. It tells how his children and him were, as well as his father and him. It tells so much you may feel you once knew him personally. The family shaped Nascar and still does. Once you pick it up you won't want to stop after Ralph. You will want to get all the way to Jr Motorsports at the end. If you ever questioned any of the Legacy, you won't after this. And with Jr.'s announcement this year you will be left wondering who will continue the legacy, be it Jeffery or Bobby Dale. Or maybe in a surprise Taylor or Kelley's daughter Karsyn.

[ChuckE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Earnhardt Nation
Author: Jay Busbee
Genre: Nonfiction
Rating: 5/5

Earnhardt Nation by Jay Busbee guides us through the great story of NASCAR’s greatest driver. It starts off with where Dale got his ambition: his father. Ralph Earnhardt was a dirt-track racer who inspired his son, Dale Sr., to race. Dale’s rocky beginnings left many to believe he wouldn’t make it. Man, did he prove everyone wrong. Over his 22 year full-time career, he amassed many accomplishments. Only one thing was gonna stop Dale from racing, weather or not anyone was ready, or not.
Earnhardt Nation is an amazing biography that will leave you craving to know more. You never know what's coming around the next turn, or the funny stories scattered about. The amazing imagery produced through descriptions too good not to read. From beginning to end, you’ll get a feel for the Earnhardt family. I definitely recommend this book to anyone

Anyone from any age could read, and enjoy this wonderful book
“Jay Busbee steers us through the book like an Earnhardt racing through the draft.”- ESPN

“This book has stories I read for the first time, and each reinforced my appreciation for the role the Earnhardt’s have played in the growth of the sport.”- Mike Helton (President of NASCAR.)

[Thomas Woloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never appreciated a book about motorsports and sports as much as this one. Sure, I was an Earnhardt fan, but the way the author chose to explore the family's roots from Germany to Kannapolis made for a great introduction. The wealth of details and anecdotes about Ralph, Dale Sr., and the entire family makes this book highly entertaining.

The author doesn't overly praise the Earnhardts, instead addressing the darker aspects within the family, including Teresa. It was interesting to learn that Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s death led to a 2001 Florida law preventing the general public from accessing autopsy photos.

Earnhardt Nation by Jay Busbee is a fascinating read. I’ll gladly revisit it anytime.

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book about the sport that has become "mine". It was a very informative book, especially about the early career of Dale Earnhardt before I "joined" the NASCAR world. But it was also a very hard book to read, as it detailed the day of his death, as well as several other racing deaths that I remember well. It also brought into focus that when Dale Jr. retires from racing at the end of this season, we won't have a racing Earnhardt full-time, and that will be a first for me since I began watching racing. Lots of good behind the scenes information about the racing world we enter each weekend ...

[Kevin Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a kid, my grandfather was a massive NASCAR fan. He had respect for Earnhardt but was a die hard Gordon fan. I still remember the aftermath of the 2001 Daytona 500. 19 years later, getting into NASCAR solely because of the pandemic, I wanted to read more about the Earnhardt's. I loved how it took us from the very start of Ralph's career through the entirety of Senior's career and life, and ended with Jr.

The only thing that holds this back from a 5* is that some chapters were pretty boring and there were some that took detours from the Earnhardt's that kind of took me out of the book.

[Paul Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

For an individual interested in the history of American Stock car racing, this book presents an excellent biography of the Earnhardt family and their huge contribution to motorsports. This book does a great job in explaining the regional origins of the sport bringing it into it modern incarnation as one of the truly American original contributions to racing. Finally, the book clearly explains the enormous contribution Dale Earnhardt made to the sport and the huge vacuum he left as the result of his tragic death in 2001.

[Cristi McGill · Rating 3 out of 5]

For fans of Dale and Junior, this is a must-read. Not sure that anyone else would enjoy it all that much. Some of the racing information provided was written as if for a true NASCAR or stock car novice; experienced racers and fans would say, 'well, duh', at a lot of it.

[Niccolò · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delves into the lives and surroundings of the most important racing family in America, with a writing style that’s very easy to read and very hard to bore the reader.
Must-read for any racing fan

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read

Knowing just a base layer about NASCAR, Busbee crafts a deft story of family that never talks down to the reader and answers questions by raising new ones. An excellent work.

[Greg Lebedowicz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Jay Busbee isn't a very good writer nor should anyone pay for this book. If you want to read an Earnhardt story look elsewhere.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting story of the beginning of the Earnhardt family of NASCAR from Ralph to Dale, then Dale Junior.

[Nanci · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many amazing moments in NASCAR history! A must read for fans of the Earnhardts and fans of racing in general!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great deep dive into the Earnhardt family dynasty, without getting too much into the tabloid family drama

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story and good memories

I really enjoyed the book. It told some stories I didn't know and brought back some good memories. Worth the read.

[Sandy Henwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad but heart warming

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t know much about them (or NASCAR), but I was into this. Conversationally-written, but in-depth.

[Thomas Corrigan]

AMAZING!

[G McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great chronicling of NASCAR greats

[Jonathan Widener · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't a fan of Dale Earnhardt, Sr. I'm not really a fan of Junior either, but I respect the family, and have been a NASCAR fan. Jay Busbee has put together a very well done book chronicling the life of three (going into four) generations of Earnhardts. It was compelling, the stories ranged from serious to hilarious, and you get a good view of the whole family.
I do wish Teresa had made herself available, it would have been nice to get her perspective from the saga after Dale's passing, the controversy of Junior going to Hendrick, the sale of DEI, and the dropping of the name Earnhardt from all race teams. In spite of that, Busbee is very fair with his writing.
I devoured this book, and Busbee's writing made that easy to do.

[Robert Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great account of the history of the family that both racing fans and non-fans alike associate with motor sports. From Ralph to Dale Sr. to Dale Jr. and everyone in between, this book details the triumphs and the tragedies, the bittersweet fact that Dale Sr's death probably saved countless other drivers' lives by sparking a rush of safety improvements, the strained relationship the family has with Dale's widow Teresa, and Jr's transformation from punk kid to mature elder. Recommended for all.

[Reca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fabulous book showing the history of the Earnhardt family and the highs and lows this family has endured. There was a lot of insight into the personalities of the Earnhardt family and suddenly a lot has become clear. Overall a great read I didn't want to put down even though I knew "the ending."

[Nicholas DeGraff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earnhardt Nation: The Full-Throttle Saga of NASCAR's First Family, was a very well written book, starting with the very beginning of how the family got started through racing, covering multiple perspectives and multiple points of view throughout. The book also covers some key events in the family history, and was written recently, giving an up-to date version of the Earnhardt family history.

[Maggie Hendricks Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never been a big NASCAR fan, and kind of found that world to be foreign. Jay Busbee did such a good job opening the door to the NASCAR world, and turned the Earnhardts into people I actually care about. It's well worth your time.