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Tony Stewart extends an official offer to Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 2, 2025 8:36 PM ET

Dale Earnhardt Jr. responded to an "open invitation" from Tony Stewart to try his hand (and foot) at more drag racing.

Last month, Dale Earnhardt Jr. experienced a car far different than his usual when driving a turbo-charged "Dale Truck" in a collaboration with YouTuber and ARCA Menards Series competitor Cleetus McFarland. Stewart got an idea after seeing the viral video.

Following a decorated NASCAR career, the three-time Cup Series champion has shifted to drag racing to fill in for his wife, Leah Pruett. Last week, shortly after earning his first Top Fuel victory, Stewart extended an offer to Dale Jr.

"I got a car. I'll let him take some runs if he wants," Stewart said. "It's an open invitation."

Earnhardt didn't deliver a definitive yes or no when discussing Stewart's proposal.

"I'm sure whatever I drove of his would be nice and safe. I guess that would be the only thing I would be worried about," Earnhardt said, per ATYL Media (h/t Sports Illustrated). "I mean, hell, he figured it out. So that would be the guy to go to if I wanted to do a little bit more."

After riding McFarland's custom vehicle, Earnhardt has more respect for the 53-year-old Stewart mastering drag racing.

"It just really helps me appreciate what he's actually done – to develop the skills of a whole, entirely new discipline and to go the speed that he’s going," Earnhardt added. "I went far less than half the speed that Tony's going, and it was insanely different than anything I've ever done. So, it's pretty amazing that at his age, he's been able to master something so unique. Just incredible."

Blown away by the drive, an enthused Earnhardt called the experience "awesome" and "f------ fun" in McFarland's video. Stewart related to his legendary peer's response, as he felt the same way when beginning his shift to drag racing.

"I thought his reaction was pretty appropriate because it's kind of what my reaction was when I first drove Leah's car in the test tube," Stewart said. "It's just drastically different than what Dale's done and what my path was."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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