Dale Earnhardt's Right-Hand Man — Ty Norris Remembers DEI's Rise and Fall

We will never get enough of DEI's story - a tale of victory, perseverance, and ultimately, demise. The people who spent years there have memories from behind the curtain of the team we once all cheered for, and Ty Norris's interview in 2021 was absolutely a testament to that.

From early on in his career, Dale Earnhardt had his eye on hiring Ty Norris, until he finally succeeded in landing him at DEI. Ty shares some of the challenges he faced along the way from both the highest of highs and lowest of lows of the team. He reminisces about his old pal, Dale Earnhardt, and about the life lessons he learned from him along the way - right, wrong, or indifferent. After the Intimidator's untimely death at Daytona, DEI was left without its leader and Ty describes how he dealt with the rising tensions within the company. He eventually reveals his opinion on the only way to have saved the sinking ship which was DEI, which was for Dale Earnhart Jr. to be its leader, which is what his dad would have wanted. An emotional story Ty shares about a father-son moment between Dale Sr. and Dale Jr. furthers that narrative, which Dale Jr. remembers as "the best conversation he and his dad ever had."

Ultimately, Ty Norris' time at DEI came to a close, and years later he found himself at the center of one of the most infamous events in NASCAR history - Spingate. He gives us his perspective on the situation surrounding Michael Waltrip Racing at Richmond in 2013 and how he came to terms with the situation following the backlash from NASCAR, the media, and the fans. At the time of recording, Ty had played an integral part in the origins and evolution of Trackhouse Racing, though in recent news, he is now the Chief Business Officer at Kaulig Racing.

Ty's interview is one of the rawest, eye-opening conversations that we will rewatch any time we get the chance to. We hope you enjoy it!

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections
02:58 Career Beginnings at DEI
05:51 Transition to Trackhouse Racing
09:07 Early Life and Career Path Challenges
14:46 Relationship with Dale Earnhardt
18:03 Life Lessons from The Intimidator
24:05 The DEI Experience and Aftermath
39:12 The Impact of Dale Jr.'s Contract Signing
41:00 Reflections on DEI's Golden Era
44:47 The Rise and Fall of DEI
49:52 Transitioning to New Opportunities in Racing
55:25 The Weight of Legacy
1:06:15 Springate and Michael Waltrip Racing
01:30:26 Reflections on Dale Earnhardt's Legacy
01:40:12 Memorable Moments in Racing History

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[jamisoncook]

This is by far the best podcast I have ever watched and listened to. Love to hear all these stories of the real Dale Earnhardt.

[MeMe-zblf]

Widow or not. The way that a woman treats her deceased husband's family and friends, is a sign of true character. Dale loved and took care of Theresa, it was her job to carry on his vison.

[nazcarcup]

This is the BEST DJD episode of all time

[Rickker]

I love the part at the end, when Ty Norris talks about how they delivered so much Budweiser to Dale's house that no store anywhere around was selling that much beer. I heard a while back that when he had his go kart track in his backyard, they didn't have a water truck to wet it down So They would take cases of beer and dump it in the corners, to wet down the track

[josephrichard]

I remember dale sr always said he was building DEI for for his kids I still would love to see the will.

[rwadepaugh]

Ty Norris is a great person. He went to Smyrna High and I went to CR. I would go to war with this guy. I can see why Earnhardt liked him. Glad he is doing well in Nashville with new race team. Best of Luck my friend 💪👍

[donaldmaloney]

This is one of the best interviews ever

[netycornejo]

YESSS!!!! I love this one. Listened to it a dozen times. Please release the full DW next.

[shawnsgarage]

I snuck up into the spotters stand at talladega during qualifying in 2004 and met Ty Norris up there giving some VIP tour to some people. He graciously autographed my Chevrolet hat and made my trip from Canada 🇨🇦 awesome

[Metallicaftw]

Probably 7th time listening to this one. Glad you guys have started giving us the full episodes on YouTube. Been listening on the website for 3 years now haha. Thank you Ty, thank you Jr

[shcaskey]

Dale, you’re a great interviewer. You ask solid questions, sometimes tough questions and you’re very good at keeping the train on the track.

[texxasal]

This is the best of the best. Great conversation. Thank you.

[duaneglover]

Jr I've been watching your content for a while and this has been the best one yet, thankyou, I was a big fan of your dad and you, glad you got out for you and your family but still miss watching you race

[Mister_Matt_X]

This interview is one of my favorite interviews on Jrs podcast.... HANDS DOWN!

[DigginIt-MarkH]

Excellent interview with one of the conerstones of DEI, and one of the great minds of NASCAR, definitely has a place in get it done

[stephencarter]

That Moment happened and Junior became a Icon By no choice of his own Nobody on the Planet had more Pressure than Jr. From 2001 and on Handled it it Like a Man as Daddy would Say

[hammonds]

Such a good podcast man it’s awesome putting faces to all the people that was behind the scenes helping out my hero’s .

[darlene]

Thanks Dale for this interview with Mr Norris and I myself probably with the rest of the world want to Apologize for putting you in the place that you felt bout taking 2nd place to your Dad but to me and probably everyone else felt you are very important just like your Dad. But I do understand why you felt the way you did ❤ you All And Merry Christmas to you and Amy and kids

[rodneycheek]

Absolutely the best interview. It's funny my dad was NOT an Earnhardt probably because they were just alike. Guess that's why I was and always will be an Earnhardt fan. 3

[danieloverbee]

Man, i cried and, laughed a lot during this episode awesome 👏🏻