Dale Jr. Defends Chris Gayle After Las Vegas Pit Call

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has publicly defended Joe Gibbs Racing crew chief Chris Gayle following intense scrutiny over a controversial pit strategy during the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Speaking on his Dirty Mo Media podcast, Earnhardt addressed the fallout from the pit decision involving Denny Hamlin, which sparked wide debate across the NASCAR garage.

The strategy drew heavy criticism after Hamlin surrendered the lead, inadvertently allowing title rival Kyle Larson to receive a wave-around and regain the lead lap. Hamlin subsequently expressed deep frustration on his own podcast, stating that he would have refused the pit call had he known Larson was a lap down.