Tim Brewer: "I Don't Call It Cheating, I Call It Self-Defense"

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with longtime NASCAR crew chief and former ESPN television analyst Tim Brewer to learn more about his legendary career calling the shots for some of the sport’s all-time greats - along with a few tales of innovation.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with longtime NASCAR crew chief and former ESPN television analyst Tim Brewer to learn more about his legendary career calling the shots for some of the sport’s all-time greats. After growing up within earshot of Bowman Gray Stadium, Tim established himself as a hard worker and found a position as crew chief for Junior Johnson and Associates, helping Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip earn Cup championships in 1978 and 1981 respectively. Tim’s work ethic was developed in his early teen years when he left his path of education to join local racer Ernie Shaw in the NASCAR Grand American ranks. Tim had a short stint with Tiny Lund before settling in with fellow Winston Salem native Richard Childress, becoming one of the youngest crew chiefs in NASCAR history at the age of 18.

Tim explains that he got hired onto the famed Holly Farms team when Herb Nab vacated the chief position and Junior Johnson made a call to Childress. Tim and Travis Carter came on board in 1978 and helped guide Yarborough to ten wins and a third consecutive Cup season crown. Tim and Dale also discuss his years spent working with Waltrip and what made him leave Johnson’s team in 1982 to work for MC Anderson, reuniting with Yarborough. He also details how Raymond Beadle came to NASCAR ownership, creating the Blue Max Racing group with driver Tim Richmond in 1983. Tim talks about his friendship and competition with Dale Earnhardt Sr., his falling out with Junior Johnson in the early 90s and how he came to become an Emmy-award winning television analyst after he stepped down from the pit box. He closes the show by sharing a few "innovation stories" from over the years.

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Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to Tim Brewer's Career
03:00 - The Evolution of the Crew Chief in NASCAR
05:46 - Memorable Stories from the Track
09:06 - The Influence of Family on Racing Careers
12:01 - Navigating Relationships in the Garage
14:55 - The Transition from Junior to Other Teams
17:54 - The Competitive Nature of NASCAR
20:45 - Reflections on Racing Legends
24:08 - The Challenges of Team Dynamics
26:55 - The Impact of Technology on Racing
29:55 - The Legacy of Tim Brewer in NASCAR
32:47 - Final Thoughts and Reflections on Racing
55:15 - The Power of Engine Modifications
58:05 -Lessons from the Wind Tunnel
01:00:41 - Transitioning Teams and Innovations
01:03:32 - The Impact of Personal Relationships in Racing
01:06:30 - Reflections on Career Changes
01:19:21 - The Shift to Television and Broadcasting
01:22:46 - Life Lessons and Personal Growth
01:36:00 - Innovations and Tricks in Racing