NASCAR fans witnessed a new unforgettable moment recently as Ryan Blaney revived a famous catchphrase made popular by Dale Earnhardt Jr., thrilling viewers during a competitive race broadcast. This spontaneous shout-out brought back memories from 2018 and reminded fans of the passion and excitement that defines the sport.
The Origin of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Unforgettable Phrase
The phrase “Slide job!” first entered NASCAR lore on July 1, 2018, during Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s debut as a commentator in the NBC booth for the Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway. On the final lap, Kyle Larson and Kyle Busch were fiercely battling, and when Larson attempted a daring inside move in Turn 1, Earnhardt expressed his excitement with an unplanned shout in his distinct Southern accent: “Slide job! Slide job!”
This spontaneous moment, full of genuine enthusiasm, quickly caught fire among fans. The phrase went viral across social media platforms, with supporters creating memes and merchandise celebrating it. When Earnhardt returned to Daytona International Speedway shortly after, hundreds of NBC crew members greeted him wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the now-iconic phrase. It captured the fun and spirited culture of NASCAR beyond just the racing action.
For years, it seemed unlikely this catchphrase would resurface — until recently.
Ryan Blaney Rekindles the Iconic NASCAR Call
At North Wilkesboro last weekend, Ryan Blaney took to the announcer’s booth for the Craftsman Truck Series race and found himself amid a gripping final-lap fight on the track. Overcome with excitement, Blaney instinctively echoed Earnhardt’s legendary words, exclaiming, “Slide job! Slide job!” just as Earnhardt had done seven years earlier. His delivery carried the same spontaneous energy, not as an imitation but as a genuine tribute.
In a later interview with Peter Stratta, Blaney revealed the exclamation wasn’t rehearsed, but something that surfaced naturally in the moment.
“The moment that I said the first one, I said the second one because it reminded me of Dale’s call at Chicago,”
he said. This connection between two generations of NASCAR talent brought warmth to fans and commentators alike.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. himself caught the clip and expressed his delight, appreciating the homage and recognizing it as a full-circle moment that highlights the strong sense of community in racing.
The Lasting Impact of the “Slide Job” Moment in NASCAR
With Earnhardt now back in the commentary booth for Prime Video’s NASCAR coverage, anticipation is building over what memorable call he might surprise fans with next. Whether “Slide job!” stands unbeaten as a signature phrase or inspires new ones, its revival by Ryan Blaney underscores how NASCAR moments transcend time and connect its passionate community.
This blend of bold racing moves and heartfelt commentary between Earnhardt and Blaney proves that beyond the competition, NASCAR creates lasting memories that unite drivers, crews, and fans as one family.
