NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. stepped in as a crew chief for 18-year-old Connor Zilisch, giving him the unique perspectives of having been a crew chief and a team owner. Earnhardt owns JR Motorsports - a racing team that gives young drivers an opportunity in the Xfinity Series.

It was actually Lindley's idea, texting Dale Jr. to ask if he was up for the challenge. The Lindleys and Earnhardts have quite the history as well. Dale Sr. and Butch Lindley (Mardy's father) raced against each other back in the 1970s and sadly,

Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the role seriously. He attended meetings. He took notes. He was at a pit practice. When the Xfinity Series garage opened Friday afternoon at at Pocono Raceway, he was there. This was not a publicity stunt or a chance to add another line to his Hall of Fame resume.