Feuds, Heartbreaks, and Victory: Winston Kelley’s 30 Years in NASCAR

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with NASCAR Hall of Fame Executive Director and former MRN Pit Reporter Winston Kelley for an in-depth conversation with over 30 years of NASCAR stories.

Winston Kelley's journey in NASCAR started with his passion for the sport, beginning his career working on the road for free. He witnessed iconic moments from there, including the final races of legends like Cale Yarbrough, Richard Petty, and Jeff Gordon. Winston also conducted Dale Earnhardt's final interview at the 2001 Daytona 500, sharing insights on Earnhardt's mood before the race.

Throughout his career, Kelley faced challenging moments, from interviewing Dale Earnhardt after his Daytona 500 heartbreaks to navigating the heated feud between Rusty Wallace and Earnhardt.

As the Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Winston fulfills his childhood dream, working with his heroes and contributing to the legacy of the Hall. Since the groundbreaking of the museum in 2006, he has been integral in the induction process of NASCAR's most prestigious figures.

The interview wraps up with Winston's reflections on his best and worst interviews, including memorable moments with Tony Stewart and a poorly worded question that cost him dearly. Winston Kelley shares a treasure trove of NASCAR stories in this episode. Comment below which one was your favorite.

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Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Overview
02:16 - The Role of Broadcasters in NASCAR
04:39 - Winston Kelly's Early Life and Career Path
10:12 - Getting Started in Broadcasting
18:14 - The Dedication and Passion of Broadcasters
21:30 - Memorable Moments and Interviews
30:31 - Special Experiences Outside of NASCAR
34:24 - The Cop-Hedy Charity Ride and Unexpected Challenges
34:54 - Memorable Experiences on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride
40:17 - Interviewing Dale Earnhardt Sr. After Races
45:00 - Memorable Moments and Announcements
53:34 - Funny Stories and Emotional Moments
58:55 - Working at the NASCAR Hall of Fame
01:05:02 - Selection of Charlotte as the Hall of Fame Location
01:07:52 - Career at MRN and Pit Reporting
01:28:07 - Winston Kelly's Role as Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame
01:31:27 - The Importance of Trust and Relationships in the Industry
01:34:20 - Memorable Interviews and Moments
01:38:19 - The Emotional Experience of Inducting Deserving Individuals
01:39:18 - The Dedicated and Passionate Team at the Hall of Fame
01:41:36 - Challenges and Criticism in the Voting Process