Dale Earnhardt Jr. calls out NASCAR on FOX camera work during Ambetter Health 400

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has become one of the top voices in NASCAR media, and he wasn’t afraid to raise some concern during FOX’s broadcast of the Ambetter Health 400.

It was an incredible contest, one that saw Daniel Suarez defeat Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch by one of the smallest margins in the sport’s history. Still, there was far too much action on the track that wasn’t captured by FOX, according to Earnhardt.

He took to social media during the race to voice his complaints on the matter, believing FOX should’ve been more focused on the entire field, instead of simply looking towards the leaders of the pack, as the network was missing some tremendous action.

The camera shots are too tight. Can’t see everything. There is a shit ton going on out there. #NASCAR

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 25, 2024

“The camera shots are too tight. Can’t see everything,” Earnhardt posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “There is a shit ton going on out there. #NASCAR”

That’s something Earnhardt’s friends at NBC have focused on over the last couple of years, and continues to be a viable complaint against FOX. Still, Earnhardt gave the network some credit during the race as well, as he noted FOX’s caution loop visual was something he liked during the broadcast.

I like this visual of the caution loop Fox is using. #NASCAR

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) February 25, 2024

“I like this visual of the caution loop Fox is using. #NASCAR,” Earnhardt posted on X, giving the network some credit.

So it’s not all bad, but FOX could definitely be well-served to use some of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s ideas moving forward, especially if he’s just going to give out free advice. He’s become one of the premier names in NASCAR media, and who knows, he could even end up working for them in the future.

Dale Earnhardt Jr could take broadcasting talents to Amazon Prime Video in 2025

In other news, Dale Earnhardt Jr. let everyone know that his contract with NBC Sports has expired earlier this offseason, and he’s a free agent in broadcasting. As one of the most important voices in NASCAR, his talents will be wanted by someone. 

Earnhardt Jr. has done great at NBC. From his coverage of NASCAR to his time at the Kentucky Derby. However, for one reason or another, the network has allowed his contract to expire. 

In 2025, the NASCAR media landscape is only going to grow. FOX and NBC will be joined by TNT/Warner Bros. Discovery as well as Amazon Prime Video. Not to mention The CW will have the entire Xfinity Series season next year. 

A report from Sports Business Journal names Amazon as a potential landing spot for Dale Jr. Looking at how Amazon tackled its NFL coverage in the last two years, it could be a sign of what is to come for its NASCAR coverage next summer. 

“But given how the deep-pocketed Amazon entered the NFL and brought big-name talent like Al Michaels in front of the camera and Fred Gaudelli behind the scenes, it could become a player for Earnhardt’s services.”

So, could we see Dale Jr. move to a streaming platform? It would be quite a move for Prime Video to make. For Earnhardt, it is fewer races in the booth and more time to work on his other projects. Depending on the money, it might make sense for him to make the move. The two-time Daytona 500 winner has also noted that he’s spoken with all of NASCAR’s media partners.

On3’s Jonathan Howard contributed to this article.