"Cost me getting in the Hall of Fame": $300M worth Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s guest reminisces to when his NASCAR 'innovation' made him a "cheater"

In a recent episode of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s podcast, Tim Brewer, a distinguished former crew chief, shared insights into a controversial innovation that might affect his Hall of Fame prospects. In a discussion with $300 million worth Dale Earnhardt Jr., Brewer narrated how he once used different studs and large body washers to manage the buckshot damage on Darrell Waltrip’s car, an unorthodox technique that he fears could tarnish his reputation as some might view it as cheating.

Tim Brewer's career has seen him work with a roster of renowned drivers, including Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, Jeff Hammond, Geoff Bodine, Neil Bonnett, Terry Labonte, Bill Elliott, and Junior Johnson. He wasn't included despite being a nominee for the 2025 Hall of Fame class.

In the clip, Brewer expressed concerns that his revelations about the inventive methods might be misinterpreted, potentially compromising his legacy. He recounted a specific instance from his tenure as Darrell Waltrip's crew chief, stating the inventive yet controversial tactics he employed:

"We're on Pit Road and Darrel Waltrip’s No. 88 comes down the pit road. And that thing is splattering buck shot all over everything. He's putting about 20 pound of buckshot in there. [...] I got me four wheels and I put these 3/8 studs and some big body washers on eight points all the way around it. I made me a form. Went and got me my old rear end bucket, melted me 40 pounds of lead and poured it in four wheels."

Tim Brewer inquired Dale Earnhardt Jr. about what he thinks would happen to a car if it were 160 pounds lighter, to which Dale Earnhardt Jr. responded that it would enhance drivability.

However, after confessing his secret, Brewer feared being considered a cheat, saying,

"It's probably cost me getting in the Hall of Fame because people gonna think I am a damn cheater or something another."

---

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s guest Tim Brewer recently discussed his professional split with Junior Johnson

Tim Brewer attributed the split primarily to a persistent communication gap and a lack of consideration for his input as a crew chief. In response to Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s inquiry about whether sitting down with Johnson could have mended their relationship, Brewer recounted a specific incident:

“We get to Phoenix when we put that motor race motor in Saturday morning. I went, ‘This thing, something ain’t right about it’. He goes back to, 'don’t criticize my motors.’ I come in there Sunday morning and I wanted to tell Junior, we need to change this motor."

"What happened to us? Burnt a piston three or four laps in. But at the end of the day, Junior and I- miscommunication. That’s where two hard heads come together, is as much my fault as was his.”

The ongoing discord led to Brewer's departure from Junior Johnson & Associates, after which he transitioned to Morgan-McClure Motorsports, having been replaced by Jeff Hammond.