Ward Burton Explains His Different Upbringing From His Brothers
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- čas přidán 25. 08. 2024
- Ward Burton - a social media darling, snake wrangler extraordinaire, southern linguistic aficionado, and one of The Dale Jr. Download’s most highly-requested guests - sits down at the table for deep dive into his career and life with Dale Earnhardt Jr.
After Ward’s brother Jeff Burton’s appearance on the show in 2019, the crew has eagerly been anticipating this conversation with Ward. Dale Jr. and co-host Mike Davis quickly learn that episode has recently been on Ward’s mine as well. Find out what realization Ward came to with his brother ahead of this interview.
The three Burton brothers experienced three completely different upbringings in South Boston, Virginia. Hear Ward’s perspective on his life as a child, why he was sent to military school and the impact their parents divorce had on each brother.
Ward details where his life turned once he became an adult and how a few years later, he ended up living alone in the woods for two years. Find out where he stayed, how he ate, where he bathed, and why he finds peace in the woods.
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5 wins, 82 top tens, and 7 poles including a Daytona 500 and Southern 500 without ever racing in a top ride. Ward is highly underrated!
Yeah , He's a real DUDE !!!
Sorry but I love that and His attitude towards life
First race I ever went to was Daytona 500 in like 2002? I loved the CAT car so I had the shirt and hat.. I remember cheering for him and these old guy in front telling me he never has chance bleh bleh, anyway I was 10 or so and steering jumps out of car and he takes first, was awesome day made me bad at fan for quite a while!
He was always one of favs. I really felt like he lost a NASCAR Cup ride way too early… extreme talent!
And he raced as clean as clean could be.
Imagine if Ward actually took the 18 car in 1995, he might have actually been a champion.
Ward was my roomate in our senior year at Hargrave. He is everything people think he is, and is smart, honest and a complete gentleman. When we were teens he was a little rougher, but was always honorable and decent to everyone. We had a great friendship and he was good to me during his racing career! As a matter of fact, I won a "most interesting Dale story" contest talking about military school in Dale's hospitality tent at Fontana about 15 years ago. I told the MC Phil Parsons about about Ward and I going to Hargrave and Dale giving his former military school (our rival school) a large donation to help keep them in business. After winning I thanked Dale for supporting his former school - he is a class act folks!! Ward and Dale are great people and I have nothing but respect for each of them!!
I could listen to Ward tell stories about anything all day. Super interesting and smart man
dale's show should be 2 hours long . seems like we just get into things and it's over .
@@lpete2766 that’s what the podcast is for
Some people chastised Ward for his manner of speech. His drawl. His lisp or whatever you wanna call it. How slowly he talks. Bur one thing is for damn sure. If you put aside the ridicule and listen to the man he is so fascinating. And if you don’t come away with a complete understanding of what he was talking about it’s because you were daydreaming and weren’t listening.
I always liked Ward. He's a " ol Virginian" as I call it. He looks great and I'm glad he is doin' well
Thank you, Dale. Ward Burton deserved this opportunity. He's the genuine article.
"Speeching"
God, I love this man. Wardisms are pure poetry
IKR? If I was drinking coffee I would have spit some.
I smiled at the speeching line too
What an genuine down to earth country boy. We need more like him.
🤣
Literally says he's not a country kid but yeah he's a bush man tho for sure
Genuine, down to earth people yes, yes we do.
Knowing how Jeff speaks with absolutely no accent it's insane how thick Ward's South Boston accent is. I have family from that area and they have their own distinct accent. It's not like the hickish sounding southern accent (that I have) but it's own unique sound. Ward Burton is a national treasure.
Ward in 1 word: Underappreciated.
Got to see him win at Darlington in 02. He was the man
Amen
Man, imagine Ward Burton as a philosophy professor
The lectures would be topical rather than deep. If he started going deep it would be hypnotic.
I would need to wake-n-bake for his classes.
Just a podcast about how to live a good life would be awesome
Imagine Ward as Santa.
I walked away from this interview, and could not help but think of Ward's great career as a racer, and what could have been with some of those great opportunities he passed up on.
But through this interview, I have to be honest, I gained appreciation for Ward and his moral code of passing up good opportunities in favor of loyalty.
You don't see that everywhere in the sports world anymore -- Much Respect Mr. Burton.
He is a huge environmentalist, preserving wildlife and nature for future generations. He has a more balanced approach; a different type than the ones the get all the attention. His time living in the woods for two years no doubt has driven that.
You are both 100 % correct !!
All three of y’all are right
Bravo 👏🏻 Ward.
Those types of individuals are hard to come by these days and wish there was more of them. I think this interview allowed people to discover the type of man Ward really is. Got my total respect.
Ward's narrative of living in that "shack" reminds me of this quote from Thoreau, who he probably came across during his studies:
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."
I’m an Eastern Ky. man, always went in the hills hunting after school. Most of the time I wound up stowing my shotgun in a hollow tree and spent the evening/night walking, listening, thinking, learning and most of all being fully at peace with the world, myself, the wildlife. I’d only hunt what we’d need to eat. When my family stopped eating what I’d taken, I stopped hunting. The peace and love of the woods wouldn’t allow me to take life to prop up some ego trip. Guess I’m rambling. I just identify with Ward…
I live in Ward Burton country. We love him around here. Its awesome when you ride into South Boston and see the sign that says 'Home of Ward Burton!'
Ward is a stand up, good guy in general. I reached out to him after watching this interview. He kind of struck a chord with me talking about being at peace. He a got back to me in a couple days, it meant a lot to me. He's a good role model, it's not the road you take, it's where you end up. Ward thank you.
That voice. Can't forget it.
Sgt sixtah -generation kill
Dale has become such an incredible interviewer. It is great to see an interviewer actually interested in the subject and their answers. GREAT SHOW!
The guys he looked up to, then joined their circle now telling the stories from his youth while digging for more about their lives and sometimes their take on other stories from back in the day.
It's a great recipe!
Ward Burton was easily one of the MOST underrated drivers in NASCAR history. He had some big high profile wins while NEVER driving for a top level team. Had he been given (or taken) an opportunity in more competitive equipment he would easily have done big thing. But he chose loyalty to his owner over the possibility of better equipment. I'll always respect him for the things he did in this sport. Even if they're not the most amazing of stats across the board.
Dale is a natural interviewer. He asks the right questions with the right tact.
I always liked Ward growing up. As a kid the reason I liked him was because he drove the BDR #22 CAT car. But as I’ve gotten older I’ve started to appreciate how true and genuine he is. The guy is a genuine good ol boy
I could listen to Ward for hours. Great segment!
Ward burton needs to do voice acting. im so entertained by the way he talks. narrating books or something.
He would’ve made a better Mater in the Cars movies
You’re not lying. I had to google where he was born because I couldn’t remember. Hearing him talk I could’ve sworn he was from southern Louisiana. Lol
He'd be good at reading civil war books and even the Bible! That voice would draw you in deeper to the story.
Thats why that Cat car was my favorite....im from low country in south carolina and my mama said i sounded like him so as a kid i just randomly became a ward burton fan because of that and my whole family was Robert Yates team fans.... I also had trouble saying caterpillar skid steer lol...i was born in 88 and i dont even watch racing anymore because all the good ole southern fellas i grew up on are gone.
Amen always looked forward to his interviews. Even when he was pissed his voice hardly changed.
Man. I really went down the rabbit whole of these interviews/conversations recently, and being 37 now, it really made me smile and appreciate so much more the drivers and racing that happened in the 90’s early 2000’s. I enjoy it now, but man...those were the golden days for me. And I loved watching Ward. These looks inside these drivers lives who I solely knew from watching them is such a pleasure to hear.
I'm in the exact same boat as you. I'm 36. Started watching nascar religiously mid season of 94'. I've completely lost interest since Gordon and Stewart retired. That was the end of the last great Era of nascar in my opinion.
@@brandonpage2658 i 100% agree!!
Ward looks great. This Virginian loves to hear his storys.
Oops, stories
Me to
I loved in Danville VA and everybody around there sounds like Ward, I love the accent
Yep. I won a wka race there next to the Goodyear plant in '80.
Tru going to a race at VIR, only 30 minutes from Danville.
I live in SoBo(south boston)...Everyone that comes here says we speak our own kind of language. Lol
@@ampandguardfan88 That part of VA, it seems to have some roots in British English. You really hear it as you get near the Chesapeake Bay, too. I grew up in southern WV, and SW Virginia sounds totally different than your part of VA.
@@davidfrench5407 Maybe that's why I can do a pretty good British accent...Lol
Ward Burton is so close to my Dad in Attitude, it's amazing. My Dad worked in the Aerospace Industry. I remember when I was %^& yr.'s old, I was walking under this is huge jet, all sooty-black with my Dad. I was so amazed of it's size and stealthy look, I turned around and asked what he did on this. He said he designed the engines. I was so proud of him, I said, your awesome Dad! He replied, the Tree's and Nature is awesome. Everything that God created is much more important to you! This is just a job, but out in nature, is where I want to be. As I grew up, I was a little confused. That jet was the SR-71 Blackbird. He designed and worked on that project, yet he was not impressed one bit that he had a important role as a Mechanical Engineer , building an historical Aircraft known around the world. My Dad loved nature, the sounds, smells and the animals. To the day he died. Now at 53, I get it now. You have to have simplicity to counter your stressful life. Thank You Mr. Burton, I truly understand what your sayin.
Sounds like ward wanted to be a mountain man. No shame in that. Like a modern Jeremiah Johnson. Some people are born in the wrong century. Glad he was able to make a good life for himself.
BEST 500 winning quote of all time is still Ward winning circle question "How did you win the 500?" "I drove fast!"
Ward is still the same I remember when he won the 500 you couldn't tell if he was happy because his mood never changed always clam well there's a few times when you knew he was mad
"It was a different world in the 70's"--got that Right!
Easily one of the most underrated drivers of the 90s and 00s
What an inspirational ,.....and grateful guy!!!... just a great person with a great story to tell....someone needs to hire this guy!! The voice is incredible!!👍🏼😎
You just gotta love Ward , what a childhood , then staring his racing career , especially at South Boston , then the Busch series , and then the cup cars .. But seriously , just the person he is .. I've kept up with him and Jeff for years , met Ward at Hickory NC in the Busch car back in the day .. 🏁🏁🏁
Ward is so raw. He tells stories how they’re supposed to be told.
A country boy can survive, this country could use about 50 million more Ward Burtons,God Bless America 🇺🇸
Amen
There are.
We’re going extinct unfortunately
I was a teenager when Ward made it to Winston Cup. My dad had raced at South Boston in the 80's. I used to "lie" to kids at school and tell them my dad raced with/against Ward Burton. Years later I found my dad's "NASCAR, Year in Review" book which listed all NASCAR licensed drivers and the points standings for each NASCAR track, I found out I really wasn't lying back then. Lol
So glad that you had Ward on. I miss him.. What an awesome show!!
I love Jr as an interviewer. He gets invested and cares. Love it.
what an interesting dude
What a great interview and gret guy to chat with. Great work fellas!
I can NOT stop smiling listening to ward talk, I'm the oldest brother too and I relate on SO many levels!!!
Class act , was so good watching ward in the MBNA car back in the day roughing up senior. One of the few that was willing to push the envelope. I got mad respect for that dude. Thanks Ward, . And hey junior, if you need an answer to anything,talk to Ward. Best interview so far.
Ward Burton is a living legend, what a life
Growing up watching Jeff and Ward at SoBo, listening to those names, made me smile.
Thoroughly enjoyed this interview. Seeing how Dale has matured and his interviewing skills are truly phenomenal considering how quiet he used to be in media situations. The man has earned all he has achieved with no questions asked.
Yea but he has to lose all that yall crap ,there's a lot of mountain william in that boy ,but he 's come along way .
The greatest place to race in the 90’s around here was south Boston. I have great memories eating fried bologna sandwich’s in the infield. The Burton brothers are exactly what you see .
Ward is truly his own man. I respect him for it and love that voice!
What a great racer, great competitor, and great man. We are lucky to have him. 🔥👍
How awesome was this story. Watching the Burton brothers race growing up you knew something was different but really it was just like the rest of us. A good ole country boy who loved his momma, I can relate.
I grew up in SoBo and have known of Ward my whole life, and I still learned a ton from this interview! Thanks Dale and Mike for having him on and I hope to see more of Ward in the near future!
Love that guy, great guest, please have him back again
I love Ward ,always pulled for him. Love listening to his stories. He looks to be in great shape. I like his work ethic. Thanks for having him on. These pod cast are the best. I think they should be on TV
I'd love to see Ward in the NBC Booth
Class act, i wish he was around nascar more
Wud Button should be in the Hall of Fame. Change my mind.
I agree hell of a racer
There are different reasons for being recognized for their contributions. I think what Ward has been doing in the his home state will get him recognized, outside of NASCAR. Part of thinks he just doesn't care anymore.
Sure. 5 wins doesn't make you a hall-of-famer.
@@chrishumpal3780 Nice to know you took that statement literally...
@@chrishumpal3780 there's a lot more than just wins to determine who gets in the hall. 🥴
Ward’s Virginia accent sure reminds me of my Uncle Bill, who lived in rural VA. Ward was my driver. I always wished him and Tommy Baldwin had stayed together longer.
Ward is a solid dude and one hell of a race car driver. Always was a Sr fan, but always cheered for the Burton brothers.
Wards laugh is awesome.
My dad worked for a Caterpillar dealer, and I drove a Pontiac in the late 90’s. That automatically made Ward the driver I pulled for in my late teens. Plus, me being from West Virginia, he talks a lot like me! My sister, who spent her formative years in Ohio, sounds nothing like I do. I totally understand what that feels like!
Can you imagine this Burton in the broadcast booth instead of Jeff? Makes me smile to picture it.
What a amazing guy ,more should be like especially in this day and age
I'm a voice guy/comedian and I have a bit about Ward and Jeff and their distinct characteristics. This fills in so many blanks for me...Gnom gnom Hey! Howdy!
“I was raised in the north part of the house while ward was raised in the south part.” - Jeff Burton
Great interview the way Ward opened up so honestly about such personal things was awesome. I've heard Ward Burton and Dale jr both tell their brothers they love them on air in the past week. Very powerful words!
I'm 5+ years older than my brother, way different up bringing, he was the baby and I was the oldest, so much different!!!
Please another sit down with him
"Wasn't like I was living in the middle of British Columbia in an igloo" Pure gold. Always pulled for them being VA guys
I always loved Ward's voice.
Ward Burton...a genuinely good man.
Don't you think that Ward could spin some wonderful philosophical life lessons? I love listening to him tell stories.
One of my favorite racers. Thank you for letting us sit in on it!
Ward is a national treasure change my mind
Every freaking time you guys have a guest on they top the previous one.
Please have Harry Gant on at some point would give anything to hear those stories.
He had Harry Gant on in 2019 so you can!
John Edward Burton: Living Legend.
And Jeff does have a little bit of Ward's accent. You do have to listen closely, though.
Ward was raised in the southern most part of the house according to Jeff
Amazing his podcast had those brothers have that conversation. That’s pretty awesome.
I love it. How did you stay warm? The fire place.
Love this interveiw
Talking about being a kid with freedom in the outdoors, reminds me of my childhood, when you grow up in the country, its a wondeful thing kids really take for granted.
Ward was so underrated he was 1 of the reasons racing was worth watching when racing was good
Really want to see this entire interview
I always like Ward. Meet him in Greensboro and got an autograph. He thought he knew me. He was awesome. Love to hear him talk. After this interview, I want to be his best friend.
There's a southern drawl, and then there's Ward.
Ward is so cool. This interview is awesome!
Could listen to ward all day long,great guy!! Thanks Randy
HA!!! I just posted a comment yesterday under part 1 of this interview, saying how I remembered decades ago, someone asked Ward why he talked so much different than his brother Jeff, and sure enough, way back then, Ward replied: "I was raised in the southern end of the house".
Jeff said one time the reason he talks like that ,and I dont,his bedroom was further south than mine,True .
Great interview. I really admire this guy.
One of the best episodes ever!
Always liked Ward when he was racing. You might find someone who is just as down to earth and real, but not more.
I literally spit Dr Pepper across the room when Ward said, "look it's not like I was in the middle of British Columbia living in an igloo"😂😂😂😂😂💀💀
Work hunt fish live life this is good stuff Dale Jr
Man, that was a great interview. Can’t say much more than that.
Love his voice. Love his story.
One of my favorite drivers.
Elliot Sadler said Ward could say Caterpillar and his lips wouldn't even move!
lol
🤣🤣🤣🤣 Elliott dont have much room to talk. He is from a couple towns over from Ward however he is right!! Lol
@@joyhruska9377 Well Elliot"s original statement was. He said People say I talk funny! Have you ever heard Ward Burton talk? He can say Caterpillar and his lips don't even move!
@@scottwhitmer2034 he is right tho! Lol. They both definitely have interesting accents and i hear both of them everyday around here. Lol
I just want to spend a month with ward. So much wisdom behind those eyes.
Ward...always a favorite driver. Good on him.
Ward was my favorite driver and got to meet him in concord once I’ll never forget it and amazing experience!
Ward was another great guest! He needs to right a book then offer it in narrative form !
Big fan of Ward Burton! Love how he talks.
I love Ward Burton! I was a server in a cafe in Huntersville NC 10 years ago & I actually met Jeff Burton & his wife & 2 kids. I was shocked to see his face at my table. I was so nervous! Lol!! I took their order & asked him, "how's Ward doing??" He looked kinda pissed. But I guess he wasn't, he & his family were regular customers after that & were always respectful and friendly. Also, Joey Lagano was another regular customer. He's really tall. Very nice man.
Love to see an episode with Sterling Marlin someday soon!
Sadly, the Sterling that we saw and some loved is really afflicted with Parkinson Disease now and it's hard to watch! I had been seeing him at a mutual friend's annual fish fry but not for a couple of years now. It'll make you sad to see him.