576 - Zak Brown: Larson's Double Return, Verstappen Debate & Potential Daytona 500 Plans

The Dale Jr. Download

Dale Earnhardt Jr. sets out to learn more about the world of open wheel motorsports as he sits down with the CEO of McLaren Racing Zak Brown. Big news brought the open wheel executive to town as McLaren joined Hendrick Motorsports in announcing that Kyle Larson will return to the Indianapolis 500 in 2025 for another attempt at the Memorial Day double. Zak explains how the partnership with Rick Hendrick came together through an adoration for his race team, which he views as a North American equivalent of McLaren. He also credits Larson’s versatility with being reminiscent of yesteryear’s drivers like A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti. As McLaren continues to flourish open wheel racing, Zak says his sights are set on becoming a top-outfit in the sports car ranks, competing in both WEC and IMSA in the future.

Zak’s background in racing can be traced to the 1981 Long Beach Grand Prix, which he attended with his parents and brother. A successful appearance on Wheel of Fortune when he was 13 and advice from Mario himself led to a door opening in go-kart racing, which Zak entered and never looked back. After finding a knack for securing sponsorship, Zak realized he was better fit on the marketing end of the sport and started his own company, Just Marketing, Inc., which quickly rose to being one of the top businesses in racing. Zak would sell the company and find himself at a professional crossroads before being faced with the ultimate career decision: be in line to one day run Formula One or help direct McLaren Racing. Thanks to his love of competition, Zak took the position at the legendary race team and helped it return to its former glory at the forefront of the racing world.

Dale and Zak share one strong common thread, through Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s 1980s Nova, which currently resides in the JR Motorsports garage. Zak was a longtime owner of the vehicle before Dale Jr. was able to acquire it through auction, and he shares an incredible story of how he was able to confirm its authenticity.