Abandoning The Amish For NASCAR: The Captivating Marlin Yoder Story | Dale Jr. Download
Dale Earnhardt Jr. sits down with Hendrick Motorsports mechanic Marlin Yoder to discuss his departure from the Amish community and his one-in-a-million journey to becoming a NASCAR Cup Series championship-winning crew member. The conversation begins with Yoder’s perspective of living in a strict Amish community and his first time discovering NASCAR via the radio he smuggled into his bedroom. He relives the dramatic moments of leaving his family and community behind to chase a dream in an unknown new world.
Yoder didn’t know what a racetrack or the race cars looked like until he first laid eyes on a NASCAR television broadcast after leaving home. He instantly caught the bug to pursue a career in racing, and details his early days racing at a local short track. Dale Jr. and Yoder also discuss his efforts handing out resumes at race shops, breaking through in the lower levels and achieving the impossible at NASCAR’s highest level. Yoder’s story is one you won’t believe until you hear it for yourself.
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We are so proud to have Marlin building our Track Attack cars! He's an excellent mechanic who does a lot more than just the front-end suspension. He does all the wiring, engine prep/installation, and everything in between on our cars. We are lucky enough to have Ferman Miller and Travis McIntire (who builds his street stock) as a part of our build team as well! Marlin has such a great story and is an even better person. Thank you, Dale Jr., for giving him a platform to tell the world who he is and where he came from!
Was never a fan of GM when watching NASCAR, I haven't watched it really since dale passed and sterling retired. But I never miss an episode of dale jr down load I absolutely love hearing dale and R talk when he's on. You guys are an amazing team and dale is a fantastic human I am just a Mopar man 😂
Sounds like he is probably a good worker and I'm glad he works for the best!
Dale you are not just talented behind the wheel but behind the microphone as well. One hell of a great interview. Very well done 👏
Well said 🫡
I don't think Dale Jr realizes just how good of an interviewer he really is. He is able to ask the real questions that the audience wants to know while obviously coming from a place of humble, respectful curiosity. He really has a natural gift for it. This is a fantastic and riveting interview. One of the best on the download that I can recall.
Your so right he gets the truth out of people it’s crazy how he can do it
Also, Junior talks to these people like a fan of hard work and respect for their journeys.
It's captivating this interview...
exactly what I came here to say after listening to the podcast.
Lol.. Yea ok
This is one of the best Dale Jr Downloads I’ve ever seen. Top 5 for sure
I agree
This world sure could use not all but just a little of the discipline and work ethic and up bringing he had you can tell he’s a down to earth hard working respectful, and polite guy
I’m like you but my top five keep changing. They just keep getting better.
This might be my favorite one yet! Junior does a great job of asking questions that puts the listener in the guest’s shoes. I felt like I could visualize much of this story. The odds he overcame to reach the pinnacle of nascar are astounding and inspiring
I've agree! He really drew Mr. Yoder out. Definitely a favorite episode.
This was very interesting. I have always been interested in the Amish. I bet there aren't very many Yoders in North Carolina. What a talented energetic man. I hope he realizes how God had led him in the steps of his life.
I have a great deal of respect for the people who exhibit the positive aspects of Amish and Mennonite culture. The work ethic is how he wound up where he is. Yes he had/has innate skill and good talents. However, within the relatively small number of people with those skills and competencies there are very few who have the commitment, dedication, work ethic, and willingness to achieve their maximum potential. Most people are fat and happy with mediocrity.
This is one of the most fascinating interviews I've ever seen on this show. Loved it
I agree😅
Marlin Yoder's story will be legendary and it's not even over yet! Probably the best guest Dale has had on his show! Marlin such a humble hard working gentleman! It's kind of sad that his family really doesn't understand his success . Hopefully they will one day. Great job Dale!
Success is different to some. It's not about money or fame.
My mind is still blown. Chad had an Amish working on steering parts on the 48! This guy had a better chance of winning the PowerBall! He had a cousin connection down there, but still. I wonder what he gets paid at HMS. JR had a surprised look when Yoder said he made good money in his single bay.
Marlin Yoder's story is so incredible. I can't imagine leaving home at 17 to try to create my own life from scratch. What an inspiration!
With no idea where to start with zero experience at anything. I am blown away!
Wow….that may be my favorite interview ever. That guy brought his character and work ethic out of the Amish community and into NASCAR…and we are better for it.
I have no idea if anyone will see or read this, but I just want to say on behalf of all the dads that are out there with sons we want the best for, I am very proud of what you have accomplished in your life and career.
Being born Amish and raised in a far less rigid community it was great to see how Marlin handled this interview. Jr did a phenomenal job and you could see how relaxed and poised Marlin was. This is easily the best DJD ever. I was glad to see that Marlin’s work ethic and humility was so evident. Not wanting to be famous is very Amish. Hard to understand in the real world but his objective is to be successful to help others especially veterans needing a hand up. 10 ⭐ all aroun
I am not Amish but grew up near an Amish community in Missouri. I was a child when my mother passed and my father hired a young Amish woman to help him out with me and my brother. Knowing some about the Amish community I found this story fascinating. Lucky people make their own luck. Great interview, great story, wishing Marlin nothing but the best! Awesome.
I want to thank Marlin for telling his story. FYI. Some Amish kids here will install a radio on a weekend in a buggy. It is crazy to hear a loud sub in the buggy. Yes they would hide them at English Neighbor’s. Dale this was one of the best shows!
This was one of the most interesting shows of Dales ever.Really like this show!
What a great interview ! - I'm 70, raised in a racing family since The Womb, - had a street stock for 2 yrs. Etc... I have worked in Thee' Amish community for 12-15 years- in 7 different communities..and honored..so I know their life style .I know what one goes through when the leave the community. Thye give up friendships, family, family gatherings- weddings, funerals, work frolics ( barn raisings etc,) they give up so much plus being shunned-- it's a sacrifice you & I will never know.. You started out rough- asking questions and it got better & better every minute.!! I can't imagine doing an interview not knowing their background and Dale- awesome job !! And a million to one odds, yea....and you didn't rush the interview because without knowing his life, their life, how could the viewers understand ? I compliment you on your heart. I just wanted to let you know what this interview meant to me, an ex racer, car owner,lover of racing and someone who understands racing, The Amish and life with passion and goals. Again...Thank you for this wonderful interview.
@bobsyth9776 very well said.
Marlin Yoder is a straight boss. He bet on himself and then he made sure it was a winning bet. Bravo!
I honestly wasn't too stoked about this podcast when I read what it was, but it was a great episode. Incredible story.
What do you mean?
I love the podcast, I meant to say I wasn't too excited about the guest because I knew nothing of him, but it was a fantastic episode.
JR is one of the most humble souls!! 🙏💚👑
Mike Rowe always talks about people “Forrest Gumping” their way through life. Hearing Marlin’s story, I couldn’t help but think about that. He has the drive and the skills to succeed. He’ll make it…something tells me that we’ll be seeing more of him someday.
I hadn't heard of any of that, but was still reminded of Forrest Gump! But Marlin is probably working with twice the intellect of Forrest Gump.
I’ve listened to almost every episode. This might be the best one I’ve listened to!
Not me anymore
This guy is the most humble, hard working and love life person I’ve seen.
What a story! I grew up about 45 minutes north of a large Amish community in central Illinois. You want to talk about precision craftsmanship…my parents built a home and 4-5 years after, bought a wrap around kitchen cabinet package from an Amish cabinet maker with lower and upper cabinets. They built them, my dad picked them up and installed them and they fit “to a T” in our home. The uppers butted right up to the trim around the windows, the lowers sat just behind the floor vents. You name it, it fit like a glove. Here’s the kicker…the guy who built the package NEVER ONCE stepped foot in our house! He built them off of the floor plans of the house and you would have thought they were custom built on-site as a part of the construction! Amazing skill, talent and craftsmanship! No doubt Marlin will continue to be a success in anything he puts his hand to! It’s in his blood! As they say, you can take the boy out of the community, but you can’t take the “community” out of the boy! All the best wishes to you Marlin!
Best story ever told on here
What an amazing conversation. There needs to be a movie about his story. I’m so glad that even though they may not understand he is still able to have a relationship with them.
Blown away by how much of a standup guy Al was during all of this
Truly an amazing story!! Marlin is proof that anything is possible if you want it bad enough …. So much respect for him.
That’s two completely kindred spirits vibing with each other in conversation for two hours. Both of them legends in their own right yet neither at like they are above living in a pop up tent.
Dale Jr., this was one of your best interviews, for sure.
Dale, you have a real talent for interviews. I Enjoyed that story very much... 👍
I would love to see his story made into a movie that would be great. Great job Dale Jr
Jr keep us updated on Marlin Yoder. Yes make this a movie! The best story ever told.
I don't usually watch full episode podcasts... I grew up in Amish country in Lancaster Pa. I wasn't Amish but it peeked my interest. This was a great listen. Great interview... Two genuine people... I really enjoyed it.
I love this interview. It’s so real and not scripted. It’s basically Dale getting his curiosity answered and being real respectful about it.
Absolutely incredible young man with a great story! Breaking ties to strike out and make his way in a new world! My God! And YOU Dale! Seeing the opportunity and bringing him to us with a blue ribbon interview. Bless you both for this amazing experience.
I've come to learn that if Dale Jr’s guest is a name I don't know, it's probably going to be one of the better shows I'll hear. This is an incredibly impressive individual, and I'm so glad I've listened.
Dale. This is by far the best show you have ever done. Award WORTHY!!!!
I still believe Dale Jr still needs to consider interviewing having some grass root late model drivers on the show like Landon Huffman or Doug Barnes. It would be awesome to get some late model grass root racers on the show.
By miles and miles, this has been the best podcast not only in a racing, but anywhere on YT! Thank you for sharing your story, Marlin; you are such a wonderful young man!
This is by far the best podcast ever!! So well done Dale. You asked the right questions with so much respect. ❤❤❤
Captivating is the perfect word to describe this story ! I would like to add Brave , emotional, determined, fascinating, hard working successful. This is by far one of the BEST interviews I've ever heard Dale Jr !
This is by FAR the absolute best episode the dame download has EVER broadcast! If it doesn't go viral, it's a huge loss for not only motorsports in general but a story of an ultimate life's journey of human determination!!!!! Congrats to Dale Jr by bringing this story to light. And a double, no, a triple congrats to Marlin for a fabulous example of determination!!!! Thank you to both of you fine men for telling this story.
Dale really showed his skills as a podcast interviewer. Excellent job! and this is a great story for anyone I am going to share it with my mom.
This is the best Dale Jr show I’ve ever seen also
Great interview! Thank you for bringing us Marlin’s story. Fascinating.
This was the best Interview I have ever seen Dale Jr Does A fantastic job
Dale jnr thank you sir for this. I'm an Englishman in love with Nascar since the 1979 Daytona 500, I've never been to your country let alone a race, but this has got to be one of the most beautiful stories I've ever heard in Nascar! PS. Its my birthday today, and this podcast was the icing on my cake, thanks man!
Happy Birthday from SWEET HOME ALABAMA to you my friend . . .
Interviews often frustrate me because I’m aching for the interviewer to ask the questions that most interest me. At the end I’m disappointed more often than not. THIS INTERVIEW was incredible all the most interesting questions were asked by Jr with the most humble and amazing answers from Mr Yoder. I’ve never been to a NASCAR race but this channel is my favorite. I hope in the future I’ll get a chance to see a race.
This was your best interview this year. Thank you for allowing him to give thoughtful answers to very difficult questions about his family. If there is a more honest man in NASCAR, I'd love to meet him. Thank you, Dale Jr!
A large Amish family lives two houses down from me and my race shop. Nobody in the neighborhood shows more interest in what happens in my shop than they do. Often times after I fire up the race car they will run they're horses up and down my road with they're single seater carts. They rubberneck staring at our place so hard..always makes me wonder what they are thinking and makes me wish I could invite them over This story is amazing to me..it tugs on your emotions good and bad....I like this guy.
This is, without doubt the most compelling interview jr. has done, ever. Fascinating hearing about not only the Amish community, but also Mr. Yoder's decision and transformation leaving that community. I found his honesty to be refreshing and a nice change from the usual racing intercourse.
Great episode. They could make a movie about this guys life.
I have lived in Hueytown, Alabama my entire 48 years. My great grandparents lived in Tennessee and there was a Amish community. They were always very nice and some of the best sugar cured ham, apple butter, sorgam syrup and jams and jelly's you ever put in yo mouth came from there. Was such a wild experience to go into their community and step back in time compared to the world I grew up in. Great episode Jr as always. You are becoming a legendary broadcaster before our eyes my brother. Wishing you the best from the HOME OF THE ALABAMA GANG. . . HUEYTOWN , ALABAMA. #12 #88 # F-97 #51 #28 #24
This is one of the best episodes so far. These are some of the stories people want to hear about. Huge shout out to you guys for putting the spotlight on the guys that make the sport go round.
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It's better than any therapy or motivational program out there. One of the few plac3s online that gets your mind off all the bullshit going on in the world.
It’s what got me back into NASCAR and Motorsports
ME!!!💞🤗💞🏁🏆🏁 LOVE LOVE LOVE DIRTY MO MEDIA 💞🤗💞🤗💞🤗💞🙏🙏🙏🙏
Me ✋🏻 this and Door Bumper Clear are awesome to listen to.
Pretty sure your mom does.
This has been one of the best downloads I’ve ever listened to. Dale was very respectful with his questions. I didn’t want it to end, he should write a book on his life story. It would definitely be a book on how to be successful in life!
This has to be the absolute best conversations you have ever had on the download. From the bottom of my heart Thank You For This.
One hell of a story
This is definitely my favorite DJD to date. Absolutely phenomenal
So many amazing episodes on the DJD. This one is by far my favorite! Such an amazing story with this guy! He is a unique individual. I have no doubt that he will be successful no matter what he chooses to do in his life. His story is so inspiring and gives me as a new business owner more of a drive to be successful. This was such an amazing show DJ!!!
This was your best Dale Jr. Downloand to date!!! What a story, real life, real freedom. Best of luck to Marrlin Yoder.
This is one of the most intriguing interviews I've ever watched! What a story this young man has and Jr's ability to bring out the emotion of his journey! I predict hearing this young man's name more and more in the future! What a work ethic. Jr. Will without a doubt be involved with him in helping him with the vision and drive to go his business and sponership for his racing. You could almost see a deal .ing together within the interview. ❤❤
Awesome, just wish he’d let him finish when he was trying to elaborate on stuff.
He still did a great job, I have to defend the both of them. Jr is trying to keep a timeline and learn the most he can. It’s kind of a skill in its own right. I get you though but he’s got limits and questions to get in
What a great story! I love his drive and work ethic....we need more people like him.
Incredible show! Hats of to Marlin for following his passion and making his dreams a reality! Says a lot about who he is as a person.
Man how about that! Dale jr is so in touch, at 43:24 when he said so she did love you? You can still marlin really thought about that like he hadn’t before that’s so cool. Great interview and great guys
This was the best interview concerning racing that I have seen.
Dale, I do believe this is your best interview yet. You asked really good questions, brought out some interesting and quite personal answers. Very awesome sir!
This is a great interview. I have worked at Slinger for years and probably have crossed paths with him. Love story’s like this.
Junior, probably your most interesting interview yet. We all learned so much about a lifestyle that many people dont understand. I can;t imagine him leaving that community and seeing for the first time what this world is all about. Think about his first time in an airplane, going through airport security etc, all of his first time experiences had to be amazing to him. Great job today!!
I grew up in a Very strict Baptist house, not saying it was nearly as bad as his situation, but I felt some familiarity for sure.
This is, hands down, the best guest on the DJD.
One of my favorite episodes yet. So much of what Marlin has done is impressive, his strict upbringing and hard work ethic has stood him well , once that is installed it never leaves you. Thank you Dale jr for giving Marlin a great platform to tell his story and doing an amazing job of interviewing .
This man has to be so strong inside and so sweet, genuine and gentle. He has one of the most genuine and amazing stories for NASCAR. To do what he does and accomplish, wow!
I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire interview. I never set still and usually am doing things around the house while listening but this one kept me glued the entire time. Great job to both of you but I especially wish that young man great successes in the future.
This story amazed me. Marlin is incredible. What an amazing story of hard work, determination and resilience.
As a mother listening to Marlin's story, it is heartbreaking to hear what all he had to go through to feel a sense of being in today's society. Kudos for him for standing up for himself, but it's a shame that he had to leave so much behind. I know nothing about NASCAR racing, but I was compelled to watch this entire interview. Even if your parents can't tell you, there are many people out there who are proud of you. You have such a bright future ahead.
I haven't even got to the end of this episode and it's SO GOOD. I don't watch Jr's podcasts enough. Great job guys.
What an incredible story, kept me captivated from start to finish. Wish Marlin all the best. Great job Jr on the interview. Top notch.
Dale thank you for the respect you showed, taking time to form questions, and listening. Marlin thank you for opening up, you showed a lot of trust.
Popping over from the podcast side to comment on how good this episode was. What a frickin story. Dude absolutely needs to write a book later on in life when he has time and I too bet Yoder Automotive will be a successful chain. That boy just don't take no for an answer.
Such a great interview!! As someone who has relatives who were/are Pennsylvania Dutch, the questions asked here did such a great job of painting the picture for folks on the outside who only hear stories.
Definitely one of the top episodes of the podcast. His drive and integrity made him what he is.
What an uplifting message. There is another former Amish, Eli Yoder that I regularly follow. Eli recently made that statement that he had relatives in the racing community and I believe Marlin was one that he had mentioned. I would sure like to see this young man thrive and become more prominent of a leader. I simply believe the world would do good for it. These young men serve medicine in my views.
Wow!! Amazing story of bravery and determination. Good Luck Marlin!!
Someone needs to make a movie on this guys life!! Absolutely incredible. Wow
This is why we need to highlight crew guys again! Crew guys, track workers and flag men used to get talked about or shown during racing! I want a reason to root for teams!
I am Pa Dutch live near Lancaster Pa. This was one of my favorite episodes. You are a Hero to Any Amish that might want to leave to community. Very proud of you
We’ve all heard about how drivers get there start in racing but being able to hear the stories of the guys behind the scenes is amazing and this story of Marlin is absolutely great this is one of my favorites!! Thank Dale for having him on!!
I don’t think I’ve missed an episode yet of the DJD. This episode was one of the most interesting story I’ve heard! Congrats to him for paving his own road!
*Man I really like this guy! He came from not knowing anything about racing to going straight to the top. Keep pushing Marlin, we are behind you brotha!.*
I'm blown away...first he left the Amish Community, now he's considering leaving NASCAR.... Most would kill to have this opportunity.
What an amazing story! Marlin, thank you for sharing. You are honest, humble and brave.
Dale, it is obvious life has given you a kind heart. You do a good job of bringing kindness out in others and helping us all appreciate what is important in life.
Dale, you handled this interview very respectfully, great job!!!👍👍👍
This is not how I expected to spend my Sunday morning. Heard the preview and had to find the full story on this young man. Incredible.
Excellent interview! Thank you for sharing your story, Marlin.
It was a Great story - thank for all you do for all of us.
Simply one of the best (possibly the best) interviews on your podcasts. It's so emotional and kept drawing me in. Love all the questions you asked and am now a big Marlin Yoder fan.
This was incredible! Just GREAT Dale!! Kudos to you, fabulous interview. What a story, incredible!!
I’m 55 now. I lost my dad a few years back he was 80. He was rough and hard but The longer I live the smarter he becomes. Don’t sound like too bad of an upbringing to me. God bless y’all.
Hey Dale Jr. Hey man im 54 n i was a huge Davey Allison fan back in the day even b4 he ran for rookie of the year n man im telling you bout the only way to catch a nascar race for me was on the radio. I lost my voice several Sundays listening and rootin for my driver and even till this day in time im a huge Ryan Blaney fan n i still love listening to the race on MRN on Sundays.
That was such a fascinating listen! Thank you so much for sharing. What a great example of sheer will and determination by that man. Amazing, amazing story.