Rick Allen, a name synonymous with NASCAR broadcast, has found himself in a challenging position that many can relate to — a job loss that wasn’t his choice. He recently opened up about his departure from the NASCAR on NBC booth, a move that blindsided him just before the playoffs. Sitting down with Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Allen shared his career journey, beginning at the University of Nebraska, where he nurtured his passion for sports broadcasting.
He recalled the memorable moment when Darrell Waltrip playfully jabbed him, pointing out, “There are no Schwiegers in NASCAR,” referring to his then-unknown name, Rick Allen Schwieger. This moment seemed to set the tone for a career that would soon resonate with fans across the country. Fast forward to today, and Allen’s journey, filled with the thrill of calling races and making lifelong friends, took an unexpected twist.
Out of the blue, in January, Allen was informed that he wouldn’t be returning to NBC, blindsiding him at a lunch meeting that he was not prepared for. Just months before, executives had reassured him and Earnhardt that their team would continue, making the news feel even more abrupt and unsettling. “It was scary and it was weird,” he recalled. It’s something that many of us have faced — that gut-wrenching feeling when a long-term promise suddenly feels like just a fleeting thought.
The reality of losing connections weighed heavily on Allen. He cherished the relationships he built with co-commentators Jeff Burton and Steve Letarte, and felt their camaraderie slip through his fingers. “At the time, when the news hit me, it was kind of like, what am I going to do now if I don’t get to hang out with my friends?” he said. These sentiments resonate deeply with anyone who has faced unexpected career changes, feeling not just the disappointment of the job loss, but also the fear of losing touch with the friends made along the way.
Earnhardt, a steadfast friend, reassured Allen during the NASCAR Hall of Fame ceremony, emphasizing the importance of their friendship, something that provided Allen a glimmer of hope amidst his uncertainty. NBC had advised him to keep the news under wraps, but as rumors began to circulate, Allen battled with the image that he might have done something wrong. The night Michael Jordan himself brought up this very idea during a golf event made it even harsher for Allen. “You’re the voice of NASCAR; why aren’t you calling races?” Jordan asked, unaware of the intricate details behind the scenes.
Allen expressed regret that he didn’t speak out sooner about his departure, wanting to clarify that it was not his decision. “I wish I had been more vocal,” he reflected. It’s easy to understand why he felt that way; when your career shifts unexpectedly, you want to keep your reputation intact, and not be misinterpreted as someone who stepped back willingly.
As Allen ventured into the world of job hunting, he found himself in unfamiliar territory. For two decades, he was an esteemed voice in NASCAR, and now, with big roles opening up across different networks, he struggled to find his footing. “I started off with a friend that was going to help and because I didn’t think I was going to need an agent…then I thought, this might not happen with NASCAR,” he admitted. It’s a common struggle; thinking too highly of our own prospects can sometimes blind us to the reality that we may need a little extra help to pivot in a new direction.
Despite the setbacks, Allen has adapted and, though he has taken on woodworking and house-building projects, the longing to remain in the NASCAR realm lingers. He half-jokes about calling CARS Tour races, owned by Earnhardt, but efforts to encourage younger commentators remain at the forefront of his thoughts.
In sharing his story, Allen demonstrates resilience and the need for connection in the face of adversity. It’s a journey shared by many, offering a reminder that the roads we travel — no matter how bumpy — do lead to unexpected destinations. With hope for a return to the racetrack, Rick Allen’s journey continues, proving that even in the face of life’s challenges, staying connected to what you love can keep the spirit alive.
