Racing is intense, unforgiving, and certainly not for the faint of heart. While drivers often dedicate themselves to mastering the craft from a very young age, it’s pretty easy to overlook the unsung heroes working relentlessly behind the garage doors.
Brad Means is one of those dedicated few who has poured his time, energy, and heart into the garage, working day in and day out so his driver has a shot at victory lane. Recently, the veteran racer paid Dale Earnhardt Jr. a visit, down to his Bojangles studio.
The two buddies touched on a range of topics, including how Means’ demanding work in racing impacted his family life.
A Father’s Wake-Up Call – the Moment That Shifted It All for Brad Means
Brad Means may not be a household name among younger fans, but his father, Jimmy Means, remains a beloved figure for longtime NASCAR enthusiasts. Means Sr. is a veteran NASCAR racer with almost two decades of experience running in the Winston Cup Series during the golden era of Stock Car Racing.
This son, however, didn’t quite find the same success in racing, but he proved his mettle being a fabrication specialist in the garage. Brad Means has been part of many legendary teams like Richard Childress Racing, Robert Yates Racing, and Roush.
On top of that, he and Earnhardt are childhood friends, having met on the Cup Series circuits in the mid-1980s. Getting to the heart of the conversation, the veteran fabricator recently joined Earnhardt as a guest on his “Dale Jr. Download,” where Means reflected on a powerful moment when his five-year-old son’s innocent question completely shifted his perspective.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. with Brad Means, son of Jimmy Means. 1989. pic.twitter.com/LUNYIxBvXn
— Ernest T. Bass (@JimCrooks7) January 29, 2025
Means was a relentless worker, often logging long shifts, once spending almost 28 hours in a stretch in garages, doing multiple profiles. The moment in question came during a particularly demanding stretch when he was juggling responsibilities between Robby Gordon’s team and Yates Racing, formerly known as Robert Yates Racing.
Due to the demanding nature of his work, Means often slept in the garage, choosing rest over comfort. He recalled, “I’m not going to quit, I mean I’m not going to not try, we’re going to do it, whatever it took, we did it. Sleep there, do whatever, a couple of days later we go to Wendy’s for lunch and Robbie had these red t-shirts that was your work shirt.”
On that fine day, the racer/fabricator had his five-year-old with him. Noticing the red t-shirts worn by the Wendy’s employees, his son innocently asked Means, “Daddy, do they live at Robbie’s with you too?”
For Means, it was a truly eye-opening moment. “I was never home, you know?” he reflected. “I was like, ‘I have to find something else to do.” The realization came flooding in like water out of flood gates. He understood then that he needed to prioritize spending more time with the family rather than being mindlessly consumed by working in the garage.
Later on, he changed his ways and is currently settled in with ThorSport, where he currently hangs NASCAR Truck bodies, serving as a truck chief for Ty Majeski.