Dale Earnhardt Jr. retired from racing over seven years ago, but his unique habits still remain. Known for his dedication to NASCAR, Dale Jr. had some wild experiences on the track. One memorable moment was the dramatic fuel mileage win at Michigan in 2008. These exciting approaches to racing seem to have seeped into his everyday life as well.
Since marrying Amy Earnhardt in 2016, they have built a happy family with two daughters. However, like any couple, they face their share of disagreements—many stemming from Dale Jr.’s unconventional lifestyle. Recently on their podcast, ‘Bless Your Hardt,’ Amy shared an amusing story about one of those habits.
Amy recalled how it bothers her when Dale Jr. leaves snack crumbs on the floor after eating. She said, “When you’re done eating, you get up and crumbs fall everywhere. This isn’t the trash can!” Dale Jr.’s response was surprising, even for Amy.
He revealed a strange routine he had before they met. “Every day, I’d wake up, eat a large meal around two o’clock, play video games until five in the morning, smoke cigarettes, and drink energy drinks,” he explained. Amy couldn’t help but gasp in disbelief. “Lord have mercy,” she exclaimed.
The Earnhardt family has always had its share of wild stories. Dale Jr.’s father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., didn’t even have a driver’s license until his 30s. Dale Jr. also had a unique journey. In 2008, he made the tough decision to leave his family team and join Hendrick Motorsports, which put him alongside racing legends. The pressure of being in such a competitive environment led him to unwind in unusual ways, like drinking and smoking during the week.
Last year, Dale Jr. commented on his past habits, saying, “I’d party with friends, thinking it was part of my old ways.” Despite attempts to change for better focus in racing, he found that his efforts didn’t make a difference in performance. “I’d work on my fitness, cut back on drinking, but results stayed the same,” he admitted.
Even with his quirky habits, Dale Jr. cultivated a meaningful friendship during a chaotic period of his life. He bonded with fellow driver Martin Truex Jr. when Truex was a rookie. They quickly hit it off, sharing a love for video games. Dale Jr. joked about their setup, saying, “We built a gaming space with identical computers and raced online all night, living on junk food and drinks.”
Truex proved to be an outstanding racer, winning back-to-back Xfinity Series titles while teaming up with Dale Jr. This friendship remains a highlight in Dale Jr.’s career.
In the end, Amy Earnhardt may still shake her head at Dale Jr.’s habits, but they work through their differences as a couple. Together, they inspire many with their love and commitment.
