Dale Jr.: Girlfriend Amy skipping Talladega 'was the worst idea'
That would be Amy Reimann, his girlfriend of the past several years.
The couple decided earlier in the week that Amy, who is often seen by her boyfriend's side during pre-race ceremonies, would remain at the couple's North Carolina home to get some work done around the house.
"About 9 o'clock this morning, it was the worst idea," the Hendrick Motorsports driver said during post-race interviews in the Talladega media center. "I was miserable that she wasn't here. It just proves to me how much she means to me and how important she is to me. She's been a big help in getting me out of my shell."
"We were joking about it with Darrell Waltrip, that I just never come out of the bus all weekend (at the track)," Earnhardt said. "When I go home, I'd sit on the computer and race online. My buddies would call and text me, 'We're going here, going there.' I would never go (and said), 'I'll see you guys next time.'
"I thought I was having fun, but I was really miserable. She's made my life a whole lot more enjoyable and showed me how to have fun and showed me there's a lot more to life."
The third-generation driver also gave credit to his mother, Brenda, and his sister, Kelley.
"My sister and I are getting along great," said Earnhardt, 40. "My mother and I are getting along great. Everything is in the right direction. Everybody is happy.
"I guess that's the way it's supposed to be, but I feel real lucky because that's the case. I know a lot of people aren't at fortunate. Hopefully, it just keeps getting better."
