CHARLOTTE, N.C. Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn't the winningest driver in NASCAR, but he's certainly one of the most loved.
In fact, race have fans voted Earnhardt Jr. as the most popular driver in NASCAR 11 years in a row.
Earnhardt is a Washington Redskins fan who actually grew up wanting to be like his hero Art Monk.
But it soon became clear he wasn t big enough to play football and, with dad leading the way, he forged his own path into racing. Earnhardt currently drives for Concord-based Hendrick Motorsports and is the owner of his own Nationwide team.
Being the owner of a team is an easy way to spend all your money, Earnhardt laughed. I don t look at owning race teams as a viable way to make it financially in the future. I m driving cars to make my living and that will probably be how I make my living. I don t really have a plan B.
It doesn t look like Earnhardt needs a plan B. He has a solid career in racing and business deals outside of the sport.
Some might say the only thing missing is a family. Look at Earnhardt s cell phone and you ll see he calls his sister the most.
And my girlfriend, Earnhardt said.
Yes, Earnhardt has a girlfriend. Earnhardt and girlfriend, Amy Reimann, were photographed at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week Awards Ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas on December 2, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Reimann also was photographed with Earnhardt at an event on the South Lawn, April 17, 2012 at the White House in Washington, DC. President Obama hosted the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart to honor his championship season.
When asked if it was easier or harder to date because of who he is, Earnhardt responded saying it s harder.
I m not the average male and I don t live the typical lifestyle of the guy down the street, Earnhardt said. It s a real challenge trying to be in a relationship with someone like me and I m not real easy to get along with.
