7 fascinating off-track facts about Dale Earnhardt Jr. every fan should know

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is well-known on the racetrack, behind the microphone on his podcast, and in the broadcasting booth. However, there's more to this NASCAR legend than just racing and talking shop. From his fascination with the Titanic to his notable collection of jets, several things about Earnhardt Jr. might surprise both new and longtime fans.

Here are seven off-track facts about Dale Earnhardt Jr. that every fan can get familiar with:

1. Dale Earnhardt Jr. owns a Titanic Lego set

In a recent episode of his podcast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. showcased a Titanic Lego set that he put together with his wife, Amy, and their two daughters. The project took them nearly a day to complete. Interestingly, the model includes a split, mirroring the actual Titanic's tragic breakup in the ocean over a century ago after colliding with an iceberg.

2. A philanthropist or a NASCAR driver?

Throughout his career, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has placed a strong emphasis on philanthropy. He has fulfilled over 250 wishes for young people through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Additionally, he is a devoted supporter of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Along with his wife Amy, he set up The Dale and Amy Earnhardt Fund for Pediatric Rehabilitation and Injury at the hospital.

3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has helped several new drivers

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has a knack for lending a helping hand to newcomers in the racing community, often providing them with a place to stay on his property. For instance, Ross Chastain was once his tenant. During a 2023 podcast episode, Dale Jr. shared that he offered Shane van Gisbergen a place to live while he was settling into the USA, revealing that Chastain had lived on his property until just a few years prior. Additionally, Martin Truex Jr. also crashed at Dale Jr.'s place during his early racing days.

4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. was featured in video games

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s influence extends beyond the racetrack to the world of video games. Not only did he lend his voice to games like "SCARFACE- The World is Yours," but he also took on a role as the executive director at iRacing, the parent company of NASCAR video games, starting in 2020.

5. Dale Earnnardt Jr has 5 private jets and half a dozen cars.

Earnhardt Jr. isn't just a fan of the racetrack; he's also an avid collector of unique vehicles. He owns a Cessna Citation XLS Jet and another private jet marked with "N8JR" on its body. Beyond his #88 Chevrolet racecar, Dale Jr.'s garage holds nearly half a dozen vintage treasures. Among these are a rugged 1948 Chevy TK pickup truck and a classic 1965 Chevrolet Impala.

6. Dale Earnnardt Jr. has been in movies

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has also made his mark in the world of entertainment. He's appeared in blockbuster films like "Talladega Nights" and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon." Beyond the big screen, Dale Jr. has ventured into television, hosting the show "Back in the Day" and making guest appearances on programs such as "Yes, Dear" and "MTV Cribs."

7. Most Popular Driver for 15 consecutive years

From 2003 to 2017, Dale Earnnardt Jr. won the title of Most Popular Driver every year. His broad appeal made him one of Hendrick Motorsports' top earners, pulling in between $25 to $30 million a year. In his final year before retirement, Forbes reported that Dale Jr. earned a whopping $13.4 million.

8. Dale Earnhardt Jr's marriage to Amy

Earnhardt Jr.'s relationship with Amy Reimann began purely on professional terms. He had enlisted her interior design company to revamp his Kannapolis home, just outside of Charlotte. Over time, their connection blossomed into something more romantic. Amy had previously been married to her college sweetheart, Tommy Cook, with the couple tying the knot in 2008 and parting ways just months later. Before his relationship with Amy, Dale Jr. had never been engaged.