Dale Earnhardt Jr. attended the NASCAR Awards in Charlotte on Friday, November 22, celebrating an eventful year. Earlier this month, his Xfinity Series driver, Justin Allgaier, secured the season’s championship in Phoenix. Speaking to the media on the red carpet, Earnhardt reflected on the year’s challenges, noting that paying too much attention to the state of the world can make it seem like “a bit of a struggle.”
Despite this, Earnhardt shared that his travels throughout the year brought him immense joy. He credited the people he met along the way for making it a truly enjoyable experience. Earlier this year, he vacationed in England and Scotland, and he’s already planning another trip, this time with his family. Inspired by Kyle Larson’s adventurous approach, Earnhardt expressed a desire to travel to Australia with his wife, Amy, and their daughters.
“The calendar year has always been a challenge, but over the last few years, we’ve figured it out,” Earnhardt said. “Now, I’m just trying to get creative and involve the kids. I really want to take them to Australia. I went there in 2006, and I think it’s time to see how they handle a 13-hour flight. The Larsons manage it, so that’s our next goal.”
Reflecting on his European travels in 2024, Earnhardt shared the most profound takeaway from stepping out of his comfort zone. He emphasized how eye-opening it was to leave the familiarity of his routine and experience the diversity of the world.
“It’s incredible to realize how massive the world is and how small our existence feels in the grand scheme of things,” he said. “When you’re on the other side of the globe, surrounded by millions of people who don’t even know you exist, it puts things into perspective. It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives, but traveling shows you how vibrant and expansive the world really is.”
Earnhardt concluded that his travels were fulfilling, allowing him to embrace and appreciate various cultures. This year’s experiences reinforced his desire to explore more of the world, both for his own growth and to create lasting memories with his family.