Dale Earnhardt Jr. regrets not getting engaged sooner

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is frustrated. Not with NASCAR, or his Hendrick Motorsports team, or crew chief Greg Ives. No, he’s frustrated with himself for not proposing to longtime girlfriend Amy Reimann sooner.

Earnhardt and Reimann were engaged while on a trip to Germany last June where Earnhardt was researching his family’s genealogy.

“It’s been great and I am going to really enjoy the process of putting (the wedding) together with her and supporting her,” Earnhardt said during NASCAR’s preseason media tour last week. “It’s a very cool thing and I am so frustrated with myself that I didn’t do it sooner because it’s as good as it gets.”

Earnhardt spoke glowingly about Reimann and the support she provides him. The couple began dating in 2009 and Earnhardt frequently credits Reimann with providing the stability and support that’s factored prominently in Earnhardt experiencing a career resurgence. He’s won seven combined races over the past two seasons compared to just four in the nine years prior.

“Having her in my life has made my life an amazing thing,” Earnhardt said. “I really didn’t know things could be this good. I’ve really got to where I’m so dependent on her, and that’s a great feeling to be able to depend on someone and them be accountable and be there. She surprises me every day with her generosity. I could go on and on. It’s amazing.”

The excitement level is such for Earnhardt that whenever he meets another engaged couple, he instantly relates because of the similar feelings.

“Anyone who is going through that process, it’s exciting for me because I know how they are feeling,” Earnhardt said. “I’m looking forward to getting married and going on down the road and building a family.”

As for the exact date when he and his fiancé will tie the knot, Earnhardt says Reimann will decide when to make that decision public.

“She’ll make that announcement, not me,” Earnhardt said. “Sorry.”