CHARLOTTE, N.C.

There is nothing more tedious to a NASCAR driver than preseason promotional work, which can often be full-day photo shoots and interview sessions. It can be the most dreaded part of the job.

Consider Dale Earnhardt Jr. the rare exception. His turn Wednesday at the Charlotte Convention Center was like the first day of summer vacation for NASCAR’s most popular driver.

He was thrilled to be back at work after missing the second half of last season with a concussion.

“I’m excited to be here for media day, which is new for me this year,” he said. “I’m excited for the season. It can’t get here fast enough.”

Earnhardt was cleared to get back in a race car in December, shortly before he married his longtime girlfriend, Amy Reimann, on New Year’s Eve and then embarked on a lengthy Hawaiian honeymoon. All this has him in a fantastic mood, eager not only to test drive next week at Phoenix but get to Florida next month for the season-opening Daytona 500.

All the time out of the race car gave Earnhardt time to reflect, and he recognizes how much life has changed.

“Getting married has been incredible. I wish I had figured all this out sooner,” Earnhardt said. “I’m frustrated with myself that I took so long to grow up because I’ve got an amazing wife and she has changed my life. She has really helped me as a person become better on all fronts.

“Personally, in all my friendships and relationships, how I interact with people and meet people and obviously in my professional life she has helped me as a driver.”

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