George Diaz: Dale Earnhardt Jr. honeymoon woes: Lost luggage

Dale Earnhardt Jr. got a peek at how the other half lives by flying commercial on his honeymoon. It did not go well. Delta lost his luggage.

“I can’t wait to see my luggage again! (at)Delta sent it on a personal trip of it’s own to get to our final destination. I hope,” Junior tweeted on Jan. 3.

Let’s hope that the New year eventually brings better tidings.

NASCAR always flies higher when its Favorite Son is behind the wheel.

Earnhardt missed 18 races – half the Cup season – with concussion-related symptoms. Junior missed out on the chance to win his first Cup title. Everyone else missed out on the chance to cheer for a man who has been voted the most popular driver in the sport for 14 consecutive seasons.

“I wish I could return to the No. 88 team this season,” Earnhardt said when he officially shut it down in September. “To say I’m disappointed doesn’t begin to describe how I feel, but I know this is the right thing for my long-term health and career. I’m 100 percent focused on my recovery, and I will continue to follow everything the doctors tell me. They’re seeing good progress in my test results, and I’m feeling that progress physically. I plan to be healthy and ready to compete at Daytona in February. I’m working toward that.

“The support from both inside and outside the race team has been overwhelming. Everyone has been so encouraging and positive, from my teammates and sponsors to my family, friends and fans. It’s motivating and humbling at the same time.”

He is expected to return to racing for the Daytona 500 in February.

The iconic last name is a bit of a burden and a blessing for Earnhardt, but he’s learned over the years to stand on his own.

He’s most definitely shaping his own narrative, professionally and personally, highlighted recently by his marriage to long-time girlfriend Amy Reimann.

They were married on New Year’s Eve during a ceremony at Childress Vineyards in Lexington, N.C. – owned by team owner Richard Childress, a cherished friend of his late father.

They had been engaged since 2015, when they were vacationing in Germany.

“Happily married!!! What an amazing experience. Looking forward to the rest of our lives (at)Amy_Reimann. (Hashtag)honeymooners,” Earnhardt tweeted on Sunday.

And yes, Delta did find the luggage and return it to the lovely couple.

Many blessings, Junior. But here’s a hint. Next time take your private plane.