Dale Earnhardt Jr. emotional school drop-off became a poignant moment for the NASCAR icon and his wife, Amy, when they took their eldest daughter, Isla, to her first day of preschool. The well-known racing couple, who have shared many public milestones, admitted on their podcast, Bless your Hardt, that the experience left them feeling shaken and emotional.
The couple has been together since 2009 and married in 2016, building their family over time. Their first daughter, Isla Rose, was born in April 2018, followed by Nicole Lorraine in October 2020. Amy shared that Isla’s start at preschool was delayed due to her pregnancy with Nicole, heightening the emotion when the day finally came.
Describing the Emotional Experience
Both Dale Jr. and Amy described how challenging it was to send Isla off that morning, especially under the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. With strict health protocols in place, parents were not allowed inside the building, making the experience even more distressing for both the parents and child.
“When we dropped Isla off for preschool the very first time, it was during COVID and everybody had masks on and like they literally came to the car and took her out of the car seat. I think everyone was traumatized. Dale and I sat in the parking lot and cried,”
Amy said. —Amy, Mother
Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflected on how tough it felt to watch Isla head off, but also what he learned from the experience as a parent. He admitted to worrying that Isla’s anxiety at the drop-off would last all day, only to discover that children often recover quickly once inside the classroom.
“The one thing that I’ve learned is they will get out of the car or or get on the bus and they may be like melting down. And you’re thinking in your eyes, this is how they’re going to be all day”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., Father
“Not true. They’re going to hop on that bus or they’re going to get out of the car and go into that classroom and in five minutes they are like they have forgotten it,”
he added. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., Father
Recently, Earnhardt Jr. and Amy spoke about a heartfelt moment when Isla performed a kind act, leaving both parents emotional and proud of her growth and character.
Isla’s Proud Moment After Pocono Raceway Victory
Dale Earnhardt Jr. took on the temporary role of crew chief for Connor Zilisch during the Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 at Pocono Raceway, a one-race assignment that ended in a commanding win for Zilisch, who finished with a 60-lap lead. The celebration in victory lane became even more touching for the Earnhardt family when Isla was seen proudly holding up the checkered flag.
“Dale Jr and Amy’s oldest daughter Isla was proud to display the checkered flag after Connor Zilisch’s finish win at Pocono.”
—Justin Long, NASCAR Reporter
The event marked Earnhardt Jr.’s first time acting as crew chief, stepping in for Mardy Lindley, who was serving a suspension for a post-race infraction at Nashville Superspeedway. The move drew attention within the racing world, with Kyle Busch calling Earnhardt’s surprise role a “publicity stunt,” suggesting that current technology could have allowed Lindley to help remotely. Busch later clarified he felt no ill will toward Earnhardt Jr., simply commenting on the evolving nature of race management.
The Greater Significance for the Earnhardt Family
These recent experiences mark new chapters for the Earnhardt family, highlighting both the emotional trials of parenthood and the proud moments that come from watching children grow and participate in special family events. Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s honest sharing about the school drop-off resonates with many parents, especially those adapting to unique challenges such as pandemic restrictions. For the family, these milestones, though difficult, foster growth, unity, and enduring memories.
