Before heading to the track for opening Sprint Cup Series practice at Kentucky Speedway on Thursday, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and fiancée Amy Reimann made a pit stop at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
The children -- as well as another furry friend -- were certainly ready for Junior, who took pictures, signed autographs and interacted with the patients.
The children even had a few gifts -- including a wagon of goodies unveiled by Beck the dog -- for Reimann and Earnhardt, who will carry Nationwide Children's Hospital on his No. 88 Chevrolet this weekend at Kentucky Speedway.
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Beck presents @DaleJr and @Amy_Reimann with a personalized wagon and gifts for the No. 8️⃣8️⃣ team. #NW88JR pic.twitter.com/dJRXT2gMi2
— Nationwide 88 (@nationwide88) July 7, 2016
But Junior wasn't going to let the gift-giving go unrequited on his end: he presented the children with their very own Victory Bell, similar to the one Hendrick Motorsports employees ring after each Sprint Cup Series win.
.@DaleJr presents @nationwidekids with a Victory Bell from @TeamHendrick. #NW88JR pic.twitter.com/d7UEaPx1KM
— Nationwide 88 (@nationwide88) July 7, 2016
The hospital also unveiled the special hood for Junior's No. 88 ride.
Dr. Allen unveils @DaleJr's @Nationwidekids hood for this weekend at @KySpeedway. #NW88JR pic.twitter.com/ywFneRcH5p
— Nationwide 88 (@nationwide88) July 7, 2016
Before Earnhardt departed, he was challenged to a Wii rematch by patient Maddie, who faced off against Junior during his visit last year.
Now, Junior is off to the race track -- but he'll have plenty of cheerleaders Saturday night.
Thank you for spending the day with us at @nationwidekids. Headed to @KySpeedway now! #NW88JR pic.twitter.com/TkkKwzgRFj
— Nationwide 88 (@nationwide88) July 7, 2016