Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site

JAYSKI's SILLY SEASON SITE

The flowers at LVMS, taken by K.M. Cannon, from the Las Vegas Review Journal

JAYSKI's DALE EARNHARDT TRIBUTE

COLUMN/STORY LINKS and PAST MEMORIAL

Cleaned it up a bit and separated the Tribute into seven pages, always a work in progress

Jayski's Dale Earnhardt Tribute Site pages

Teresa Earnhardt Reactions/Comments/Contact Info

#3 Mooresville, NC Fire Truck
Dale Earnhardt Tribute - Columns-Story Links/Past Memorials
Dale Earnhardt Tribute - NASCAR Statement
Dale Earnhardt Tribute - Official Reactions
Dale Earnhardt Tribute - Fan/Site Tributes-Images
Dale Earnhardt Tribute - Earnhardt Images
Past / Old News
Jayski's Silly Season Season Main Page

Dale Earnhardt Tribute - notes

That's Racin'

Chris Doyle

www.dalethemovie.com

Dale Earnhardt Sr. honored by NC Motorsports Association: The North Carolina Motorsports Association (NCMA) announced that Dale Earnhardt Sr. will be the 2010 Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award Recipient. Earnhardt will be honored on January 25th, 2010 at the NCMA’s 4th Annual Motorsports Industry Awards Banquet. Past recipients have included; Benny Parson’s (2007), Richard Petty (2008) and Richard Childress (2009). In addition, 10 Industry related organizations were announced to be awarded at the upcoming banquet for their 2009 achievements and contributions to the industry. The announcements were made during the NCMA’s Annual Membership Luncheon held at Lowes Motor Speedway.(NCMA)(11-11-2009)

New Rollor Coaster to be named after Dale Earnhardt: The most exciting ride in Kings Dominion's 35-year history will debut in the spring of 2010, as the amusement park introduces a mammoth 5,100-foot long steel Giga-coaster. Intimidator 305 takes it name from one of stock car racing's most beloved and tenacious drivers, Dale Earnhardt, "the Intimidator" along with the height of the coaster's lift hill, 305 feet. Intimidator 305, only the second Giga-coaster ever built in North America, will be the tallest and fastest roller coaster of its type on the East Coast. The lift hill will stand a towering 305 feet at its highest peak; descend 300 feet at an 85 degree-angle and thunder along the track at speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour during its three minute race to the finish. The trains, fashioned after Dale Earnhardt's signature black car, will roar through six airtime humps plus three high-speed turns and the experience will have guests screaming for another lap around the track. Intimidator 305 will be located in the park's Congo section and becomes Kings Dominion's 15th World-class roller coaster. Those who cannot wait until 2010 may take a virtual ride on Intimidator 305, access exclusive updates, features, virtual renderings, ride statistics, and more at www.intimidator305.com. Intamin AG of Wollerau, Switzerland, a recognized industry leader in roller coaster development, designed Intimidator 305. The ride is scheduled to open in the spring of 2010.(Victory Management Group)(8-20-2009)

RCR #3 Chevy to Participate in Goodwood Festival: The Richard Childress Racing #3 GM Goodwrench Chevy that seven-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt earned his 76th and final victory in will participate in this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed in England on July 3-5, 2009. Taylor Earnhardt, 20, Earnhardt’s youngest child, will drive the car in demonstration runs during the three-day festival. It is her inaugural turn behind the wheel of a stock car. She will be accompanied by her mother, Teresa Earnhardt, president and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc., founded in 1980 with her legendary husband. The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an annual event held since 1993 at the Goodwood House in West Sussex, a place of great British motorsports history. Race cars old and new will participate in both demonstration and competition runs up the nine-turn 1.16-mile hillclimb circuit. This year’s gathering will include a number of NASCAR stock cars in honor of the 50th anniversary of Daytona International Speedway. The car was prepared by and will be cared for at the Goodwood Festival of Speed by former #3 team crew members Danny Lawrence and Rich Burgess. Lawrence is currently the assistant head engine builder/trackside manager for Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines and Burgess is the shop manager for RCR’s #31 Caterpillar team in the NSCS.(RCR)
AND: and a couple drivers with NASCAR connections will attend the festival with Mike Skinner driving a Red Bull Racing Toyota and Rusty Wallace in a NASCAR Dodge Charger. More info on the festival at goodwood.co.uk.(6-30-2009) Comment here

Dale Earnhardt Foundation announces scholarship winner: Clemson University's first Motorsports Innovation Partner, the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, has announced the winner of its annual undergraduate scholarship -- Michelle Phillips of Ellisville, MO, a rising junior majoring in mechanical engineering. She is the first woman to receive the scholarship, which was founded in Dale Earnhardt's honor. Phillips is active on the Clemson Formula SAE team having served as purchasing and logistics manager, head of crash structure design and testing and lead manufacturing assistant. Next year she steps up to team leader. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation funds the annual undergraduate scholarship in honor of Dale Earnhardt for students interested in motorsports and automotive engineering. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation provides a three-year undergraduate scholarship for a student in Clemson's College of Engineering and Science.(Victory Management Group)(5-26-2009)

Earnhardt’s Black #3 Chevy Unveiled at NC Sports Hall of Fame: The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame is now home to a black #3 Richard Childress Racing Chevy made famous by the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR President and CEO, Richard Childress, with whom Earnhardt won six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championships from 1986 to 1994, was on-hand for the May 13 celebration in downtown Raleigh, N.C. The 2000 #3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet Monte Carlo was unveiled next to a 1963 #3 Chevrolet Impala made famous by pioneer NASCAR driver and car owner Junior Johnson. The race cars are on display in the lobby of the North Carolina Museum of History in the Sports Hall of Fame. “To be able to put one of Dale’s cars into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame after everything he accomplished as a lifelong resident of North Carolina is a great honor,” said Childress. “Dale was inducted into the hall of fame years ago so we felt it was important to have one of RCR’s famous black #3 GM Goodwrench Chevys on display there, too.” Earnhardt was inducted into the hall of fame in 1994 and went on that season to win his seventh NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. Childress was honored with his own induction last May. The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame began as a two-year exhibit in the North Carolina Museum of History in February 1982. The grand opening of the 4,000-square-foot exhibit took place in April 1994.(RCR PR)(5-14-2009) Comment here

8th Annual Dale Earnhardt Day Set for Friday May 15: Jeff Steiner, executive vice president and general manager of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. announced plans for the company's eighth annual Dale Earnhardt Day, celebrating the life of seven-time NASCAR Champion Dale Earnhardt, for fans and friends. The celebration will be preceded with a special birthday commemoration on April 29, 2009 from 11:30 a.m, to 1:30 p.m., a preview event for the day-long fan celebration on Friday, May 15, 2009 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the day before the Sprint All Star Race at Lowes Motor Speedway. Behind-the-scenes tours, dining in Dale Earnhardt's private dining room - The Trophy Room as well as a unique First Look Dinner on May 14, are all part of this year's events. Festivities will be held at the company's headquarters in Mooresville, North Carolina. Follow plans on Twitter at www.twitter.com/daleday09. A complete schedule of events and additional information is available at: daleearnhardtinc.com.(DEI PR)(4-14-2009) Comment here

"Earnhardt and Elvis" show car unveiled in Las Vegas: Two of the greatest icons in American sport and music were celebrated Friday when a #3 race car was unveiled bearing the images of NASCAR great Dale Earnhardt and the King of rock 'n' roll, Elvis Presley. Meant to continue the legacies of both men, the "Earnhardt and Elvis" car paired these icons together as part of the "Enduring Legends" series that recently saw the Intimidator share the hood of his famous #3 Chevy with country music great Johnny Cash and cowboy film icon John Wayne.(NASCAR.com)(3-3-2009)

Girl Who Gave Earnhardt “Lucky Penny” to appear at Bristol: Wessa Miller, the girl who gave Dale Earnhardt Sr. her lucky penny prior to his winning the Daytona 500 in 1998, will return to Bristol Motor Speedway, a place where Earnhardt later brought the family to thank them for their special gift. Thanks to the efforts of the NASCAR Angels television program and working with The NASCAR Foundation, Motor Racing Outreach and The Pennies For Wessa Fund, the Miller family will make its return visit. Wessa Miller, now 16-years-old and still residing in Phyllis, Ky., was six years old on February 15, 1998 when her dream to meet NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. came true through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. During their meeting, Wessa gave Earnhardt her lucky penny. That weekend, with the coin glued to the dash of his car, Dale Earnhardt Sr. won the Daytona 500 on his 20th attempt. That April, Earnhardt arranged to have Wessa and her family attend the NASCAR race in Bristol, Tenn. During their visit, Earnhardt presented the Millers with a new van to help with their transportation needs. Eleven years later, the Millers still drive that same van, which transports the family to and from regular doctor visits in Lexington, Ky., 175 miles from Phyllis. The NASCAR Angels television program has arranged to bring Wessa Miller and her family to Bristol Motor Speedway on March 21 to film her as part of a ‘Heart of NASCAR’ segment to be featured in an upcoming episode.
In conjunction with this event, The NASCAR Foundation has partnered with NASCAR Angels and Motor Racing Outreach (MRO) to launch an online auction that will raise funds for the MRO Benevolence Fund, a fund that supports causes like Pennies for Wessa. The auction will feature a variety of items including autographed memorabilia from numerous NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers, including Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch and more, exclusive VIP experiences at upcoming races on the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series schedule and items from the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing and NASCAR Performance. The Pennies For Wessa Fund was started by NASCAR beat writer and SIRIUS XM radio host David Poole in an effort to assist the needs of the Miller family [see his article at Charlotte Observer]. To learn more or to bid on items to support this auction, visit foundation.nascar.com. Fans can donate directly to the Pennies For Wessa Fund by visiting www.penniesforwessa.org.(NASCAR PR)(2-27-2009) Comment here

Dale Earnhardt to be remembered at Candlelight Tribute: Fans of Dale Earnhardt are being asked to pay tribute on Wednesday February 18th in honor and memory of the legendary driver. A guest book will be available throughout the day at Dale Earnhardt Inc. for those wishing to document their memories of Dale, while a candlelight tribute will be held outside the headquarters on Hwy #3 in Mooresville from 6:00-8:30pm/et The facility will be illuminated with candles while commemorative decals, prayer cards and hand held candles will be distributed to everyone in attendance. The facility’s gates will remain open through 10pm for those that cannot attend the candlelight portion but still want to pay tribute to the legendary Dale Earnhardt. Those unable to attend are encouraged to light a candle in remembrance of Dale Earnhardt at home that evening.(Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(2-13-2009)

Earnhardt Banners removed in Kannapolis NC: Kannapolis NC Tourism officials say the removal of Dale Trail banners from around the city does not mark the end of the Dale Trail attraction. The banners were removed Thursday upon the request of Castle & Cooke, developer of the North Carolina Research Campus, owned by billionaire David Murdock. DeSales Wagster, president and CEO of the Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the Dale Trail remains extremely popular with visitors to the CVB welcome center, and she hopes the attraction could be restructured to include more historical markers and audio tours. “I think people want more content and more information about Dale Earnhardt Jr.,” Wagster said. The Dale Trail leads race fans on a tour of locations important to the life of the late NASCAR legend and Kannapolis native Dale Earnhardt. She said the CVB was recently approached by Castle & Cooke about the removal of the banners, which had become somewhat tattered. “All this was very friendly,” Wagster said. “No, Murdock did not intimidate us to take down the Dale Trail. It was like neighbor doing for neighbor.” Officials have said Castle & Cooke’s request to remove the banners was in preparation for a VIP guest expected [Oprah?] to tour the research campus today with Murdock. Officials said they could not confirm whom the VIP guest would be. Wagster said she hoped to work with Castle & Cooke to find a way to mesh both motor sports marketing and the research campus. “Motorsports is science to a degree, and the research campus is science,” Wagster said. “So we may be able to blend these two things.” On July 18, Kannapolis City Manager Mike Legg issued a memo to Kannapolis City Council saying the Dale Trail banners would be permanently removed. Legg said the city planned to spend $25,000 this year on improvements to Dale Earnhardt Plaza in Cannon Village. Wagster said the banners will soon go up for sale on eBay.com, with plans to use the funds to pay Kannapolis back for their removal.(Kannapolis Independent Tribune)(7-26-2008) Comment here

Earnhardt brings fearless approach to barrel racing: 19-year-old Taylor Earnhardt, daughter of the late Dale Earnhardt and Teresa Houston Earnhardt — wrapped up her nearly weeklong stay in Marshall yesterday while doing what Earnhardt's do — race. Miss Earnhardt's racing talents are centered on fast horses — not speedy race cars — and her visit to the area was spent at Josey Ranch where she, along with her horse, Packin Sixes Cowboy, were in town to improve their respective games in the world of barrel racing. ESPN crews were on hand Saturday filming a segment on Miss Earnhardt and her equestrian skills. "ESPN being here at the ranch is exciting for all the other girls too," said Stephanie Boyd, Josey Ranch Clinic Coordinator, late Friday afternoon. "It will open Josey Ranch to different people who have never had the opportunity to see what we have and that are not familiar with what we offer, not only on a national level, but a regional level as well."(see full story at the Marshall News Messenger)(7-1-2008)

“The Man in Black” Program to Honor Earnhardt and Cash: Delbert McClinton, Taylor Earnhardt and Tommy Cash were guests today of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where Dale Earnhardt and Johnny Cash were honored as two of the greatest American icons ever. Meant to continue the legacies of both men, “The Man in Black” program provided music fans and race supporters the ultimate historical crossroad between Country Music and NASCAR. Taylor Earnhardt, Dale’s daughter, and Tommy Cash, Johnny’s younger brother, spoke at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum where country recording artist Delbert McClinton and Mark Dyer, president and CEO of Motorsports Authentics, were both present. Also in attendance were NASCAR artist Sam Bass and Marshall Grant, former bassist for the Tennessee Two. “The Man in Black” car with Earnhardt’s famous paint scheme was unveiled with Cash and Earnhardt’s names and likenesses on the sides and hood of the car. The first car in a multi-year series that will continue the legacy of Earnhardt by teaming him up with other iconic American personalities, puts one of the most influential American musicians on the hood of the car of NASCAR’s most respected driver of all-time. Motorsports Authentics, through its Action Racing Collectables die-cast brand, will be offering a collectible version of the limited edition #3 Dale Earnhardt/Johnny Cash car. Pre-orders are being taken on goracing.com, nascar.com and at Motorsports Authentics authorized dealers nationwide. Chase Authentics, the authentic trackside apparel of NASCAR, will also offer Cash and Earnhardt fans an opportunity to express their love of both men through an array of apparel items such as hats, t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts. In addition to Thursday’s unveiling and special guitar presentation from Sam Bass, it was announced today that QVC will go live from Nashville on Friday night with its “For Race Fans Only” show. Set to air from 7 - p pm/et live from the Musicians Hall of Fame, “For Race Fans Only” will celebrate the “Man in Black” program and give Cash and Earnhardt fans around the world a unique opportunity to see this historic convergence of NASCAR and Country Music.(Motorsports Authentics PR), see more a goracing.com.(6-6-2008) Comment here

Dale Earnhardt honored at Dale Earnhardt Day: The Hershey Company honored the life and career of racing legend Dale Earnhardt with the unveiling of a replica of a large fan photo mosaic during the Dale Earnhardt Day celebration in Mooresville, N.C. on Tuesday. Bearing Earnhardt's likeness, the 6-foot-tall, 8-foot-wide mosaic is comprised of approximately 1,400 photos from fans across the country, including actress Carmen Electra, racing team owner Richard Childress and drivers Mark Martin and Martin Truex Jr. The mosaic, previewed to fans, will serve as a permanent tribute to "The Intimidator" at Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) headquarters in Mooresville when completed later this year. In recognition of Earnhardt's impact on the racing world, Hershey is paying tribute to Dale Earnhardt by producing a series of Collector Edition Dale Earnhardt Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars, Hershey's Milk Chocolate with Almonds Bars and Kit Kat Wafer Bars. The specially moulded bars feature a distinctive on-bar design, including Earnhardt?s signature and stylized #3. The Collector Edition bars will be available at select retail outlets nationwide while supplies last. Hershey is also encouraging fans to honor the racing legend by inviting them to visit www.hersheys.com/dale to upload a photo for inclusion in the permanent mosaic and to make a donation to The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Fans can still upload their photos and tribute messages through June 3 for inclusion in the final mosaic.(PR)(4-30-2008) Comment here

7th Annual Dale Earnhardt Day Set for Tuesday, April 29: Dale Earnhardt Inc. will host the seventh annual Dale Earnhardt Day at its corporate headquarters in Mooresville, N.C. on Tuesday, April 29th. The event, which celebrates the birth date of the seven-time NASCAR Champion, also serves as a major benefit for the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, with a percentage of the event's merchandise sales being donated to the Foundation. The event, which is themed "Behind the Legend, He was One of Us," will run from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and will feature a variety of activities and displays for the entire family. Personal photos, mementoes and trophies highlighting Dale's personal & professional life through the decades of the '70s, '80s and '90s, will be on hand at the event.(DEI) more info on my Racing Charities page.(4-17-2008)
ESPN's "NASCAR Now" To Broadcast Live from Dale Earnhardt Day: ESPN's "NASCAR Now" will broadcast a special one-hour show live from Dale Earnhardt Inc. on Tuesday, April 29 from 6-7pm/et. The show will highlight Tuesday's annual Dale Earnhardt Day event that honors the birthday of the seven-time NASCAR Champion and serves as a major benefit for the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. The show will be on hand for the event, which runs from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and will feature a variety of activities and displays for the entire family, and will originate live from the location at 6 p.m. There will be an official ceremony at 3 p.m. with ESPN's Dr. Jerry Punch serving as the event's official emcee. In addition, Dale Earnhardt Inc drivers will be on hand to sign autographs at different times during the event. In addition to ESPN, Tanner in the Morning of Charlotte, N.C.'s WSOC-FM 103.7 will host a live radio broadcast from 6-10 a.m., Sirius Satellite Radio will be on hand in the afternoon and Primetime with the Packman from Charlotte's WFNZ-AM 610 will broadcast live from the event from 3-7 p.m.(DEI)(4-28-2008)

"Dale" the best selling sports DVD: "Dale," the NASCAR Media Group/CMT Films documentary film about the life of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, is believed to be the highest-selling sports DVD ever, according to Jay Abraham, the chief operating officer of NASCAR Media Group. "To best of our knowledge, it's the largest selling sports DVD," Abraham said. ESPN.com contacted Billboard Magazine and its DVD-sales tracker, Nielsen VideoScan, to confirm the report, but those outlets don't track Wal-Mart sales. To date "Dale" has only been available at Wal-Mart stores. Not that that hasn't proven successful. According to Abraham, the film has moved more than 800,000 copies. And it promises to get better. Electronics stores such as Best Buy and Circuit City will begin selling the movie soon.(ESPN.com)(2-29-2008)

Dale Sr. to be honored: In honor of Dale Earnhardt's 1998 Daytona 500 victory, Dale Earnhardt Inc. Sprint Cup teams [#01,#1,#8,#15] will pay tribute to the legendary driver by standing on pit wall on Lap 3 of the season-opener, holding up three fingers to salute the life, legend and legacy of Dale Earnhardt.(DEI PR)(2-17-2008)

New Earnhardt movie planned...but: Producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher have hitched their Red Wagon banner to a bio on NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. Wick and Fisher have made a deal to tell the life story of the stock car driver, who was killed in a crash in the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. The deal comes just as Dale Earnhardt Jr. rolls into Sunday's Daytona 500 for the first time since leaving DEI, the racing empire built by his dad. Earnhardt's widow, Teresa, and son Dale Jr. have both pledged their cooperation on the biopic even though their relationship is strained -- he left DEI after his stepmother refused his request for majority control. Wick and Fisher will produce with Richard Blackstone, who reps DEI, and Bernie Cahill of Roar. Max Siegel, DEI's president of global operations, is also closely involved. Sony-based Red Wagon will first shop the project at the studio, though the producers may wait to attach a director and star. They said the picture will be put on a fast track. DEI Statement: Statement from Max Siegel, president of global operations for Dale Earnhardt Inc., in response to a published report regarding an agreement for a Dale Earnhardt biopic. “We are enthusiastic about the prospect of making a compelling theatrical movie which celebrates the sport and Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s life. To that end we are excited that Red Wagon has committed themselves to developing such a project. Contrary to published reports, we have not granted any rights to Dale Sr.'s life and are in the very preliminary stages of putting a project like this together. We will keep the public informed as our efforts progress.”(DEI PR)(2-15-2008) Comment here

Image courtesy of Motorsports Authenics.(2-10-2008)

Images taken at Daytona by Greg Engle of Cup SceneDaily.(2-10-2008)

Earnhardt's 10th Anniversary of Daytona 500: 1998 Paint Scheme on 'New Car': Richard Childress and Teresa Earnhardt were guests today of Daytona International Speedway (DIS) to recognize the 10th anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's historic win in the 1998 Daytona 500. A 2008 race car with the famous #3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus paint scheme was unveiled and will be on display throughout Speed Weeks in the DIS FanZone as well as be integrated into pre-race festivities of the 50th running of the Daytona 500. Earnhardt's 1998 victory capped off two decades of incredible success yet ultimate frustration at Daytona. He had earned 10 top-fives and 14 top-10 finishes, including four second-place showings, in the previous 19 attempts. Everything came together in his 20th attempt, however, during NASCAR's 50th anniversary. The Intimidator took the checkered flag and then the congratulations of every crew member from every team that had lined up on pit road. The magnitude of the appreciation shown to Earnhardt by his competitors has not been seen since. Motorsports Authentics, through its Action Racing Collectables die-cast brand, will be offering a collectible version of the 10th anniversary edition #3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet Impala SS. Pre-orders are being taken on goracing.com, nascar.com and at Motorsports Authentics authorized dealers nationwide. "This is one of the most unique Earnhardt programs ever and we're thrilled to be able to support both DEI and RCR in this one-of-a-kind event," Dyer said. "Earnhardt supporters and NASCAR fans alike that aren't able to get to Daytona to see this car can be part of history by buying their very own die-cast replica today, the one and only time Earnhardt's Daytona 500-winning paint scheme will be emblazoned on a 'new car.'"(Motorsports Authentics PR)(2-10-2008)

Hershey to Honor Dale Earnhardt with Collector Edition Bars: The Hershey Company is offering racing fans a taste of history with the debut of four Collector Edition bars this month featuring iconic images of racing legend Dale Earnhardt. The bars coincide with this year’s 50th Anniversary of the Daytona 500 and the 10th Anniversary of Earnhardt’s historic 1998 Daytona 500 victory. The promotion invites fans to show their respect for the racing legend by visiting www.hersheys.com/dale. The Hershey/Dale Earnhardt Web site gives fans the opportunity to make a donation to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation and also allows visitors to post their name, message and picture online for other fans to view. These individual pictures will become the pieces of a large fan photo mosaic designed to look like Earnhardt, which will be displayed throughout the year. Hershey will notify fans of the exact location of their image within the mosaic. The final mosaic, along with a check representing the funds earned from the promotion, will be unveiled and presented to The Dale Earnhardt Foundation on “Dale Earnhardt Day,”April 29, 2008, at Dale Earnhardt, Inc., in Mooresville, N.C.

The Collector Edition Dale Earnhardt bars are available in four varieties, including two Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar designs, one Hershey’s Milk Chocolate with Almonds Bar design and one Kit Kat Wafer Bar design. The specially moulded Collector Edition Dale Earnhardt bars feature a distinctive on-bar design including Earnhardt’s signature and stylized #3 and are available now through May 2008 at retail outlets nationwide. Packaging features interesting facts about the racing legend’s life on and off the racetrack and will be redeemable for unique Earnhardt merchandise such as a #3 soft-sided cooler or a Dale Earnhardt tribute poster designed by renowned motorsports artist, Sam Bass.

The Hershey/Dale Earnhardt promotion is running from January through May 2008, and will be supported at retail with in-store, custom merchandising. More information on The Dale Earnhardt Foundation can be found at www.thedaleearnhardtfoundation.org.(Hershey PR)(1-31-2008)

Dale Eanrhardt Candy from Hershey: If you're a Dale Earnhardt fan and you like chocolate, you'll likely love the new "collector edition" Hershey bars that will hit the market in January. Hershey Co. unveiled four bars featuring different images of Earnhardt, two Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar designs, one Hershey's Milk Chocolate with Almonds bar design and one Kit Kat wafer bar design. The images span the career of the seven-time NASCAR champion, including an image of the #3 Chevrolet with which Earnhardt won the 1998 Daytona 500. Also, the candy bars will feature a design that include Earnhardt's signature and the stylized #3. Hershey will invite consumers to make a donation to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation through an online charity event. The bars will be available in January at retail outlets nationwide, Hershey said. The promotion will run through May 2008.(SceneDaily)(9-19-2007)

by Sam Bass by Jeanne Barnes
USA Weekend covers on Sept 2, 2007

Dale Earnhardt Sr. featured on USA Weekend this Sunday: Dale Earnhardt Sr. graces the cover of USA Weekend Magazine¹s 9/2 issue in an original cover painting. In this story USA Weekend talks with those who remember him best. Make sure to check your local paper for your own copy or read online at usaweekend.com. For this special story, they commissioned two exclusive portraits of Dale Earnhardt Sr. by renowned NASCAR artists, Sam Bass and Jeanne Barnes. Readers in half of the country will receive one version of the cover and half will get the other.(USA Weekend PR)(8-31-2007)

"Dale" to make its TV debut on CMT September 4th: Dale Earnhardt is known as one of the most legendary drivers in the history of NASCAR, and his life both on and off the track is featured in the two-hour CMT feature, DALE, premiering Tuesday, Sept. 4 at 8:00pm/et/pt on CMT. DALE will encore at 8:00pm on Wednesday, Sept. 5 and Thursday, Sept. 6, with those being the only additional scheduled airings of DALE on CMT prior to the film’s release on DVD next year. Produced by NASCAR Images and CMT Films, DALE is the only authorized film on Dale Earnhardt. Narrated by Paul Newman, this portrait of Dale Earnhardt includes archival race footage, rare outtakes, never-before-seen family home videos and interviews with his closest friends and family, toughest competitors and most avid fans, illustrating the depth of Earnhardt's influence in the racing world and beyond. DALE was produced with the support and endorsement of Richard Childress Racing, plus the Earnhardt family, corporation, and team. Prior to airing on CMT, DALE was launched theatrically in February 2007 and premiered in select cities on the Nextel Cup Series circuit. DALE will be available on DVD first quarter 2008. See more info on the movie at http://dale.cmt.com.(8-14-2007)

2007 Dale Earnhardt Day Announced: Dale Earnhardt Inc.[DEI] announced plans for the sixth annual Dale Earnhardt Day. The event will be held on Sunday, April 29th from 11:00am - 6:00pm/et. The celebration of the seven - time NASCAR Champion's career will highlight the events and stories of Earnhardt's life as seen in the 2007 film, DALE. Personal possessions, memorabilia and vehicles seen in the movie will be on display, in addition to some never before seen photos of the legendary driver. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation will also be providing a silent auction and raffle throughout the day for both race related and DALE the movie memorabilia. The winners of the 2007 Legend Leadership Award will also be announced. Bass Pro Shops will be operating an exciting outdoor activity area for children, in addition to providing one lucky fan the opportunity to win a fishing trip with Kerry Earnhardt. More info/directions at DaleEarnhardtInc.com.(DEI PR)(4-3-2007)

DALE coming to Atlanta for six nights: Chevrolet and Goodwrench present DALE: Narrated my Paul Newman, coming to Atlanta - 6 Nights only! March 6-8 and 13-15. Showing at:
AMC North Dekalb Mall 16; AMC Discover Mills 18; AMC Mansell Crossing 14; AMC Phipps Plaza 14; AMC Southlake Pavilion 24; AMC Barrett Commons 24; AMC Stonecrest 16; AMC Parkway Pointe 15; Cinemark Tinseltown 17; GTC Beechwood Stadium Cinemas 11; GTC Dawson 400 Stadium Cinemas; GTC Galleria Mall Stadium Cinemas; GTC Hollywood Stadium Cinemas; GTC Valdosta Stadium Cinemas; GTC Griffin Stadium Cinema; Regal Snellville Oaks 14; Regal Town Center 16 - Kennesaw; Regal Medlock Crossing 18; Regal Arbor Place Mall 18; Regal Mall of Georgia 20 & Imax; Regal 22 @ Austell; Regal Hollywood 24 @ North I-85; Regal Atlantic Station Stadium 16. Showtimes 7:00 and 9:30pm Nightly. Tickets: $10.(AMS PR)(3-6-2007)

ReelzChannel.com:
Teresa Earnhardt and Richard Childress interview about 'DALE'(Video) by Thomas Leupp.(2-17-2007)

Goodwrench launches "Power of 3" Web site: As part of the successful premiers of the "DALE" documentary honoring racing legend Dale Earnhardt, Goodwrench has launched the "Power of 3" Web site for fans to personally pay tribute and share their enthusiasm for the #3 Goodwrench team. From the home page of www.goodwrench.com fans can click on the "Power of 3" link to share their own memories and photos of Earnhardt for other fans to view and enjoy. The site will also feature a timeline of milestones, accomplishments, TV and print ads, and photos from Earnhardt's impressive 27-year racing career. A link to a movie trailer and show times of the highly- anticipated, 100-minute documentary which is being screened in 40 markets across the Unites States mirroring the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, are also available. In addition, fans can opt in to receive regular e-mail updates as new material is added. "DALE", produced by NASCAR Images and CMT Films, will air on CMT, following the 40-city tour. Participating Chevrolet GM Goodwrench dealers will make a special edition DVD set of "DALE" available to customers once it is released to the public this fall.(GM Racing PR)(2-17-2007)

Earnhardt movie to be shown at Daytona USA.
Daytona USA will show the documentary "Dale" in its IMAX Theatre during Speedweeks. "Dale," narrated by Paul Newman, is a 90-minute documentary about the seven-time NASCAR champion and 1998 Daytona 500 winner who was killed in a wreck on the final lap of the 2001 500. Showings will run from Feb. 12 through Feb. 18. Tickets can be purchased on the day of each showing at the Daytona USA box office. Show times and dates for the movie are:
Feb. 12: noon, 5:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 13: 9:30 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 14: 1:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m.
Feb. 15: noon, 5:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 16: 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 17: 8:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.
Feb. 18: 8:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m.
Guests who attend shows before 7 p.m. will be charged the standard Daytona USA admission plus $1 tax. The prices are: Adults $24 plus tax, seniors $19 plus tax and children (6-12) $19 plus tax. Guests attending shows after 7 p.m. will be charged $10 plus tax for the theatre entrance only. The Daytona USA attraction will be closed.(2-10-2007)

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Video: Teresa Earnhardt and Richard Childress on DALE by Shmuel Reuven.(2-7-2007)

Chevy offering Free Premiers of 'Dale' to race fans: Chevrolet and GM Goodwrench will support the premier of the highly anticipated documentary "DALE" as presenting sponsors and by hosting exclusive screenings in 40 markets across the U.S. mirroring the Nextel Cup schedule. Chevrolet and GM Goodwrench dealers will hold over 100 premiers of "DALE," a documentary showcasing the life of Dale Earnhardt. The first Chevrolet/GM Goodwrench showing will take place in Clearwater, Fla. on Jan. 28 with 23 additional Florida screenings to be held throughout Daytona, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach prior to the Daytona 500. Go to www.dalethemovie.com or see your local Chevy Dealer for details? Race fans can find a list of participating dealers, relive their favorite memories of Earnhardt, express their relationship with the #3 team, view exclusive interviews and fresh content on the film, as well as Earnhardt's racing career at www.Goodwrench.com.(GM Racing PR)(1-25-2007)

Ex-TMS guard arrested, released in connection with stolen Earnhardt suit: A former Texas Motor Speedway security guard surrendered to authorities in connection with the theft of a racing suit worn by the late NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Sr. After Fort Worth police obtained an arrest warrant for him, James John Karl, 44, of North Richland Hills, went with his attorney Monday to the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office, where he posted a $1,500 bond and was released, police Lt. Dean Sullivan said Wednesday. Police filed with Denton County prosecutors a charge of theft of $500 to $1,500, Sullivan said. The Class A misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of two years in jail and a fine of up to $4,000. The racing suit – worth between $50,000 and $100,000 – along with a helmet and shoes were stolen in November but were returned last week after Karl's attorney, Jeff Kennedy, contacted police. The items are usually displayed on a mannequin in a glass case at the race track's gift shop. Earnhardt Sr., arguably the most famous driver in NASCAR history, gave the items as a gift to speedway president Eddie Gossage in 1996.(Dallas Morning News/AP)(12-21-2006)

Earnhardt's Driver Suit stolen from TMS: UPDATE: The Fort Worth [Texas] Police Department is investigating the theft of a vintage racing suit once worn by Dale Earnhardt Sr., according to a department news release. Earnhardt’s racing suit, along with a helmet, racing gloves and a pair of racing shoes turned up missing from a locked storage closet earlier this month at the Texas Motor Speedway, the release read. The racing suit was part of a promotional display that was taken down on Nov. 5, according to the release, and the items were then boxed up and placed in storage. A week later, staffers discovered that the items, which are valued at up to $100,000, were missing, the release read. The suit was housed at the TMS because it was donated to its president, Eddie Gossage. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS. There is a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible.(nbc5i.com)(11-23-2006)
UPDATE: A vintage racing suit worn by NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, Sr. that was stolen last month from the Texas Motor Speedway has been recovered, police said Thursday. Investigators believed the theft was an inside job, and that suspicion was confirmed when an attorney representing a TMS employee contacted Fort Worth police to negotiate the return of the suit, helmet and a book to TMS president Eddie Gossage, Fort Worth police Lt. Dean Sullivan said.(Dallas Morning News)(12-14-2006)

Dale Earnhardt Legend Leadership Award Winners Named: The Dale Earnhardt Foundation has named the individuals and organizations to receive its annual Legend Leadership Award. The Dale Earnhardt Legend Leadership Award was established to recognize deserving individuals and/or charitable organizations that offer outstanding solutions to problematic issues we all face, either in our local communities or daily lives. The Legend Leadership Award highlights the importance of leadership in improving people's lives and to showcase resourceful leaders that are bringing about positive change. By recognizing and sharing the stories of these leaders, The Dale Earnhardt Foundation hopes to inspire others to become leaders in their own communities.
In honor of Dale Earnhardt's record seven NASCAR Cup Championships; The Dale Earnhardt Foundation will annually award up to seven grants of up to $7,000 each. The winners were honored during a special ceremony at the corporate headquarters of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. on Dale Earnhardt Day, April 29, 2006. Each winner will also receive a signature trophy and have their names prominently displayed at Dale Earnhardt Inc. for the following year. The cash award will be in the form of a grant to a winning charitable organization. In the case of an individual winner, the cash award is restricted for the educational support and/or tuition assistance of the winner, or a member of the winner's immediate family, in pursuing a secondary education at an accredited institution. For more information and to obtain an entry form, visit the Dale Earnhardt Foundation website at www.TheDaleEarnhardtFoundation.org. Founded in 2002 by Teresa Earnhardt, The Dale Earnhardt Foundation was established to carry on Dale's name and good works through charitable causes he supported during his lifetime.
2005 Legend Leadership Award Winners
Suitcases for Kids (Aubyn Burnside) - Hickory, NC
Cribs for Kids Program - Maternity Care Coalition - Philadelphia, PA
Operation Caring Through Sharing (Brenda George) - Ormond Beach, FL
Animals for Alex (Welland Burnside) - Murrells Inlet, SC
The Child Connection - Louisville, KY.(see full explanation of each and more at the DEI site)(5-26-2006)

"Dale: The True Story" to debut in 2007: NASCAR Images and CMT films will release an authorized Dale Earnhardt documentary titled "Dale: The True Story" before next year's Daytona 500, Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal reports. Plans call for airing the 90-minute film narrated by Paul Newman in markets where NASCAR races are scheduled. National Cinema Vice President/Digital Programming Dan Diamond, whose company is promoting the film, says the company also expects limited runs in major non-race markets such as New York, Denver and Seattle. Paramount Home Video will handle the film's DVD release late next year, while CMT will air it after it runs in theaters. The story says Richard Childress Racing, the team the seven-time NASCAR Cup champion drove for, and Dale Earnhardt Inc., the team he founded and which is now run by his widow, Teresa, are cooperating in the production. Tickets to the screenings in each market are expected to be $12.50 each and will include a souvenir magazine produced by Street & Smith's, the parent company of NASCAR Scene and SceneDaily.(SceneDaily)(5-23-2006)

Dale Jr. scheme at Talladega? UPDATE OFFICIAL, IMAGES #1 also: hearing Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive a black #8 Budweiser Chevy at Talladega in the Aaron's 499 in honor of Dale Earnhardt's induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame this week.(4-23-2006)
UPDATE: ESPN's Mike Massaro reported on ESPNEWS 4Qtrs tonight that DEI is expected to make an announcement later this week that Dale Jr. will run a black #8 Budweiser Chevy in honor of his father, 10 time Talladega winner, Dale Earnhardt. There is also a rumor that Dale Jr. would run the #3 also, but have not heard that and the image clearly shows the #8.(4-24-2006)
UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is expected to announce that he will pilot a black Budweiser Chevy during the "three days" of on track action this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway in honor of his father's induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. More details of this special paint scheme that will resemble the famous #3 could come in Tuesday's NASCAR NEXTEL Teleconference where Earnhardt Jr. will be the guest. Earnhardt Jr. is also scheduled to appear live on QVC’s For Race Fans Only from Talladega on Friday at 8:00pm/et. This could be the first time we see a die-cast version of the car.(RacingOne)(4-25-2006)
UPDATE 3: In a unified effort, the primary sponsors of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. will pay tribute to Dale Earnhardt with special paint schemes at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend. The schemes will salute Dale Earnhardt Day (April 29th), his induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and his accomplishments at Talladega. Earnhardt, a seven-time NASCAR champion is the winningest driver at Talladega with 10 trips to Victory Lane. Fittingly, his 76th Nextel Cup victory occurred at the track in October of 2000. And, he did it in Earnhardt fashion by coming from 17th to first in the closing laps. The #1 Bass Pro Shops, #8 Budweiser and #11 Menards Chevys will carry paint schemes reminiscent of the familiar black theme Dale Earnhardt ran while driving for DEI in the Busch Series. Additionally, Bass Pro Shops will sponsor Martin Truex, Jr. in Saturday's Busch Series race. Truex, a two-time Busch Series champion and two-time winner of the NBS race at Talladega, will drive the #8 black Bass Pro Shops Chevy.
"I think this is a great tribute to Dale on such a special weekend," said Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. "To have all of our sponsors come together with this tribute and want to be a part of it says a lot about the respect they have for Dale's accomplishments." In addition to the black paint schemes, Dale Earnhardt Day and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame induction, all Busch Series teams are being asked to carry a Dale Earnhardt Legacy Logo on their cars. Fans are asked to participate from the grandstands, or wherever they are watching the race, by raising three fingers in the air on Lap 3 of Saturday's Busch Series race.(DEI PR / fingerprintinc PR), see images on the #8 Team Schemes page and the #1 Team Schemes page.(4-25-2006)

Earnhardt, Gant, Guthrie, Roush and Wheeler to be inducted in IMHOF UPDATE TV: While most everyone expected Dale Earnhardt to be among the five individuals that will be honored next April with induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, very few would have anticipated the overall strength of the Class of 2006 being what it is. "This is one heck of a class for 2006," declared IMHOF Executive Director Jim Freeman. "We are pleased to announce that we will induct Dale Earnhardt, Harry Gant, Janet Guthrie, Jack Roush and Humpy Wheeler next April 27th." Earnhardt, of course, is the seven-time Winston Cup champion and Gant is one of the all-time greats in both Cup and Busch racing. Guthrie is the first female to race in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500. Roush's race teams have won titles in drag racing, sports cars, Craftsman trucks, Busch Series and Nextel Cup Series. Wheeler is the long-time innovative promoter at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte. While the quintet has a definite NASCAR flavor, three of the future inductees also have made names for themselves outside of the stock car world. Guthrie, and Wheeler have been involved in sports cars and Indy cars during their careers, while Roush has been successful in several different racing series.
Tickets will go on sale on November 7th for the 16th annual induction ceremony that will take place on the Thursday evening of the first race weekend of 2006 at Talladega. The induction will be held in the Speed Channel Dome at the Hall of Fame. In addition to the five inductees, the 2005 Driver of the Year will also be honored that evening.(IMHOF PR)(11-3-2005/4-24-2006)
UPDATE SPEED will air a one-hour special from the 16th Annual International Motorsports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on May 1 at 10:00pm/et from the SPEED Dome in Talladega. This year's inductees include Dale Earnhardt, Harry Gant, Janet Guthrie, Jack Roush and Humpy Wheeler. The special will re-air at May 6 at 1:00pm/et.(Speed Channel)(4-25-2006)

Fifth Annual Dale Earnhardt Day Celebration April 29th: Organizers at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. have confirmed that celebrations honoring the life and legacy of Dale Earnhardt will take place at Dale Earnhardt, Inc., on Saturday, April 29, 2006 from 9:00am - 4:00pm. Dale Earnhardt will be honored and inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame on April 27 in Talladega, Ala. The Busch Series race will be held on Dale's birthday, April 29th. In honor of both events, this year's theme will highlight Dale's incredible track record at Talladega International Speedway. Dale Earnhardt is the winningest driver at Talladega with 10 trips to Victory Lane during his illustrious career. His 76th, and final, victory occurred at the 2.66-mile superspeedway on October 15, 2000 when he roared from 17th to first in the final laps.
Fans attending the Dale Earnhardt Day festivities at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. on Saturday, April 29 are in for a special day. Aside from all the functions and activities that surround the birthday of our co-founder and seven-time NASCAR champion, they will also get to hear from a major network news anchor. Brian Williams, lead anchor of NBC Nightly News, will be the Grand Marshall. A fan of NASCAR and friend of Dale Earnhardt, Williams will preside over the 3:00pm/et ceremony to officially mark Dale's birthday. He will share stories of his relationship with Dale and assist the Dale Earnhardt Foundation in recognizing achievements from the past year. He will join Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of DEI, at the 3:00pm/et. ceremony, as well. They will sign a special Dale Earnhardt Day flag which will be auctioned during the day. Later in the afternoon, Williams will be honored during a VIP guest reception. And, just like last year, there will be some autographed sheet metal and other exclusive items up for auction throughout the day. The first silent auction is from 9:00am - 12:00pm/et and the second one will run from 1:00 - 3:00pm/et. The main silent auction will begin at 9:00pm/et and end at 3:00pm/et featuring 10 items of very exclusive nature. For more information of times and events, activities, places to stay and things to do while in town for Dale Earnhardt Day, check out www.DaleEarnhardtInc.com under the Legacy Section..(4-24-2006)

Church Woos NASCAR Faithful: A church in Manatee County [Tampa FL area] is hoping the presence of a legendary NASCAR driver's car will have people racing to its Easter Sunday service. Bayside Community Church plans to have the late Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s black #3 Chevy available for viewing and photos [a showcar]. There's a catch. People have to sit through a service to get a ticket to be photographed with the race car. To get the free 4-by-6-inch picture, they have to return the next weekend and sit through another service. The nondenominational church expects to more than double its normal attendance of about 1,100. It has mailed 40,000 fliers, sent out news releases and advertised on a country radio station and at the DeSoto Speedway. Lead pastor Randy Bezet is tying the Earnhardt car into Sunday's service. The theme: "Finishing the race of life."(Tampa Tribune)(4-15-2006)

Mississippi passes resolution for Dale Earnhardt Day: The Mississippi House passed a resolution Tuesday designating April 29 each year as "Dale Earnhardt Day" in the state. The NASCAR star, also known as "The Intimidator" was born April 29, 1951, in North Carolina. He was killed in a crash at the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18, 2001. Although there are no NASCAR races in Mississippi, the resolution says that Earnhardt "created a legacy in Mississippi (by) amassing so many wins." It also says Earnhardt "changed the sport of racing, bridging past, present and future generations of fans by upholding the finest NASCAR traditions while remaining a cutting-edge competitor throughout the entirety of his career." The resolution was sponsored by a diverse group of 55 House members — Democrats and Republicans, blacks and whites, men and women. It now goes to the Senate. A similar resolution passed the Georgia House of Representatives in 2005. Another one was filed in the Ohio House of Representatives this week.(Clanton Advertiser/AP)(3-29-2006)

Dale Earnhardt Tribute/Candle Ceremony: Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. is once again asking fans to remember Dale Earnhardt on Saturday, February 18. Tribute plans are set for both Mooresville [NC] and Daytona. A beautiful candle-light tribute will be held outside DEI’s headquarters in Mooresville, NC from 6-8 pm on Saturday, February 18. That evening, DEI’s building will be closed and illuminated with candles. Commemorative decals will be distributed to all in attendance. DEI’s gates will remain open until midnight for those that cannot attend between 6 and 8 pm, but still want to pay tribute to the legendary Dale Earnhardt. Fans that cannot attend the ceremony at DEI are encouraged to light a candle in remembrance at home that evening. In Daytona, all NASCAR Busch Series cars will carry a commemorative decal during their race on Saturday. Additionally, on lap three of Saturday’s Busch race, fans will be encouraged to stand and proudly display three fingers.(DEI Site)(2-18-2006)

Teresa doesn't expect to see #3 run again UPDATE: [DEI Team owner] Teresa Earnhardt doesn't believe anyone -- including her stepson, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- will bring the #3 the late Dale Earnhardt made famous back to Cup racing."Contrary to popular belief, everyone cannot be replaced," Teresa Earnhardt said. "Legends live on forever. I don't think the #3 will ever be driven by anyone else." The rare public comment from Teresa Earnhardt comes from a one-hour television show, "NASCAR Five Years Later," that will air tonight on Speed Channel at 8:00pm/et. The #3 has not been used in the Cup series since Earnhardt's death. NASCAR controls car numbers and assigns them to team owners on an annual basis. Richard Childress has maintained control of the #3 since Earnhardt's fatal crash. Earnhardt Jr., who drives the #8 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Inc., the company his father formed and his stepmother now runs, said again recently he would like to drive the #3 before the end of his Cup career. "I really think that'll happen," Earnhardt Jr. told NASCAR.com. Earnhardt Jr. said his desire to drive the #3 does not mean he has any short-term plans to leave DEI. At the Speedweeks media day on Thursday, Earnhardt Jr. said he'd like to run DEI one day. "I'd love to take over at DEI," he said. "Teresa and I will talk about that when the time comes, but that's not in the near future." Earnhardt Jr. started JR Motorsports, which owns a team that plans to run in the Busch Series this year.(Thatsracin)(2-14-2006)
UPDATE Childress wants to retire the 3: NASCAR team owner Richard Childress said he agrees with Teresa Earnhardt and hopes NASCAR will retire Dale Earnhardt's #3. NASCAR never has retired a number.(Dallas Morning News)(2-18-2006)

'3' Lawsuit Settled: Richard Childress Racing and ESPN traded paint back in March over the use of the late Dale Earnhardt's famous No. 3. That contest is over -- and you'll have as much chance of learning the winner as you would of finding out how a NASCAR team squeezes more horsepower from its engines. The two parties have settled the suit that RCR filed in federal court in Greensboro. The terms of their deal, like those in most out-of-court settlements, aren't public. "The matter has been resolved to our satisfaction, and the exact terms are confidential," Heather Adams, an attorney for ESPN, told the Winston-Salem Journal. An RCR spokesman also told the newspaper that his company is pleased as well. At issue was the stylized "3." The trademarked number appeared on the sides and roof of Earnhardt's black Chevrolet for much of his career. It still shows up on jackets, hats and stickers that fans still buy five years after his death. Earnhardt drove for RCR, which is based in Welcome, NC, until he was killed during the 2001 Daytona 500. ESPN used a variation of the number in the marketing efforts for its 2004 made-for-TV film "3: The Dale Earnhardt Story." RCR called the ESPN "3" a knockoff and sued for trademark infringement and unfair competition.(News and Record)(12-16-2005)

First Trees Planted in Dale Earnhardt Forest: The first 50 of 77,000 trees that will honor the memory of NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt were planted recently by the national nonprofit American Forests and The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. The trees were planted in Sloan Park outside Mooresville, NC home of The Dale Earnhardt Foundation and Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. A total of 77,000 trees are planned for the 15-county region surrounding Charlotte. The goal of the Dale Earnhardt Forest is to restore trees to the city of Charlotte and to restore wildlife habitat, expand greenways, and return trees to riparian areas. The project was announced last year with the planting of seven trees-symbolizing Earnhardt's seven NASCAR Championships -at Dale Earnhardt Day, which coincides with Arbor Day and the late racing legend's birthday. The former Mooresville resident and NASCAR legend was an avid outdoorsman and conservationist who championed environmental causes and environmental education. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation is also supporting American Forests' efforts to bring high tech environmental education program to 120 middle and high school classes in 2006. The program combines computer technology and math, science and geography with tree care and hands-on activities to teach students to value trees in their local areas. The saucer magnolias, willow oaks, and red maples in the Dale Earnhardt Grove at Sloan Park will be part of the Park's Historic Tree Trail. The Historic Tree Trail consists of numerous trees propagated from trees found at various national landmarks, historic sites, and locations related to significant historical figures. Those wishing to find out more about the Dale Earnhardt Forest or contribute to planting trees can do so by visiting www.americanforests.org and clicking on campaigns or by visiting the Dale Earnhardt Foundation at www.thedaleearnhardtfoundation.org.(DEI PR)(11-27-2005)

Unveiling of Las Vegas's latest attraction - Earnhardt wax figure UPDATE: Las Vegas Motor Speedway general manager Chris Powell will be on hand Wednesday to help unveil the newest Las Vegas motorsports attraction. Powell will join Adrian Jones, general manager of Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, as they unveil a $200,000 life-size wax figure of seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt. The Earnhardt figure will be the first piece of the new "Speed" exhibit opening at Madame Tussauds at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. "Dale Earnhardt was one of the great racers and champions in the history of motorsports," Powell said. "In 2004, Las Vegas Motor Speedway honored Dale by naming a fabulous grandstand, the Dale Earnhardt Terrace, in his memory. Similarly, the tribute to Dale by Madame Tussauds points up the importance of Dale's role in motorsports. And the coming 'Speed' attraction, featuring additional legendary drivers, also illustrates the strong link and enormous popularity of NASCAR racing in our great city. We at the speedway are honored to be a part of it." Tickets are on sale in both the Earnhardt and new Richard Petty Terrace for the March 10-12, 2006 NASCAR Weekend at LVMS. Race fans can order tickets by calling 1-800-644-4444 or logging on to www.lvms.com.(PR)(8-24-2005)

LVMS General Manager Chris Powell [left] and Madame Tussauds GM Adrian Jones [right]

UPDATE: Las Vegas Motor Speedway General Manager Chris Powell joined Adrian Jones, general manager of Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, in an unveiling of a first-of-its-kind wax likeness of seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt Wednesday. A meticulously recreated $200,000 life-size wax figure of Earnhardt, dressed in an official driving uniform, complete with cap, jacket and sunglasses, was unveiled during ceremonies that opened the attraction to the public. The figure of Earnhardt is standing in a Victory Lane setting with arms raised in triumph just as he had done 76 times in his NASCAR career. Earnhardt is the first auto racing legend to have a wax figure in the SPEED attraction. Visitors to Madame Tussauds can stand next to the Earnhardt figure and be photographed with it while experiencing the sights and sounds of one of the most thrilling moments in NASCAR history. "Dale Earnhardt introduced the sport of auto racing to millions and his presence best represents the country's fastest-growing spectator sport," Jones said. "Madame Tussauds is dedicating this attraction to auto racing on a long-term basis and we will update this experience with additional $200,000 wax figures of famous auto racing legends on a regular basis. But, when we asked our customers and auto racing fans who should be first, a great majority said Earnhardt." Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is open seven days a week. For attraction hours and pricing, call 702-862-7800, or visit online at www.mtvegas.com.(LVMS PR)(8-25-2005)

RCR and United of Omaha Reach Settlement: A settlement has been reached in the trial brought by Richard Childress Racing (RCR) against United of Omaha insurance company in a case that arose out of the death of Dale Earnhardt at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2001. The jury trial began May 23, 2005, in the Superior Court in Lexington, N.C. The parties reached a confidential settlement over the weekend of June 17. The settlement was reached after both parties had presented all of their evidence and had a full understanding of the intentions of the other party. By settling the case, both parties were able to avoid further prolonged litigation which would have included appeals to the North Carolina appellate courts. Also, the settlement precludes any further disagreements or litigation by both parties over the issues and subject matter of the lawsuit.(RCR PR)(6-20-2005)

Insurance Company claims RCR policy wasn't valid: A day after a judge ruled in favor of the late Dale Earnhardt's car owner in a trial pitting the racing team against an insurance company, the jury heard Tuesday from the insurance agent who sold the $3.7 million policy. Insurance agent Knox Hillman, of Concord, testified he was contacted by Bill Patterson, executive vice president of Richard Childress Racing, about obtaining more coverage on the driver. "He indicated a new contract was coming and he needed some life insurance to secure certain requirements of the contract," Hillman said. At Patterson's direction, Hillman said he obtained several proposals before narrowing them down to two, including one from defendant United of Omaha Insurance Co. Hillman said he filled out the application and gave it to another insurance broker, John Gorsline, who was authorized to contract with United of Omaha. He said Patterson paid $5,000 in January 2001 as part of an installment plan. Richard Childress Racing, Earnhardt's employer, was required to carry $7.2 million in insurance to cover the driver's base salary, according to a portion of Earnhardt's racing contract that was introduced as evidence in the trial. The amount included $3.7 million with insurer United of Omaha, which RCR claims cheated widow Teresa Earnhardt out of the payment after Earnhardt's death in a last-lap crash in the 2001 Daytona 500. RCR took out the policy and is pursuing the matter on the family's behalf. Another insurer has already paid a $3.5 million claim. United of Omaha claims the policy was never valid for Earnhardt because he had not taken a required physical.
On Monday, Superior Court Judge Kimberly Taylor ruled that Earnhardt's racing team won the lawsuit because the insurer failed to hand over key documents to RCR lawyers. The only issue now before the jury now is whether United of Omaha should pay the $3.7 million claim. The jury also heard testimony Tuesday from two insurance industry veterans testifying for the defense. Both said the life insurance policy on Earnhardt didn't exist because of key omissions, especially the lack of a physical. The judge said she already had decided that the insurance company was responsible for the policy..(ESPN.com/AP)(6-15-2005)

Judge rules in favor Childress: A judge ruled in favor of the late Dale Earnhardt's car owner Monday, saying an insurance company failed to share legal documents in the case over whether benefits should have been paid after the NASCAR star's death. Earnhardt died Feb. 18, 2001, in a last-lap crash in the Daytona 500. Superior Court Judge Kimberly S. Taylor issued the order against United of Omaha Life Insurance Co. following 12 days of proceedings. Taylor declined Richard Childress Racing's request to enter a default judgment of $3.7 million, plus interest, and triple that amount as allowed under state law. Jurors will return Tuesday to hear arguments about whether RCR is entitled to the monetary damages. Last week, attorneys for both sides discovered the legal department of Mutual of Omaha, the parent company of defendant United of Omaha Life Insurance Co., failed to share 18 pages of relevant documents before trial. Omaha Life attorney Stephen Coles asked Taylor to consider lesser sanctions and allow RCR attorneys to re-examine defense witnesses. Childress Racing claims United of Omaha failed to conduct a proper investigation before deciding not to pay the claim. The insurer denied the claim because several policy requirements, including a physical, were never completed. Childress Racing took out the policy on Earnhardt's behalf and made a $5,000 payment in January 2001. The policy was part of $7.2 million in benefits, according to the driver's contract, which was described in court. A $3.5 million policy with a second insurer, set up in 1996, was paid to Childress Racing and signed over to Earnhardt's widow, Teresa.(ESPN.com/AP)(6-14-2005)

RCR Earnhardt Life Insurance News: NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt acknowledged on a life insurance application shortly before his death that he once had a dizzy spell during a race – apparently a 1997 event in South Carolina in which he crashed. The disclosure was contained in 41 previously sealed exhibits in a lawsuit against insurer United of Omaha, which refused to pay millions of dollars to Earnhardt's widow after he died in a crash at the Daytona 500 in 2001. United of Omaha claims the policy was never valid for Earnhardt because he had not taken a required physical. The exhibits were made public Thursday after several news organizations, including The Associated Press and The Charlotte Observer, went to court and asked for them. Testimony in the case continued Thursday. In the insurance application, submitted a month before the fatal crash, Earnhardt admitted in a handwritten note that he experienced "dizziness in race in Darlington" about three years earlier. Earnhardt crashed in the first turn of the 1997 Southern 500 in Darlington, S.C., after blacking out twice at the wheel. The note indicated that no cause was found for the dizziness and that Earnhardt returned to racing immediately and experienced no further symptoms. Richard Childress Racing, Earnhardt's employer, took out the $3.7 million policy with United of Omaha and is pursuing the matter on the family's behalf. Another insurer has already paid a $3.5 million claim.(ESPN.com/AP)(6-3-2005)

More on RCR insurance lawsuit: The public will be allowed to review an edited version of Dale Earnhardt's contract introduced as evidence in a lawsuit against an insurance company that denied a $3.7 million claim in his death, a judge ruled Tuesday. But Superior Court Judge Kimberly Taylor, who has so far denied public access to evidence introduced to the jury in open court, ruled that attorneys for both Richard Childress Racing and insurer United of Omaha can argue that other exhibits admitted into evidence remain sealed. RCR has accused United of Omaha of cheating widow Teresa Earnhardt out of the payment after Earnhardt died in a crash in the 2001 Daytona 500. The racing team took out the policy and is pursuing the matter on the family's behalf. The company claims the policy was never valid for Earnhardt because he had not taken a required physical.(CNNSI/AP)(6-1-2005)

NASCAR Scene and others as court to open documents: NASCAR Scene and three other news organizations have asked a North Carolina court to open up documents in Richard Childress Racing's suit over an insurance company's failure to pay a claim in the death of Dale Earnhardt. Attorney Brad Kutrow filed the motion on behalf of Scene, the Associated Press, the Charlotte Observer and the North Carolina Press Association after Davidson County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Taylor sealed Earnhardt's driving contract and other exhibits in the case. RCR is suing United of Omaha Life Insurance for what it says was a failure to adequately investigate its claim before refusing to pay on a $3.7 million policy the team contends it had taken out on the driver. The company contends that the policy was not valid because Earnhardt, who died in the 2001 Daytona 500, had not taken a required physical and because initial payments for the policy were not handled properly. Judge Taylor is expected to hear the motion to open the documents Tuesday.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(5-28-2005)

RCR Lawsuit Against United of Omaha Begins Today: Court proceedings in the lawsuit filed by Richard Childress Racing against the United of Omaha Life Insurance Company will begin on May 23, 2004, at 10:00 a.m., in Superior Court in nearby Lexington, NC. This case arises out of life insurance covering the death of Dale Earnhardt at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18, 2001. It involves the three-year contract Earnhardt and Richard Childress signed in 2000 to cover the years 2001 through 2003. Richard Childress Racing agreed to insure Earnhardt for $7.2 million, to be payable to Teresa Earnhardt if he died during the first year of the contract. A $3.5 million life insurance policy was already in effect with National Life of Vermont and Richard Childress Racing purchased an additional policy worth $3.7 million through agents of United of Omaha, a subsidiary of Mutual of Omaha prior to Earnhardt's death.
The insurance policy application with United of Omaha was completed and signed in January 2001 by all parties involved: Richard Childress Racing, Dale Earnhardt personally, and United of Omaha. Two premium payments were made by Richard Childress Racing to agents of United of Omaha.
Within 24 hours of Earnhardt's death, United of Omaha declined payment on the $3.7 million policy and stated they had closed their file on the case. Shortly after that, National Life of Vermont sent a check for $3.5 million to Richard Childress Racing, which was delivered to Teresa Earnhardt. The lawsuit against United of Omaha is for violation of North Carolina laws dealing with bad faith and unfair and deceptive trade practices by insurance companies. Under those laws, insurance companies must conduct a reasonable investigation of all claims based upon all available information. Richard Childress Racing contends that United of Omaha did not conduct such an investigation and illegally refused to pay under the policy, thus violating the law and regulations applicable to insurance companies in North Carolina. He is pursing this case on behalf of Dale Earnhardt, Dale's memory, and Teresa Earnhardt.
This trial is set for a special session of the Superior Court of Davidson County in Lexington, N.C., which will begin May 23, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. The case will be heard by a resident Superior Court judge in Davidson County, the Honorable Kimberly G. Taylor. This is to be a trial by jury that is expected to last for one to two weeks.(RCR PR)(5-23-2005)

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THE INITIAL REPORTS OF EARNHARDT's DEATH

Earnahrdt Killed UPDATE 2 - AUTOPSY: Seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, 49, was killed in a last-lap wreck involving Ken Schrader on the backstretch while a car that he owned, driven by Michael Waltrip, won the race. He was pronounced dead at Halaifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach.
UPDATE AUTOPSY: An autopsy on race car legend Dale Earnhardt conducted Monday morning revealed he died of blunt force trauma to the head, county officials said. Dave Byron of the Volusia County Communication Division said Earnhardt's death was being treated as a "motor vehicle accident." Byron said toxicology was not expected to be involved.(CNN/SI)(2-19-2001)
UPDATE 2: more results from the Autopsy - Monday, Earnhardt's body was taken to the medical examiner's office for a routine autopsy after he was pronounced dead at the hospital. His personal belongings - a pair of black socks, a racing suit, black gloves, his helmet, underwear and racing boots - were returned to his wife, Teresa. The report showed that when his race car smashed into a concrete wall at an estimated 180 mph, it broke eight ribs, his left ankle and his breastbone. There were several scrapes on his body. He had blood in his ears and chest and partially collapsed lungs(That's Racin') and Earnhardt had a skull fracture that ran from the front to the back of his head, according to the autopsy. The impact also fractured his sternum, eight ribs on the left side and his left ankle. The report said there was a blow to the back of the head, but did not indicate any broken neck vertebrae. The final autopsy report will not be available for several weeks, pending the completion of routine blood and toxicology tests. Earnhardt's body was released to the family on Monday afternoon after going to a local funeral home(AJC)(2-20-2001)

SAD NEWS - Dale Earnhardt Dies at Daytona: Seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt died from injuries suffered in a crash on the final lap of Daytona 500 on Sunday. He was 49.(AP/MSNBC)
from Thatracin: Seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, 49, was killed in a last-lap wreck involving Ken Schrader on the backstretch while a car that he owned, driven by Michael Waltrip, won the race. He was pronounced dead at Halaifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla. Waltrip's win was his first in 463 Winston Cup starts. Dale Earnhardt Jr.finished second. And see a story at: NASCAR Online - The announcement was made at 7:00pm/et by NASCAR President Mike Helton.(That's Racin') and SpeedVision.
Earnhardt is survived by his wife, Teresa; two sons, Dale Jr. and Kerry, and two daughters, Kelly and Taylor Nicole.
Condolences go out to Earnhardt's family, friends and fans(2-18-2001)

The initial Reports of the accident: from NASCAR Online - Dale Earnhardt reportedly was unconscious when he was cut from his #3 Chevy after an accident in the Daytona 500 with less than two laps remaining. He was immediately transported to Halifax, less than one-mile from the speedway. There was no official update on Earnhardt’s condition at 5:15pm/et, otherwise, no word on Dale Earnahrdt's condition, will post if/when I hear something(2-18-2001 - 5:50pm/et)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt was taken to the hospital after a crash Sunday on the final lap of Daytona 500 and believed to be badly hurt. "It's serious," said NASCAR spokeswoman Danielle Humphrey, who had no further details on the condition of the 49-year-old driver.(That's Racin'/AP)(2-18-2001 - 6:35pm/et)

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Born on Date: February 18, 2001

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