Daytona to name ‘something’ for Earnhardt UPDATE 4: Daytona International Speedway is going name something after Dale [Earnhardt] — they just aren’t saying what it will be. It’s already been decided and it has the blessings of the Earnhardt family, as well. “After considerable input from fans and competitors, and with the support of the Earnhardt family, we have chosen a special way to celebrate the life and legend of Dale Earnhardt. It is our intention to make the announcement regarding our tribute during Speedweeks 2002.” David Talley, Director Corporate Communications, ISC(NASCAR.com)(12-16-2001) UPDATE: Rumor has it Daytona International Speedway may be planning to remember the late Dale Earnhardt with some type of permanent memorial — perhaps a statue — before this year’s Daytona 500. The permanent display was said to be, according to a source, “something all fans would have access to.” The official word is expected sometime next week with the ceremony possibly taking place the week leading up to the Feb. 17 race. Earnhardt is the winningest driver at Daytona, with more than 30 trips to Victory Lane when you add up wins in Winston Cup, Busch, Shootout and IROC events.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(1-15-2002) UPDATE 2: Nobody’ talking about it, but a currently active construction site adjacent to the entrance to Daytona USA, the interactive motorsports attraction located outside Turn 4 of Daytona International Speedway, has all the potential earmarks of the rumored Dale Earnhardt Memorial that may be unveiled during Speedweeks 2002. A circular set of footers about eight feet in diameter are located within the center of the construction zone and might be the pedestal for a rumored statue of Earnhardt. (NASCAR.com Buzz). NOTE: many readers have mentioned being at Daytona and seeing the construction and have heard that the site will be the Earnhardt tribute area.(1-20-2002) UPDATE 3: a few readers report that News Channel 2 daytona reported that the construction site will be an Earnhardt tribute and that they interviewed Glyn Johnson with the speedway. While sketchy on the details he said it would be “a larger than life, bronze statue, surrounded by a fountain, much like the one that sits in front of Daytona USA that honors the France’s”. Teresa Earnhardt was invovled in the planning of the tribute and it will be unveiled during Speedweeks(1-21-2002) UPDATE 4: The statue is being designed by John Lajba, the same sculptor who cast the bronze likeness of Bill and Anne France in 1994 that stands in front of Daytona USA. And a public document reveals a morsel more of details. Last month, the Speedway paid the city of Daytona Beach $375 for a building permit for a sculpture. On it, the sculpture is valued at $60,000.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(1-23-2002)
