Earnhardt Hometown Tribune Gets a Boost: The effort to build the Dale Earnhardt Tribute in downtown Kannapolis has received a major boost, with Atlantic American Properties owner David H. Murdock’s agreeing to pay for the $200,000 sculpture. Kannapolis City Manager Mike Mahaney made the announcement Thursday afternoon in the 600 Room of the Speedway Club at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Murdock will also fund renovations for the Cannon Village Visitor’s Center to transform 2,000 square feet into a Tribute Center, Mahaney said. Another $300,000 to $400,000 will be required to complete the project. The visitor’s center will feature Sam Bass prints of Earnhardt. Over time the collection should change, and will feature seven Bass originals that will illustrate Earnhardt’s life story, chronicling his childhood in Kannapolis to his days of NASCAR prominence. Mahaney said the fall unveiling could come to fruition if there aren’t any hitches in the project. Arizona-based artist Ross Morgan is in charge of developing the statue, but widow Teresa Earnhardt has the final say on what goes and what doesn’t. Contributions for the project can be sent to the City of Kannapolis, care of The Dale Earnhardt Tribute Fund, P.O. Box 1199, Kannapolis, NC 28082-1199.(Independent Tribune)(5-17-2002)
