Dale Earnhardt News

July 5, 2006

Earnhardt's death among top auto stories of the last decade: Pain at the pump is the No. 1 automotive story of the last decade, according to a list released today by SPEED in conjunction with the motor sports and automotive lifestyle network's 10th Anniversary. U.S. gas prices soaring above $3 a gallon, and the corresponding fallout -- an influx of "hybrid" vehicles, declining sales of monster-sized SUVs and a growing interest in fuel alternatives -- was the top response from a group of automotive journalists and SPEED on-air automotive personalities, when asked about the most memorable consumer automotive stories of the last 10 years.   And with all of the recent improvements in consumer automotive safety, it took the tragic death of NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt in 2001 to focus the world's attention on safety at the race track. The result -- more safety equipment, safer race cars and safer race tracks for fans in attendance. "Dale Earnhardt's death sent shock waves through the entire racing world, but especially NASCAR, where he was both the sport's biggest star and a man regarded as the toughest ever to strap on a helmet," said Jensen. "It was the kind of brutal wake-up call that forced NASCAR to redouble its safety efforts." (Business Wire)  1. Gasoline tops $3 a gallon 2. Fall of domestic dominance 3. Dale Earnhardt crash at Daytona

June 12, 2006:

New Earnhardt, documentary set for theaters and television: NASCAR Images and CMT Films are teaming up to produce "Dale," the first authorized documentary about the late racing icon Dale Earnhardt, to be released theatrically early next year. Narrated by Paul Newman, the film will enjoy a unique rollout, opening in select cities on the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series circuit beginning in February, which coincides with the start of the 2007 Nextel Cup season. "Dale" will then air on cable channel Country Music Television in the third quarter of 2007 and will be released on DVD following the CMT premiere. The film will include archival race footage, rare outtakes, never-before-seen home videos and interviews with Earnhardt's friends, family, competitors and fans.  (Reuters)

April 25, 2006:

Earnhardt, Jr. to drive black #8 at 'Dega: The No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet piloted by Dale Earnhardt Jr. will have a new look for this weekend’s activities at Talladega Superspeedway. The usually red No. 8 will be predominantly black with white lettering and silver and red stripes in honor of the life and brilliant career of the late Dale Earnhardt. The paint scheme mimics the design the elder Earnhardt made famous in his career while driving for Richard Childress Racing in the Cup Series and Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) in the Busch Series. Ten of Earnhardt’s 76 career wins came at Talladega – more than any other driver. His son, Dale Jr., is second in all-time Nextel Cup victories at Talladega with five, including a record four-in-a-row for DEI between October 2001 to April 2003. The elder Earnhardt will be inducted into the International Motorsports Hall-of-Fame at Talladega Thursday evening, and Saturday, April 29th would have been his 55th birthday. Among the most memorable of Earnhardt’s 10 victories at Talladega was the last of his 76 career victories, where he came from 18th place with five laps remaining to take the win in October 2000. Anheuser-Busch and the Busch family had a personal and business relationship with Dale Earnhardt for many years, promoting the Busch brand. Earnhardt won the first-ever race run under the “Busch Series” name in 1982 at Daytona. (Budweiser Racing/Fingerprint, Inc. PR)

April 24, 2006

Dale Earnhardt Inc. to honor the Intimidator: 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 (DEI PR)

April 19, 2006:

Earnhardt Privacy law survives challenge:  Florida law created to seal NASCAR racer Dale Earnhardt's autopsy photos stood up to challenge today by lawmakers who now have second thoughts. The reason? The recent beating-related death of Martin Lee Anderson at a Bay County boot camp. It's only through such records that some important public issues can come to light, argued House Democrats in debate today. "We don't need to keep the shades drawn on these important events that affect so many of us," said Rep. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa. "This bill has nothing to do with what happened to Martin Lee Anderson in custody," said Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, sponsor of a bill continuing the autopsy confidentiality law. (Pensacola News-Journal)

March 28, 2006:

Mississippi to honor Dale Earnhardt: 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. (AP/CNNSI)

March 9, 2006:

Earnhardt to be inducted International Motorsports Hall of Fame:  The late Dale Earnhardt will be inducted into the France family's International Motorsports Hall of Fame at Talladega, Ala., next month. And Earnhardt's birthday, April 29, will be celebrated at DEI in Mooresville that weekend. The Talladega Hall of Fame is just one of several prominent NASCAR stock-car racing museums, and many top Cup teams boast their own, such as Richard Childress' lavish layout in Welcome and, of course, Richard Petty's place in Randleman. The hoopla this week over the Frances' next proposed Hall of Fame, in Charlotte, is curious, particularly given the little promotional and marketing support the Daytona company has given its oldest Hall of Fame, at venerable Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, where the Joe Weatherly Stock Car Museum and National Motorsports Press Association Stock Car Hall of Fame has been in business for decades, on the site of this sport's first big race, the 1950 Southern 500. (Salem-Journal)

Feb. 18, 2006:

We remember #3 Dale Earnhardt Forever... 5 Years Ago today we lost the Intimidator.

Dale Earnhardt Candle-light Tribute 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  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. (Dale Earnhardt Inc.)

Childress on #3: NASCAR team owner Richard Childress said he agrees with Teresa Earnhardt and hopes NASCAR will retire Dale Earnhardt's No. 3. NASCAR never has retired a number. (Dallas Morning News)

Feb. 14, 2006:

Teresa doesn't believe #3 will return to the track: Teresa Earnhardt doesn't believe anyone -- including her stepson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- will bring the No. 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 No. 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. The show, which will air at 8 p.m. as part of Speed's 70-plus hours of Daytona Speedweeks coverage, looks at the reaction to Dale Earnhardt's death in a crash on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 and the impact it has had on the sport. Teresa Earnhardt has declined virtually every interview request since her husband's death. Speed Channel provided the advance quotation from tonight's show to the Observer. (Charlotte Observer)

Nov. 12, 2005:

Rare Dale Sr. & Dale Jr. car up for bid on Ebay, proceeds go to Hurricane Katrina:  A rare opportunity to acquire the race cars driven by Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Jr. at Watkins Glenn is available on eBay starting November 9th, at 6 P.M. Pacific Time (PST) and running for 10 days. The cars are viewable at www.ebay.com/dubshop. With bidding beginning at $1 million, interested parties need to prequalify with Auction Cause, a premier online auction management agency specializing in high profile eBay events. Partnering in the effort is DUB Magazine, the leading, authoritative voice in urban automotive lifestyle that recently launched its store on eBay Motors. Owners of the cars, Jay Hansen and Wade Whitaker, are donating 50% of the final sales price to charity to aid Hurricane Katrina victims, meaning a minimum $500,000 windfall for The Northwest Louisiana Food Bank, based in Shreveport, LA. This story starts from the vision of a 5 year old girl named Hanna. After learning in her kindergarten class about the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Hanna decided to empty out her piggy bank to help her class raise money for the flood victims. She told her mom and dad about donating to the flood victims and wanted to know what else she could do to help.  Moved by this, Hanna's father, Jay Hansen, realized he did have something to contribute to the efforts. He was the owner of the #3 GM Goodwrench race car driven by the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. This car had been one of Earnhardt's road course cars that had raced at Sears Point, CA, and also at Watkins Glenn, NY. Jay's friend, Wade Whitaker, had recently purchased a #8 Budweiser race car driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., which raced at the same track, Watkins Glenn. They agreed packaging them together to benefit Katrina victims would set into motion Hanna's idea. Jay contacted Eric Gazin of Auction Cause, the agency which sold the Robby Gordon helmet for charity on eBay. Using the eBay Giving Works and MissionFish charity auction platforms that highlight 501(c)(3) nonprofits, Eric found a worthy cause, "The Northwest Louisiana Food Bank," which was on the front lines providing basic necessities to the thousands of victims of Hurricane Katrina. Jim Presson, Executive Director of the food bank had thought his prayers had been answered, as the strain on the food bank had almost become too much to bear.  The auction is poised to set a new automotive vehicle record for eBay Motors, as well as challenging other well off individuals to step up and conduct their own charity drives to benefit victims of one of the worst natural disasters ever to hit the United States. (Dub Magazine PR)

Nov. 3, 2005:

Earnhardt among those inducted into Hall: The late Dale Earnhardt, a seven-time NASCAR champion, heads the latest class of inductees to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Earnhardt is joined by team owner Jack Roush, NASCAR ace Harry Gant, female racing pioneer Janet Guthrie and racing executive H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler in the class to be inducted April 27. "This is one heck of a class for 2006," Jim Freeman, executive director of the Hall, said Wednesday.  (Herald-Sun)

Oct. 29, 2005:

Earnhardt to be inducted: The late Dale Earnhardt heads the list of drivers inducted into the Crown Royal IROC Legends of Victory Lane. The elite group, voted in by fans, recognizes drivers from various disciplines on the 30th anniversary of the series that allows drivers from all forms of racing to compete in equally prepared cars. Joining Earnhardt were Mario Andretti, Scott Pruett and Steve Kinser. . (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Sep. 24, 2005: 

Dale Earnhardt Trail Opens:  A wave of the green flags finally started the day Dale Earnhardt fans have been waiting for. The Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau officially opened the Dale Trail on Thursday with a small ceremony.  “This will honor a legend that brought a lot of attention to Cabarrus County,” said Doug Stafford, chairman of the board of directors for the convention and visitors bureau. Brochures with a map of the trail site are free at the Cabarrus CVB and will also be available at other locations, such as hotels and the Visitors Center in Cannon Village. The self-guided tour shows highlights of the life of Dale Earnhardt and his NASCAR career throughout his hometown of Kannapolis. Stafford said the purpose behind this first heritage trail for the motorsports community in the area is not only to keep the legend of Earnhardt alive long-term, but also to promote tourism. With all the development going on in Kannapolis with David Murdock’s North Carolina Research Campus, this will showcase the northern part of the county. “This is one more step in the economic development of Cabarrus County,” said John Cox, CEO of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce. (Independent Tribune)

Aug 25, 2005

LVMS unveils Earnhardt Wax figure: 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)

July 22, 2005

Earnhardt, Wheeler and Roush among hall finalist: Seven-time Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR car owner Jack Roush and Lowe's Motor Speedway president H.A. (Humpy) Wheeler are among 22 finalists in the voting for the 2006 class of inductees to the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. Five inductees will be selected for the hall, located in Talladega, Ala., in voting that will begin next week by a media panel. This year's inductees will be announced in November and will go into the hall in April 2006. This is the first year of eligibility for Earnhardt, who was killed in a crash at Daytona in February 2001. Wheeler also was among the finalists last year. (ThatsRacin)

July 21, 2005

Dale Earnhardt trail to open in Sept.: Dale Earnhardt fans can cruise along the "Dale Trail" tour starting in mid- to late-September. That's when the self-guided tour of the late NASCAR star and Kannapolis native's old haunts will debut, said Cabarrus County tourism officials who helped create the project. They recently finalized which stops will be on the trail, including Earnhardt's childhood neighborhood and the 9-foot-tall bronze statue of him in downtown Kannapolis. Earnhardt died in a crash at the 2001 Daytona 500. Plans for the trail's official unveiling are still being worked out, said Judy Root, communications manager for the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Banners on 100 utility poles marking parts of the trail will start going up in mid-August. (Charlotte Observer)
June 30, 2005

Dale Earnhardt Foundation joins ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation hopes to mobilize some of NASCAR's 75 million American fans to support ONE.  "NASCAR fans are generous and compassionate people who represent the best in American values," said Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. "By joining with ONE, we hope to mobilize that compassion to do more, for those with less, and support President Bush as he works with other G8 leaders on a historic plan to fight extreme poverty and disease in Africa." From Hollywood to the heartland, nearly ONE million Americans have joined with ONE, making ONE one of the fastest growing non-partisan issue campaigns in American history. Supporters of ONE have written more than 250,000 letters to the White House calling for a comprehensive plan to address global AIDS and extreme poverty in Africa at the early July G8 Summit in Scotland.  "The NASCAR fans are joining forces with rock-n-rollers, students and priests in their pulpits." said Bono, lead singer of U2 and spokesperson for ONE. "Teresa Earnhardt, a great lady, is helping give ONE in America the volume that Africa needs." On July 2, members of the Dale Earnhardt Inc. motorsports team will wear ONE White Bands in solidarity with the Live 8 concerts happening around the world. Thanks to series sponsor Nextel, NASCAR fans at Daytona will see the ONE.ORG spot featuring Hollywood celebrities and faith leaders. In the meantime, NASCAR fans are encouraged to visit www.TheDaleEarnhardtFoundation.org where they will find additional information and a link to ONE. "It is truly amazing to see how Americans have gravitated to ONE," said Jamie Drummond, executive director of DATA, a founding member of ONE. "From church halls to rock concerts, and now NASCAR fans; Americans are delivering a message with a clear voice: Make Poverty History in 2005!" The Dale Earnhardt Foundation was founded in December 2002, with the mission of carrying on Dale's name and good works through charitable causes he supported during his lifetime, which focus on children, education and wildlife preservation. ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History is a coalition of the nation's leading relief and advocacy organizations. ONE is committed to rally Americans ONE by ONE against global AIDS and extreme poverty. (Dale Earnhardt, Inc. & ONE Campaign)

Earnhardt trail planned: Get ready for the Dale Trail in the hometown of the late stock-car driver Dale Earnhardt. The self-guided tour will highlight such locales as the streets Earnhardt cruised in his youth and the restaurant where fans can order his favorite sandwich: sliced tomato on white bread, sometimes with lettuce and Miracle Whip.  "We're quite excited about the project," said Ann Sternal, executive director of the Cabarrus County Convention and Visitors Bureau.  Leaders in Cabarrus see the trail as another way to emphasize the county's racing ties while luring more visitors. Since Earnhardt died in a crash during the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, thousands of race fans have continued to visit the region to connect with his legacy.  Tourism officials have worked on the trail for months now, Sternal said, and hope to unveil it before October's NASCAR race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord. (USA Today)

June 20, 2005

Earnhardt Insurer and RCR reach agreement: The race team of the late Dale Earnhardt said Monday it reached a settlement with an insurer who had refused to pay the stock-car driver's life-insurance policy, ending a nearly monthlong trial. Richard Childress Racing had sought $3.7 million from United of Omaha Life Insurance Co., the amount for which the team had insured the popular driver. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed. "I'm smiling, aren't I?" Childress attorney John Morrow said as he left court.  Morrow told Taylor before jurors were seated Monday the parties had settled the case. Rich Anderl, a United of Omaha attorney, said some of the company's customers had complained about their handling of the case after the death of one of the best-known drivers in NASCAR history. (CNNSI)

June 14, 2005

Agent testifies in Earnhardt Case: 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 disputed $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. (USA Today)

Judge Rules in favor of RCR: 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.  Davidson County Superior Court Judge Kimberly S. Taylor issued the order against United of Omaha Life Insurance Co. after 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.  The Lexington Dispatch reported on its Web site Monday that attorneys discovered the papers were missing June 7, when a special investigator for Mutual of Omaha testified he had reviewed the documents in question. (USA Today)

June 3 2005

Earnhardt suffered Dizzy Spell? 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 to Earnhardt's widow after he died in a crash at the 2001 Daytona 500.  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. (St. Petersburg's Times)

June 1 2005

Earnhardt's Contract opened Public: 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 in Lexington, N.C., 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.  "I think we can work out something to balance everyone's needs," Taylor said. (Indy Star)

May 31 2005

Agent Says Insurer Should Pay Claim: The insurance company that denied a $3.7 million claim in the death of racing legend Dale Earnhardt conducted a mistake-riddled investigation, a veteran life insurance agent testified Tuesday.  "I think it was evident early on that the mistakes began with the application, and the paperwork and process were flawed," agent Dwight Carter said.  Richard Childress Racing has accused insurer United of Omaha of cheating widow Teresa Earnhardt out of the payment after Earnhardt died in a crash at the Daytona 500 in 2001. RCR took out the policy and is pursuing the matter on the family's behalf.  The company claims that the policy was never valid for Earnhardt because he had not taken a required physical. (Charlotte Observer)

May 27 2005

UPDATE Judge Not to Rule on Earnhardt Documents till Tuesday: A judge will not rule Friday on a request made by The Associated Press to review several exhibits under a protective order in a case that pits the race car owner for Dale Earnhardt against an insurance company that refused to pay up when he died.  The issue - along with a request by the AP and several news organizations to unseal documents in the case - is expected to be handled Tuesday in Superior Court, court clerk Brian Shipwash said Friday. Judge Kimberly Taylor extended an earlier protective order Thursday at the request of the attorney for Richard Childress Racing, who argued that some of the documents - including Earnhardt's contract - were proprietary. (Myrtle Beach Online)

Media Seeks Earnhardt Case Documents: Several news organizations asked a judge Thursday to unseal documents in a case that pits the race car owner for Dale Earnhardt against an insurance company that refused to pay up when he died.  Superior Court Judge Kimberly Taylor extended an earlier protective order in the case at the request of the attorney for Richard Childress Racing, who argued that some of the documents, including Earnhardt's contract, were proprietary.  The ruling came after an Associated Press reporter asked Wednesday to review evidence that had been introduced to the jury in open court and was told it was under a protective order. The AP, the Charlotte Observer, NASCAR Scene and the North Carolina Press Association later filed a motion asking the court to reconsider. (St. Petersburg Times)

May 25 2005

Jury Selection Begins in Earnhardt Trial: Potential jurors were packed like sardines inside a Davidson County courtroom Tuesday, and Nic Matthews whisked quickly by them on his way out of the building.  “Thank God,” said Matthews, pleased that he was rejected as a juror in a high profile civil case expected to last between one and two weeks. Matthews was relieved not to serve, even though the case he was summoned to hear involved names he knew well and admired.  In Davidson County, few names are more recognizable or carry more cachet than those of Earnhardt and Childress.  So about 125 potential jurors, three times the normal number, were called to court Monday and asked to fill out a nine-page questionnaire designed to give attorneys on both sides assistance in screening out undesirable jurors. On Tuesday, attorneys began questioning the jurors. Matthews, who was approved by attorneys representing Childress, was eventually rejected by representatives of United of Omaha. His answers to the questionnaire may have been a reason. Question 24: Do you have a favorite driver? Yes, Dale Earnhardt and Richard Childress Racing is my favorite team, Matthews said he answered. Question 27: What do you think of insurance companies? Thieves, Matthews answered. (News-Record)

May 23, 2005

Childress Sues Over Earnhardt Policy: The owner of the late Dale Earnhardt's racing team is suing over a $3.7 million life insurance policy the company tried to place on the legendary driver before his 2001 death at the Daytona 500.  The case is scheduled to go to trial starting today in Davidson County Superior Court.  Pretrial motions are expected to be heard this afternoon, with jury selection taking place afterward.  Richard Childress Racing, which owned Earnhardt's No. 3 car, says it applied for a life insurance policy on Earnhardt in December 2000 and began payments in January 2001.  But Earnhardt never took the physical needed for the policy to take effect. Childress Racing says in its suit that the insurance company's doctors called to schedule the physical in early February -- when Earnhardt was already in Daytona Beach, Fla., preparing for the NASCAR season.  Earnhardt's assistant was told the physical could wait until after the Daytona 500, Childress' suit states.  That never happened. Earnhardt died by crashing into the wall on the last lap of the Daytona 500.  The insurance company, United of Omaha, denied any claim the next day, saying the policy had never been in effect. (CharlotteObserver)

April 3, 2005

NASCAR's St. Dale: Southern writer Sharyn McCrumb has devised an unusual and ambitious approach to the world of NASCAR. The premise of her new novel, St. Dale, is that, following his death, Dale Earnhardt has become a secular saint who makes appearances when necessary and performs the minor miracle here or there. Similar to the fans who have Elvis sightings, McCrumb's characters have Dale encounters.  (SunSentinel)

March 19, 2005

RCR Suit against ESPN: The stylized No. 3 symbolizing the legacy of Dale Earnhardt has been reproduced on jackets, on stickers with an angel's halo, on the walls of local restaurants, and on countless other products and memorials to the late racing legend.  RCR Enterprises Inc., which owns the trademark rights to the stylized No. 3, says that one of those memorials went too far. RCR, of Welcome, is owned by Richard Childress.  RCR filed a federal lawsuit this week against ESPN Inc., the all-sports cable-television network that recently produced a film about Earnhardt's life. The film and its related products use a stylized No. 3 similar to the trademark owned by RCR, according to the lawsuit. RCR is owned by Richard Childress. RCR registered its symbol on July 23, 1996, according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The lawsuit says that RCR officials objected to ESPN's use of a No. 3, but that ESPN did not stop using it. This isn't the first time that ESPN has angered those close to Earnhardt. Dale Earnhardt Inc., the company in Mooresville run by his widow, Teresa, did not endorse ESPN's film, claiming that it was inaccurate. (Winston-Salem)

March 11, 2005

Teresa Earnhardt Lifetime Achievement Award: The Greater Charlotte Chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES) is holding its annual Events in Excellence Awards (EVIES) Saturday, March 19, 2005 at The Extravaganza Depot located at 1610 N. Tryon St. This year's EVIE Awards will transform the Extravaganza Depot into a sultry, sizzling, sexy night in Havana complete with Conga line, Salsa dancing, live Latin rhythms, and electrifying color. It’s going to be the Tropicana live all night long as we celebrate the best special events produced in North and South Carolina. (DEI PR)

Feb. 24, 2005

NC Bill Introduced: A joint resolution filed by Rep. Karen Ray, R-Iredell, honors North Carolina's "great NASCAR legends," including Dale Earnhardt, Ralph Earnhardt, Lee Petty, Fireball Roberts and Wendell Scott. The resolution notes that the majority of current NASCAR teams are headquartered in North Carolina.(Winston Salem Journal)

Feb. 19, 2005

Chevy Donate to Dale Earnhardt Foundation: The Dale Earnhardt Foundation is committed to carrying on Dale's legacy and the charitable causes he supported during his lifetime in the areas of education, children, the environment and wildlife preservation. Teresa Earnhardt created the foundation in 2002 and continues to be involved in its overall operations. "We are so pleased to be able to continue Dale's vision of caring for others," said Teresa Earnhardt, president and CEO of Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. "I want to thank Chevrolet for their generous contribution and for playing an instrumental role in carrying on his legacy for years to come."

The build of the 2004 Monte Carlo Intimidator SS was limited to 4,000 units as a tribute to seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt. The second model, a 2004 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Signature Series Monte Carlo SS, was a salute to one of the sport's most popular and competitive drivers. A total of 2,883 Dale Earnhardt Jr. units were produced.  "We created the Earnhardt-themed Monte Carlos as a way for fans to support the sport's most legendary father-and-son racing duo," said Dewar. "We are delighted that the Signature Series Monte Carlos have also raised significant funds to benefit the charities important to Dale Earnhardt."

Both models are based on the Monte Carlo Supercharged SS coupe. Each is powered by GM's 3800 Series II supercharged V-6 engine, delivering 240 horsepower at 5200 rpm and an impressive 280 lb-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm. The vehicles were sold at select dealerships in the U.S. and Canada with a portion of the proceeds of each sale benefiting The Dale Earnhardt Foundation.  (Chevy PR)

Feb. 12, 2005

Candle Light for the Intimidator: On Friday, February 18, fans gather from all across the country in remembrance of the legendary Dale Earnhardt. A Silent Candlelight Tribute is held every year on this day at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. corporate headquarters in Mooresville, NC.  This year, at Daytona International Speedway during “Trackside Live” on Speed TV (7-8 p.m. ET), fans will simultaneously take part in the candle lighting ceremony. Teresa Earnhardt will light the first candles at Daytona, while fans gathered in Mooresville at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. will do the same.  (DEI)

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