As a third-generation race car driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr grew up in the heart of stock car racing country with speed in his blood. There was little double that he would follow in the footsteps of his father and his grandfather before him.
His grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt was a NASCAR Sportsman champion in 1956, eighteen years before he was born. His father and namesake was a giant in the sport with seven Cup Series championships and 76 victories. The young man had huge shoes to fill but he welcomed the challenge.
His professional racing career began with two seasons in what was then called the Busch Series. Driving for the team owned by his father, he burst onto the NASCAR scene and attracted a whole new generation of fans to the sport with his rock and roll attitude. He racked up thirteen victories and scored back-to-back series championships.
The young driver made the move to Cup Series racing the following year and despite winning two races, narrowly lost the rookie title to friend Matt Kenseth. His first trip to Victory Lane came at Texas Motor Speedway, a 1.5 mile facility, while the second was recorded at the . 75-mile track in Richmond.
The NASCAR world was rocked in 2001 when Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Was fatally injured in a crash on the last lap of the season opening Daytona 500. His son finished the race second to teammate Michael Waltrip. When the series returned to the speedway in July, the grieving son held off Waltrip to score an emotional victory.
He made the boldest, and most unexpected, move of his career in 2008 when he broke ties with the team his father founded and went to drive for rival Hendrick Motorsports. He drove to victory at Michigan Speedway during the summer, ending a winless streak of 76 races.
Like his father, the North Carolina native is involved with the ownership side of the sport but his business interests extend far beyond racing. Hammerhead Entertainment is the name of the production company he started in 2006. The full service company produces shows for multiple television networks including ESPN and SPEED.
He extended his empire in April 2008 when he introduced Whisky River to the Charlotte, N. C. Nightlife scene with a prime location in the Charlotte EpiCentre. The hot spot is a little bit country and little bit rock and roll featuring live music, top rated DJs and celebrity guest hosts.
Even with everything he has going on, he manages to give back to the community with active roles in a number of charitable organizations including Make-A-Wish. He opened up a foundation in his own name in 2007 in support of people in need. The foundation provides resources to promote education and self confidence with a focus on young people.
When he is not running one of his many businesses or driving a race car, Dale Earnhardt Jr can usually be found hanging out on his property in North Carolina. He has constructed his own little haven with multiple go-kart tracks, a golf course and an authentic old West town complete with vintage gasoline station and saloon.
Wedding Sparklers, Baseball Equipment, Cottage Holidays, Australia Genealogy, Outdoor Wicker, Corporate Awards, Birthday Party Ideas, Contemporary Outdoor Furniture, Modern Vanities
{ 0 comments }
