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Teresa Earnhardt Unveils Dale Earnhardt Legacy Program at NASCAR/Winston Cup Champions Luncheon

Charitable Foundation, Fundraising Concert, Web Site, New Paint Schemes Comprise Broad-Based Initiative to Honor Racing Legend

NEW YORK – December 5, 2002 – In a surprise appearance at the NASCAR Annual Media Luncheon in New York City, Teresa Earnhardt took the stage to announce the establishment of a new, broad-based initiative that will help preserve her late husband’s legacy for generations to come.

The Dale Earnhardt Legacy Program was created for the fans that looked up to Dale as a role model, and as a means to further the humanitarian causes that the seven-time Winston Cup Champion supported during his lifetime.

The Dale Earnhardt Legacy Program consists of various high profile events and initiatives that include: the establishment of The Dale Earnhardt Foundation, plans for a major concert fundraiser hosted by Teresa Earnhardt at the Daytona International Speedway, the unveiling of shared new paint schemes for the Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Racing Teams, the introduction in early 2003 of an official Dale Earnhardt Incorporated Web site, and a variety of other local and national activities in the months and years to come.

"For some time now, I have been searching for a way to honor fans’ requests for more information about Dale’s life and, while doing so, advance the causes Dale believed in so strongly," said Teresa Earnhardt. "So many knew and loved Dale, but few were familiar with him off the track – his compassion, conviction and commitment to life and humanitarian causes like children’s and educational charities, and wildlife issues.

The Dale Earnhardt Legacy Program is that vehicle." The Dale Earnhardt Foundation, the cornerstone of the Legacy Program, will carry on Dale’s name and good works through charitable causes he supported during his lifetime. Monies already received in Dale’s name through The Foundation for the Carolinas are included in this new effort. Upcoming fundraising events are currently in the works.

As the first of many Legacy events, Teresa Earnhardt will host a blockbuster concert on June 28, 2003 at the Daytona International Speedway with some of the biggest names in the music industry now being lined up to perform. 

"The tentative list of acts scheduled to perform is impressive and exciting," noted Teresa Earnhardt. "I  hardly had to ask, as Dale’s many friends in the music industry all wanted to participate when they heard about the event." 

All profits from the concert ticket sales, which is sponsored by long time corporate supporter Kraft/Nabisco, will go towards the Foundation.

Guest artists and ticket sale information will be announced in February 2003. Also launching in early 2003 will be the first official and most comprehensive website dedicated to Dale Earnhardt.

It will contain timely information about the Legacy Program and provide a forum for fans and supporters to learn more about Dale and the causes he championed.

The site, www.daleearnhardtinc.com will also feature rare photos and clips from Dale’s illustrious career, racing statistics and Foundation news. Information about all the drivers and behind-the-scenes coverage on the Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Racing Teams will be found here as well.

"Over the last 18 months, we have given a great deal of thought, and heard from countless fans, about what a Dale Earnhardt Inc. website should look like," said Teresa Earnhardt.

"We wanted to be sure to not only capture the essence of Dale, but to include highlights and news on all aspects of Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. 

I know it has taken awhile to launch this site, but we wanted it done right and feel confident that it will be worth the wait." For the first time since 1997, the paint schemes of the three Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Racing Team cars will change.

The new paint scheme and striping pattern unveiled for the 2003-racing season will allude to an "E" on the side of the car in honor of the man who founded and led Dale Earnhardt, Inc.!

Teresa Earnhardt proudly states, "The elements of The Dale Earnhardt Legacy Program characterize many aspects of Dale’s career, family life and issues important to him. I am proud to unveil it today and invite everyone to join me in honoring the Seven Time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion."............................