Hometown Honors Earnhardt Statue As Beloved Son

Dale Earnhardt’s statue in Kannapolis, North Carolina, stands as a heartfelt tribute to the NASCAR star’s deep connection to his hometown. After Earnhardt’s shocking death at the 2001 Daytona 500, the community moved quickly to honor its favorite son.

City leaders, business owners, and the Earnhardt family agreed on a plan within months, focusing on a statue that would reflect Dale as a person, not just a driver.

Unlike the Daytona Beach memorial, which shows him in racing gear celebrating a major win, the Kannapolis statue features him in the kind of everyday outfit he wore around town—Wrangler jeans, a button-down shirt, and Justin boots.

This approach was heavily influenced by Martha Earnhardt, Dale’s mother, who reminded planners that her son was family long before he became NASCAR’s “Intimidator”. Clyde “Ross” Morgan was selected as the artist for the project.

His first ideas showed Earnhardt in full racing apparel, but those changed after the family’s input. Morgan’s final nine-foot-tall creation now displays Earnhardt’s working-class roots.

The only clear nod to his racing legacy is a pair of sunglasses peeking from his shirt pocket. The dedication took place in October 2002, following months of preparation.

Martha Earnhardt waved the green flag at the groundbreaking, and members of the NASCAR community, including Hall of Famer Benny Parsons, spoke at the unveiling. Parsons later described the day as one of the “happiest and saddest days” in Kannapolis’ history.

The plaza where the statue stands quickly became a destination for fans. People from different states and even other countries regularly make the trip to see the bronze memorial.

Families have taken photos there. Some have even chosen the spot for special occasions, like weddings.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. mentioned that he’s seen younger fans who never got to watch his father race still showing respect and interest, which came as a surprise to him. Landmarks across Kannapolis remind visitors of Earnhardt’s influence.

Old racetracks, a local brewery with a beer named after the family, and street names like Dale Earnhardt Blvd. all nod to the area’s racing history. The family home still stands in an area called Car Town, surrounded by streets such as V-8, Sedan, and Coach.

Even as some places along the original “Dale Trail” have closed, the legend’s presence remains strong in the town. The community’s connection to the statue is more than symbolic.

Occasionally, someone will recall Earnhardt’s mother making passing remarks about how the statue stood outside in all weather. For many, it has become the central place to honor Earnhardt’s memory since his gravesite remains private.

Locals and visitors alike gather at the monument, often during lunch breaks, sitting on benches grouped in sets of three to match his famous car number. The seven steps leading down into the plaza stand as another link to his seven Cup Series titles.

Though Martha Earnhardt passed away in 2021 at age 91, the legacy she helped shape has not faded. The statue continues to draw crowds, standing as a reminder of a man who never forgot his hometown roots, no matter how successful he became.

More than two decades after his final race, people still gather beneath the towering bronze figure to remember not just Dale Earnhardt the racer, but Dale Earnhardt the person.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.