MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Dale Earnhardts Legacy continued with the first unveiling of NC Highway No. 3 sign on Monday,
March 3, by his wife Teresa Earnhardt.
Formerly called Coddle Creek Hwy 136, the newly named and numbered Dale Earnhardt Hwy No. 3 in honor of the seven-time
Winston Cup Series champion, became official during the official proclamation ceremony at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Teresa, CEO
and president of the motorsports company, spoke to the large gathering of family members, politicians, employees and fans
that turned out under the cloudless, Carolina blue sky.
This is tremendous to have a state highway named in Dales honor, stated Teresa This highway is special to all of us; it
runs past our company headquarters in Iredell County and Cabarrus County. It was with the efforts and support of many State
and local officials and residents that made this name change.
North Carolina Governor Mike Easley signed legislation designating the North Carolina Highway No. 3 on October 23rd, 2002
to be known as Dale Earnhardt Highway.
Dale was a caring husband and father, a NASCAR racing legend, an avid outdoorsman and a pillar in his community, Governor
Easley said. We want to show Dales family, his fans and his friends that North Carolina remembers and cares. We want to say
thank you for everything that you gave us and show our sincere appreciation in this lasting tribute.
Gov. Easley wasnt able to attend the ceremony as he was preparing for his State of the State speech to be delivered later
in the evening at the state capitol in Raleigh. Representing the state was Roy Cooper, State Attorney General.
Dale Earnhardts Legacy is deeply embedded in North Carolina, Attorney General Cooper said. It is a fitting tribute to dedicate
NC Hwy No. 3 today. Dale Earnhardt is ours; a native son of North Carolina and recognized our values, dedication and strived
to succeed.
Someone once asked Dale Earnhardt how a race car driver should run a race. Dale responded, Wide open, all the time. So,
as the Attorney General I am the Chief Law Enforcer of the State. I guess Ill have to look the other way when we set the speed
limit on Hwy. No. 3 if we have one at all, as the crowd laughed and cheered.
Dale Earnhardt Highway is one of many tributes to the legendary racing champion in preserving his legacy to the state of
North Carolina and the sport of auto racing. His citizenship to North Carolina was outstanding and the newly established Dale
Earnhardt Foundation will continue those efforts with initiatives that perpetuate the Dale Earnhardt Legacy.
