CONCORD, N.C. – As has become a bit of a tradition this season, Dale Earnhardt Jr. received a very special gift this weekend as he headed to the Martinsville Speedway media center.
Before taking any questions, the president of Martinsville Speedway, Clay Campbell, presented Earnhardt and members of Patrick Henry Community College with a check for $10,000 to support the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Honorary Scholarship Motorsports Program.
“That is a great idea for something that will make an impact in the community and give somebody an opportunity, and I hope that they take that opportunity and use it well,” Earnhardt said.
The scholarship is designed to help students in the motorsports program at the college further their education and ultimately reach their goals of working in the industry.
“I’m thrilled to be a small part of this and appreciate the speedway for their efforts to make it happen,” the driver said. “So, thank you.”
Sunday, Earnhardt will take one more shot at earning another grandfather clock by visiting Victory Lane at the track for the final time as the driver of the No. 88 Nationwide Chevrolet SS.
“This place is very special to me,” he said of Martinsville. “We love coming here and being a part of everything that you have going on every weekend and you do such an amazing job and have for so long.”
And he was grateful for the special way the track showed its own gratitude to the driver.
“I appreciate it,” Earnhardt said.