SPARTA, Ky. – On the eve of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s last race at Kentucky Speedway, the track presented him with a special gift in honor of his final Cup appearance at the track.
Mark Simendinger, General Manager of Kentucky Speedway, presented Earnhardt with a personalized jukebox to be donated to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The gift is designed to lift the patients’ spirits as they continue to heal in the hospital.
“We thought about giving something that would always signify excellence,” Simendinger said. “Also when people saw it maybe they thought a little about Kentucky Speedway, thought about Dale Earnhardt Jr., but also about what he did for other people.”
The jukebox is complete with Earnhardt’s car number, signature and plaque showing appreciation from Kentucky Speedway.
“That’s awesome because I know the kids are going to love it,” Earnhardt said. “It’s a very creative and thoughtful gift and will make a lot of kids smile when they’re around the jukebox enjoying it together. It means a lot.”
Earnhardt says this is one of the most thoughtful gifts he’s received as the Nationwide partnership and hospital both mean a lot to him.
“I’m glad for Nationwide introducing me to the hospital,” Earnhardt explains. “It’s impacted my life and allowed me something to focus on to be a part of and make a difference. It’s been an amazing experience.”
Earnhardt says he’ll continue to make visits back to the hospital for as long as he can.
“We’ll be connected to that place forever,” Earnhardt said.