The Dale Trail

3003 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis
800/848-3740
www.visitcabarrus.com [1]

HOURS: Vary by attraction

COST: Varies by attraction

As a tribute to beloved race-car driver Dale Earnhardt, his hometown of Kannapolis [2] established the “Dale Trail,” a series of local attractions that pay homage to the racing legend.

There are several stops along the trail: Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, which begins at I-85 exit 60 and is a major thoroughfare through the town; Earnhardt Road, where he used to race his bright-yellow 1956 Chevrolet, taking the turns at top speed; and Car Town, the Earnhardt family neighborhood where streets bear names like V-8, Dodge, Ford, Plymouth, and Cadillac.

Dale Earnhardt Plaza (on the corner of Main Street and West B Street) is the most visited stop along the Dale Trail. A nine-foot bronze statue of the Intimidator is the centerpiece of the plaza. The plaza itself was designed as a tribute to Earnhardt’s life.

The pedestal on the bronze statue has seven sections, one to commemorate each of his seven Winston Cup championships, and the inside wall of seats has 76 sections in honor of his 76 Winston Cup wins; the benches on the outside walk are in groups of three because Earnhardt drove the #3 car; the outside walk is laid out in an oval to simulate a racetrack; and the plantings are all red and white with black granite accents to represent his signature colors. The plaza also contains a granite monument that was purchased by his fans in New York and Vermont.

The Cannon Village Visitors Center (200 West Avenue) is also worth a stop. It’s the site of the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Center, where there is a collection of murals painted by renowned motorsports artist Sam Bass.