In 2001 Kerry Earnhardt drove the Kannapolis Intimidators Chevrolet in the ARCA Series for three events, winning at Michigan and Charlotte.
The special Intimidators Paint Scheme was significant to Earnhardt as a salute to his Dad, Dale, Sr., who passed away in February and the Kannapolis Intimidators, a minor league baseball team, Dale Sr., had become a part owner of during the off season.
For this year’s Eddie Gilstrap Motors 200 Fall Classic at Salem Speedway Thomas “Moose” Praytor will run the Earnhardt/Intimidator Throwback Paint Scheme as a salute to both Earnhardts.
“Growing up I was a big Dale, Sr. fan, he was the man. In the early 2000s my Dad was doing ARCA TV for the Outdoor Channel and spotting for Dan Pardus. Mr. Kerry would always come and hang out at Mr. Dan’s motorhome. I just thought that was the coolest thing. Mr. Kerry was always nice to us kids, a lot of the drivers just blew us off. I think he was more kid than grown up. Throwing back to Mr. Kerry’s winning car and the Intimidators is really cool for me.”
The Kannapolis Intimidators baseball hat Thomas is wearing was given to Thomas’s Dad in 2001 by Earnhardt to wear on TV. The Intimidator diecast Thomas is holding has been in his collection since it came out in 2001.
The Eddie Gilstrap Motors 200 Fall Classic presented by Meadow View/Salem Crossing starts on Friday September 8th with a Golf Tournament, Hauler Parade and Fan Fest at the track on Friday night. Saturday it will be time to get down to business with practice, General Tire Pole Qualifying and the green flag at 6:15CST.