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All of the most recent media attention has been directed at Dale Jr., Teresa Earnhardt and DEI.
But there’s another racing Earnhardt lurking quietly in the shadows…. |
Kerry Earnhardt and his son, Jeffrey have been quietly racing and doing quite well.
Most of Jeffrey’s younger racing years have been kept out of the press, which is probably a smart move on his father Kerry’s part.
Jeffrey’s first tested the racing waters within the Hornet Series in Virginia. Jeffrey managed three feature wins, won the Rookie of the Year title and finished his season in the top five in points. This is not a bad way to introduce one’s self into the world of racing.
As Jeffrey progressed up through the ranks, the press seemed non-existent, which has benefited Jeffrey in many ways, from a Busch East pole to landing a DEI driver development deal with teammates Trevor Bayne, Ricky Carmichael and Matt Martin.
Just by looks alone, this Earnhardt appears to have more of Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s traits than any other Earnhardt to date, from looks and talent to how he can see the “draft”.
Although shy and quiet, once the seat belt is strapped tight, this young man puts on his race face and the Earnhardt personality shines through.
With the acquisition of Ginn Racing by DEI, Jeffery and the DEI driver development team is taking shape. Trevor Bayne is currently signed with Jeffrey Earnhardt, Ricky Carmichael (AKA G.O.A.T. stands for “Greatest Of All Time” ~ moto cross racer, that is) and Matt Martin. All are being coached by Mark Martin.
Carmichael was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in August of 2006, but I could find no updated information available on Carmichael at the present time.
With a strong “freshman” group such as the above list, I venture to say that, given a year or two DEI will once again become a force to be reckoned with, with Jeffrey Earnhardt leading the way!
Until Next Time…
Robyn Snell
Senior Staff
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YeeHaw! With a name like Earnhardt it’s gotta be good!!! I’m a big Kerry fan and he just hasn’t caught the breaks, I’m hoping better for Jeffrey and it looks like its on the way. Seen him here in Virginia a few times and the boy can race. He will be the one to bring DEI back to what it should be!
Go Jeffrey!!!!!
I too am a big fan of Kerry. His son Jeffrey looks as if he has quite a bit of talent. However I would be disapointed if he went with DEI. Even though he would get an initial break going there, he really does not owe DEI anything. He shoud do it without any “help” from DEI.The name alone will open doors….and if he is worth his salt….look out competitors!
I look forward to the next generation of Earnhardt’s to be at racing’s top level. But I have to agree with the others, he needs to be somewhere else other than DEI. Only because I just have a feeling that no one learned a thing from this past family squabble. I think its all good and fine now, but once Jeffrey starts transitioning into the top series, things could change. But I think this kid can make it. I have read nothing but great stuff about him. I wish him the best.
I too am an Earnhardt fan. I think we are all forgetting one very big think about Teressa. Dale Earnhardt Sr. loved her and trusted her very much. So much that he left her 100% of the business. If Dale was alive today and this fued was taking place I believe he would side with Teressa. I personally respect Teressa very much for her commitment to her husband and family. I find it a shame that things turned out the way they did for the whole Earnhardt family. I truly hope that one day all will be forgiven and Jr. will run under the DEI banner and win from the DEI garage. Johnny
The scary thing is that Kerry looks so much like his father!!! i would really like to see him do well and get into sprint cup full time with a good team that’ll put him on the map
Johnny:At last someone who can look past the bs that Jr.& Kelly were mistreated. I applaud your remarks about Teresa. I’m an Earnhardt fan but I think Jr.s just a little spoiled or puts too much trust in his sister,who I think is the main cog in the trashing of Teresa & DEI.Maybe Jr. will have DEI some day when he’s compentent enough to run it, Kyle Petty did it.In the mean time he stil has some matureing to do.
Teresa is a class act. I’ve thought so since I first started following Dale in the 80’s. She has done a fine job of protecting Dale’s name and legacy and standing tall in the face of devastating loss. It’s no secret that Dale loved and trusted her like no one else, and there’s no doubt he’s proud as punch at the way she has handled herself and the company they built together. Jeffrey has the look of a winner. Looking forward to watching him come up the ranks and racing under the DEI banner. Doesn’t hurt that he’s the very image of a young Dale, too. GO JEFFREY!!!
Butch,
Thanks for the support. I too was thinking of Kyle and Petty Enterprizes when responing about the Earnhardt’s.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Kerry, I’m very happy for his family and it sounds like Jeffrey is a comer. I don’t think he could do much better for a coach than Mark Martin, not only is he one hell of a racer, he always had the respect of Big E and I think that will go a long way as well. His “classmates” will keep him on his toes! I can’t wait to see how this progresses.
Jeffrey started racing in the Hornets at the track less than 10 miles from my home and even though everyone locally knew about it, there was not a word in the local press. He raced on one of the best little 1/2 mile unknown dirt tracks you ever saw. Come to Rural Retreat, VA on a Saturday night for a great time.
Wow this turned into nothing about the article. How sad. Robyn was bringing awareness to this young talent and ya’ll talk about a problem that is all too common, step parents and step kids not getting along.
Oh please, let’s jump on the Jeffery bandwagon. I hope the media does not do to this poor kid what they did to his uncle. And I certainly hope a certain owner does not push him before he is ready.
I cannot believe the statement: “Just by looks alone, this Earnhardt appears to have more of Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s traits than any other Earnhardt to date, from looks and talent to how he can see the “draft”.
Looks yes. Talent wait and see. He probably will be a good racer someday.
But you make the statement he can see the “draft” Do you know or have you actually seen him work the draft?
There is an Earnhardt racing right now in the present that learned very well from the master and is one of the best drafters today. Do you remember him? The one that abandoned his father’s dream to find his own dreams. Shame on him for trying to better himself. He is now the outcast. Just because he stayed loyal to an owner and team that showed him no respect in return for his last 8 years.
Maybe Jeffery Earnhardt will be the future, but I choose to follow the present. Dale Earnhardt Junior is racing now. He is the present and the future for this fan.
This was a great story. I love to see young drivers on their way into the sport. I wish him well.
I think that Jeffery will be the answer for DEI, maybe even Matt Martin..Dale Jr was not the answer. The Jr fans will hate me but that’s okay. Daddy gave everything to this son, but pretty much forgot he had another son by the name of Kerry. If daddy had of put Kerry in a car like he did Jr I believe that we would see Kerry in the top ten at the end of Cup season maybe even with a Championship. Looks like Step Mom is pretty wise in making sure that there is an Earnhardt up and coming…believe it’s to late for Kerry because of his age and never having a good ride. When Kerry is out on the track I’m following him…he’s never gotten what he should have. Let all of us remember that daddy didn’t leave DEI to his kids…he left it 100% to his wife who he loved. That’s the reason why she said she’d sell 51% to Jr for 50,000 to 75,000 million. Can’t blame her. I’m looking forward to some new blood in Nascar. But if Nascar doesn’t put a stop to Cup drivers over in Busch (Nationwide Series) then we can pretty much forget them. For there will be no room for them…then when 75% of the Cup driver’s are no longer able or want to retire there will be no one to take their place.
i’m glad to hear that jeffery is going to give it a try with dei in the upcoming future. good luck your grandfather would be proud to know your on his team.
I’ll have to keep my eyes out for Jeffrey. It would be nice to see him do well in the racing world.
I watched Jeffrey in Busch East this year and he had a decent season. He has a lot more work to do before he moves up but he is young and has time. Let’s hope that he doesn’t get undue pressure because of his last name.
would like to see the kid race and I’ll decide if he’s got it regardless of who he races for. Takes more than name to put gift sr had inside. Takes his own man, driven. I say bring it knowing someone will again, someday.
What a really nice story! What a way for a young man to come up into this sport. I hope he learns from everyones mistakes and victories and has himself a stellar career. All the Earnhardt family deserves it for giving and giving up so much to the sport. Bless this young man.