Earnhardt Siblings Named Grand Marshals for the 25th Anniversary Race of the Food City 500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOOD CITY NAMES 25th ANNIVERSARY RACE
GRAND MARSHALS AND HONORARY STARTER
ABINGDON, VA (Thursday, April 20, 2017) – This weekend, Food City will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of their sponsorship of the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The supermarket chain is Bristol Motor Speedway’s longest running sponsor and the second longest in NASCAR.
Company officials announced today that Kerry Earnhardt and Kelley Earnhardt Miller will serve as the event Grand Marshals for Sunday’s Food City 500.
“Food City is honored to be a long-time friend of the Earnhardt family and we’re extremely proud to have served as a past sponsor for both Dale Sr. and Dale Jr. We thought it befitting to honor their family’s commitment to the sport during our 25th Anniversary Food City 500,” said Steve Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.
Racing since the early 1990s, Kerry Earnhardt’s first competitors were his sister and brother, driving street stocks before he began his professional career in the Goody’s Dash Series. Voted Late Model Stock Rookie of the Year, he was also a competitor in the NASCAR Busch, ARCA, Camping World Truck, Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series.
Kelley Earnhardt Miller learned how to drive from her father around their family farm when she was 12 years old. Later, racing stock cars at local tracks, ESPN commended her for her "aggression, mental toughness and willingness to push the car to its limits". She currently serves as general manager of JR Motorsports.
The Food City team named Steve Smith, company president and chief executive officer to serve alongside the Earnhardts as Honorary Starter and wave the green flag to signal the start of their 25th Anniversary event.
“Steve’s foresight helped pave the way for Food City’s involvement with Bristol Motor Speedway and NASCAR racing for more than 25 years. He is an extraordinary visionary, mentor and leader, as well as a tremendous supporter of his family, friends, colleagues and community. We wanted to take this opportunity on our 25th Anniversary to honor his commitment to our customers, our company and the sport,” said Kevin Stafford, vice president of marketing for Food City.
The Earnhardt legacy will also be well represented in the Food City 500 with both Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeffrey Earnhardt racing in the event. The Food City 500 gets under way at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2017. Qualifying for the event takes place on Friday at 4:45 p.m. Tickets are still available and may be purchased at www.bristoltix.com or by calling the BMS ticket office at 423-BRISTOL (274-7865).
Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 134 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, Chattanooga and north Georgia.
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Kerry and René Earnhardt team up with Schumacher Homes to create the Earnhardt Collection by Schumacher Homes
KERRY AND RENÉ EARNHARDT team up with SCHUMACHER HOMES – america’s largest custom homebuilder – to create the EARNHARDT COLLECTION BY SCHUMACHER HOMES
- Unique custom plans that focus on home as a retreat and traditional family values
- Landmark collaboration between America’s largest custom homebuilder and Kerry and René Earnhardt
Charlotte, N.C. – October 12, 2011 – Kerry and René Earnhardt and Schumacher Homes CEO Paul Schumacher jointly unveiled today The Earnhardt Collection by Schumacher Homes at a presentation and press conference at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This unprecedented collaboration brings together America’s largest custom on-your-lot homebuilder and Kerry and René Earnhardt, outdoor enthusiasts and NASCAR insiders, in a unique relationship to offer homes that are designed as a personal retreat.
Kerry and René Earnhardt, of the legendary NASCAR family, were heavily involved in the design process, helping to develop floor plans that embody their passion for casual, outdoor living. The Earnhardt Collection by Schumacher Homes offers customers 22 customizable floor plans that act as a starting point for homeowners to create their dream home, making the design process easy and stress-free. Homes built from the plans begin at around $80,000, and range from 960 – 3,400 square feet. The designs will be available in all of Schumacher Homes’ 32 markets beginning October 12, 2011.
“The Earnhardt Collection by Schumacher Homes presents customers with a home that is a personalized retreat from modern times, where family and friends can come together, and where the beauty of nature is captured every day,” says Paul Schumacher, CEO of Schumacher Homes. “Kerry and René Earnhardt embody this collection and represent our brand promise ‘Live in what you love’ so well. We are thrilled to be working with them to create a home collection that so many Americans can make their own.”
“Through this collaboration, we created a series of homes that reflect our way of living, with a focus on nature and the outdoors and all that is important to us,” says Kerry Earnhardt. “Schumacher Homes’ values and priorities lined up really well with our own, and their processes and expertise made it easy to bring our ideas to life. My passion for the outdoors and love of family is embodied throughout.”
Inspiration behind the Homes
Each plan in The Earnhardt Collection is named after, and inspired by, a memory or experience from Kerry and René’s lives. And like all Schumacher Homes, the plans can be completely customized to fit the needs of the new homeowner.
Pocono is a design and plan that’s named for the Pennsylvania raceway where Kerry won his first race. This 1,691 square foot, two-bedroom, two-story floor plan was designed in the spirit of togetherness to maximize the home’s open family areas and large windows.
Blue Ridge is a design and plan that’s named for the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where René grew up and fell in love with nature. The single-story, 1,964 square foot home has a multi-gabled elevation that reflects the mountain terrain.
Giant Sequoia, one of the larger designs and plans, is named in honor of Kerry’s dad. Kerry explains the connection: “When we started designing the homes for this collection, we named this one Giant Sequoia after Dad because for us, he was that strong, steady, towering influence … Sequoias last, and it’s our hope this home will be a lasting presence for other families around the country.”
The Giant Sequoia plan starts at 2,464 square feet and features large open windows, three spacious bedrooms, and a master suite with a large walk-in closet and fireplace.
Consumers can browse these homes and 19 other designs and floor plans at www.earnhardtcollection.com. While on the site, they can hear more from Kerry and René about the collection and find a Schumacher Homes design center near them.
About Schumacher Homes
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 32 markets in 14 states across the country. The award winning company has built over 8,000 homes since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992 – each one unique to the needs and lifestyle of the owners. The company uses an exclusive process to make it as easy as possible for customers to “Live in what you love.” Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop design center. Full experience model homes are currently throughout their markets nationwide. For more information, visit www.schumacherhomes.com or
follow Schumacher Homes on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SchumacherHome or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchumacherHome
Newsletter or Announcement Blurb
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Kerry and René Earnhardt and Schumacher Homes CEO Paul Schumacher jointly unveiled The Earnhardt Collection by Schumacher Homes at a presentation at the NASCAR Hall of Fame on October 12, in Charlotte, North Carolina. This unprecedented collaboration brings together America’s largest custom on-your-lot home builder and Kerry and René Earnhardt, outdoor enthusiasts and NASCAR insiders, in a unique collaboration to offer homes that focus on outdoor living, family togetherness, and traditional values. Kerry and Rene Earnhardt were heavily involved in the design process, helping to develop 22 customizable floor plans that act as a starting point for homeowners to create to their dream home, making the design process easy and stress free. For more information, visit www.earnhardtcollection.com.
Photo Captions:
The Earnhardt Collection by Schumacher Homes features floor plans that help bring the outdoors in, center family life, and are inspired by the lives and experiences of Kerry and René. The Giant Sequoia design, shown here, was named for Kerry’s dad.
The Pocono design in The Earnhardt Collection by Schumacher Homes was named for the race track where Kerry won his first race. It features three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and stunning windows for a family to come together and take full advantage of their property.
The Blue Ridge design in The Earnhardt Collection by Schumacher Homes is a nod to the Blue Ridge Mountains where René grew up in Virginia. With a large central room that connects the kitchen and dining area and its multi-elevation exterior this one-story home has a big presence.
Kerry and René Earnhardt joined Schumacher Homes CEO Paul Schumacher to unveil The Earnhardt Collection by Schumacher Homes. The collection features floor plans that reflect their family’s traditions and love of outdoor living.
Other Resources:
Earnhardt Collection by Schumacher Homes website: www.earnhardtcollection.com
Schumacher Homes website: www.schumacherhomes.com
Schumacher Homes Twitter: www.twitter.com/schumacherhome
Schumacher Homes Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchumacherHome
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Inside The Earnhardt Collection™ by Schumacher Homes
Inside The Earnhardt Collection™ by Schumacher Homes
When Kerry and René Earnhardt teamed up with Schumacher Homes, they set out to create a collection of homes that represented their love of outdoor living, reflected their family’s lifestyle and incorporated their favorite memories. Above all, the Earnhardts and Schumacher Homes wanted to create a collection of designs that would act as a personal retreat. Some collection favorites are below:
Pocono
Named for the Pennsylvania raceway where Kerry won his first race, Pocono was designed to maximize large open family areas, while still providing spacious, comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms. Whether relaxing in the majestic great room in the center of the home, or gathering in the cozy open kitchen next to it, homeowners will love all the windows, the natural sunlight and the flow of the floor plan.
“Pocono is a special place for René and me. To begin with, it’s in the middle of some beautiful country. I remember the night before the race in 2000, we went out to this great little restaurant and when we came out, there were all these deer just standing there. We held out some biscuits and they came and ate them right out of our hands. It was an awesome night and the next day I went out and won my first race at the Pocono Raceway. I was racing for Dad in the Arca Series and I remember a sea of colors in my pit area from all the different crew members’ uniforms from all of Dad’s cup teams carrying tires, slinging wrenches and doing everything they could to make sure we finished first. And we did!” – Kerry Earnhardt
Blue Ridge
Kerry and René’s sincere love for life in the outdoors is clearly reflected in the Blue Ridge plan. The single story home, starting at 1,964 square feet, is anchored by a huge central great room that flows to both the kitchen and the dining area. Open and spacious with lots of windows, the great room is sure to become a family’s favorite gathering place. But when it’s time to retire, the spectacular owner’s retreat will provide a comfortable space to relax and rejuvenate. Architectural detailing enhances the home to make it truly special.
“Growing up in Virginia, it didn’t take much to fall in love with the Blue Ridge Mountains. I remember driving up and down the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall and looking out at all the trees stretching as far as I could see in every direction. I walked the forest every chance I got and loved discovering a ray of sunlight that gleamed down to the forest floor like a spotlight to a secret passage. To this day, I think my love for nature and the outdoors comes from having the Blue Ridge as a backdrop for my childhood. Even now, when we drive through Virginia, there’s just nothing like it.” - René Earnhardt
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Giant Sequoia
It’s no surprise that Kerry and René named their favorite plan in the Earnhardt Collection for Kerry’s Dad. This stunning two-story home is the epitome of the Earnhardt collection – huge open spaces where family and friends can gather, beautiful windows to let natural light into every room, a handy mudroom and a spectacular kitchen. And that’s just the first floor! The upstairs features three bedrooms including a spacious master retreat complete with a cozy fireplace that may become the favorite spot in the house. It’s certainly one of the signature homes in the collection starting from 2,464 square feet. But as with every Schumacher home, everything is customizable.
“Whether he was on the track, or out fishing for bass, Dad was larger than life. I’m not sure we realized just how much until after he was gone, but he was a giant. For sure to everyone who loves NASCAR, but even more to our family. Things like honor and tradition and family meant something to Dad. I think that’s why every deal he ever made was sealed with a handshake and his word. That’s all he needed. When we started designing the homes for this collection, we named this one Giant Sequoia after Dad because for us, he was that strong, steady, towering influence. We could have put this name on the biggest house in the collection, but we chose this plan because of the intimate family feel it has. It’s plenty big, but it’s warm too. Sequoias last, and it’s our hope this home will be a lasting presence for you and your family.” – Kerry Earnhardt
Bear Paw
Bear Paw starts at 2,711 square feet, and includes three bedrooms and two and a half baths. Built with large windows across both the front and back of the house, Bear Paw is perfect for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the outside from indoors. Named for one of Kerry and René’s favorite spots in the North Carolina mountains, this floor plan features a wonderful flow that’s great for entertaining. The large kitchen opens into both the morning room and the great room providing lots of places for the family to gather. The spacious owner’s retreat features a huge walk-in closet, beautiful master bath and a cozy sitting area for those who love to work, or just relax in their bedroom. And when it’s time to head outside, the oversized garage has plenty of room for all your toys.
“Like everybody, we keep a crazy schedule. Between the kids and school and racing and everything else we do, it’s pretty easy to get all wound up and kinda miss each other. You know how sometimes you look your spouse in the eye and realize it’s been days or weeks since you really connected? When that happens to us, we try to slow down and find even a weekend where we can all just be together. Bear Paw is a beautiful spot up in the mountains near Murphy, North Carolina that we love to visit for trips like that. In the cool mornings, the fog that gave the Smokey Mountains their name rolls off the lake and when we go skiing, the water is like glass. It’s just so beautiful, you can’t help but relax.” – René Earnhardt
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The Earnhardt Collection Garage
Anyone who spends a lot of time in the outdoors knows that it requires a lot of outdoor stuff. Vehicles, gear, equipment and apparel take up a lot of room. And let’s face it, when you’re storing four-wheelers and boats and hunting equipment and tools, a big closet’s just not going to get it done.
That’s why the option to build an oversized garage is a part of every home in The Earnhardt Collection™ by Schumacher Homes. Whether it’s a little extra storage space on the side, room for a workshop with an optional sink and a loft for storage, or the granddaddy extra-deep garage with space for three cars, a boat, your 4x4s, a workshop and a full bath, The Earnhardt Collection has a perfect solution.
Like all Schumacher Homes, these plans merely act as a starting point. Plans can be completely customized to create a customer’s dream home. For more information about these plans, or to see the other plans in The Earnhardt Collection by Schumacher Homes, visit www.earnhardtcollection.com.
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NASCAR CELEBRITIES, COUNTRY MUSICIANS JOIN AMERICA’S LARGEST CUSTOM HOME BUILDER TO CELEBRATE EARNHARDT COLLECTION™ GRAND OPENING IN ASHEVILLE, NC
NASCAR CELEBRITIES, COUNTRY MUSICIANS JOIN AMERICA’S LARGEST CUSTOM HOME BUILDER TO CELEBRATE EARNHARDT COLLECTION™
GRAND OPENING IN ASHEVILLE, NC
Exclusive tour highlights wood timber ceilings, stone architectural accents, spa inspired master bath and expansive wall of windows overlooking inviting outdoor kitchen and entertainment area
ASHEVILLE, Nc. (August 1, 2012) – HOME... Webster’s describes it as a place to feel relaxed and comfortable, at ease, in harmony with your surroundings or on familiar ground, and that’s exactly what Kerry & René Earnhardt had in mind when they sat down with the folks at Schumacher Homes to discuss their latest venture.
The serendipitous meeting made way for an immediate connection as the Earnhardts openly discussed their deep emotional connection to the great outdoors, inspired by their strong family heritage. “The Earnhardts epitomize the Great American Family, and the fact that they have been able to incorporate so many aspects of their own interests, passions, insights and personal beliefs into this project is what has made this collaboration so compelling and unique,” said Mary Becker, VP of Sales & Marketing at Schumacher Homes.
The Earnhardt Collection™ integrates the natural elements of outdoor living with 22 customizable floor plans, allowing buyers to create the ultimate dream home with the entire family in mind. The collection focuses on open, casual environments, conducive to family gatherings and aptly named by the Earnhardt family after people and places they love. Most notably, Giant Sequoia was dedicated to Kerry’s father, “You never know how big a tree is until it falls and when we lost Dad, we realized how much of a giant he truly was, that’s why this particular design is so special to me.”
The Grand Opening of the Blue Ridge model, the very first Earnhardt Collection™ home, will take place in Asheville, NC, August 25th with an exclusive tour, hourly prize drawings and photo opportunities with Kerry and René! Private media tours are available on Friday by appointment only, RSVP early to ensure time with the Earnhardts!
The Blue Ridge model is open on Saturday to the general public from 10am-5pm and is located at 98 Dogwood Road, Asheville NC 28806.