Dale Earnhardt, Inc. earns 100th victory

Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Celebrates 100th NASCAR Victory

MOORESVILLE, NC -- For the 100th time since Dale Earnhardt, Inc. was formed 25 years ago, there is a checkered flag flying outside their corporate headquarters.

When the No. 8 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet of Martin Truex, Jr. pulled into Victory Lane at Indianapolis Raceway Park on Saturday night, it was his sixth of the season. But, for DEI it marked a milestone in their history.

The team Dale and Teresa Earnhardt co-founded made its first visit to a Victory Lane in March 1985 with Dale winning a Busch Series race at Rockingham Speedway. There are only six drivers who can claim they contributed to the team's 100 wins earned at 33 different NASCAR venues.

Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Ron Hornaday, Martin Truex, Jr, Steve Park and Michael Waltrip.

Earnhardt had 17 of his 21 Busch Series wins driving his own car, Earnhardt, Jr. has 35 wins between Busch and Cup; Hornaday won 27 times in Busch and Truck races. Park contributed five between Busch and Cup, Truex has 12 Busch wins to his credit and Waltrip has four in the Cup Series.

"This is a great accomplishment for our company," Earnhardt, Jr. said. "I've watched just about every one of these victories and proud of the fact I was able to contribute to DEI in achieving such an elite level of success."

Hornaday delivered two Craftsman Truck Series championships during his tenure with the team. He ranks second on the DEI All-Time Win list with 25 truck wins and two in Busch.

"For one, I really appreciate what Dale and Teresa have done for me," Hornaday said. "To be a part of them getting 100 wins says a lot about the company they created and built. I was very privileged to drive such fast race cars for such a great organization. Congratulations to everyone on the 100th win."

Martin Truex, Jr. followed in the path set by those before him by winning races. And, just like Hornaday, he delivered a championship to the team winning the 2004 NASCAR Busch Series crown.

"To be a part of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. as a driver is one thing," Truex Jr. said. "But, to be part of their 100 wins in NASCAR is something else. I'm fortunate to have a winning, championship team capable of contributing to this milestone."

Park made two career milestones of his own earning his first Busch and Nextel Cup Series victories during his tenure with DEI. His five wins are broken down into two in Cup and three in the Busch Series.

"100 victories - that's a lot," Park said. "It went by quick, didn't it? I think it's great to hit that mark. For me, it was a dream come true growing up as a kid wanting to race cars for someone like Dale Earnhardt.

"To race for him was one thing; to win for him was a lifelong accomplishment. Being a part of that history is amazing to look back on - I'm glad I was part of it all."

Michael Waltrip came to DEI for the 2001 season and didn't disappoint winning his first time out in the Daytona 500. All four victories for the team were earned in the No. 15 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet.

"Getting my first win in my first race with DEI at Daytona in 2001 was a great accomplishment," Waltrip said. "Just being able to drive for Dale and Teresa, race with Dale Jr. and work with Tony Eury, Jr. has been a memorable experience.

"DEI has grown more and more in the four years I've been with them. I'm just glad I was able to contribute to the 100 wins."

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