PLANT AN “E TREE” FOR DALE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Mooresville, NC – If you’re looking for a truly unique gift for that special someone this holiday season, you can now give them their very own Sycamore or Tulip Poplar tree growing kit from Dale Earnhardt’s North Carolina farm, or you can plant trees in their honor in the Dale Earnhardt Forest.

In April 2004, The Dale Earnhardt Foundation and American Forests announced a partnership under which the Foundation will provide American Forests with an initial grant in support of plans to establish the Dale Earnhardt Forest . The initial phase of this national project will be the planting of 77,000 trees to restore Charlotte-Mecklenburg County area forests damaged by storm, disease and development. The new trees will provide substantial environmental benefits such as cleaner air, erosion control and wildlife habitat.

Through the purchase of “E Tree Seed Kits” or personalized “E Tree Certificates,” fans and supporters can help make this dream a reality. Each E Tree Seed Kit contains everything you need, including specially selected seeds, to grow your own Sycamore and Tulip Poplar trees. The seeds inside the “E Tree Seed Kits” were harvested from trees on Dale’s family farm by American Forests Historic Tree Nursery for these special “E Tree Seed Kits”. If you’re not the “green thumb” type, you can also plant a tree in the Dale Earnhardt Forest in honor or memory of someone. You or the recipient will receive a certificate recognizing your gift of a living legacy through tree planting as part of this unique effort.

“E Tree Seed Kits” are available for only $10 each, plus $4 shipping and can be ordered on line or by calling 1-800-320-TREE (8733). Or, you can call the Retail Store directly at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. at 1-877-DEI-ZONE and have one shipped to you. “E Tree Certificates” are $10 per tree planted and can also be personalized when ordered on-line through American Forests or by calling 1-800-320-TREE (8733). Both are sure to be a unique and memorable holiday gift for that special person in your life.

A joint announcement regarding the association between the Dale Earnhardt Foundation and the American Forests was made at the third annual Dale Earnhardt Day on April 29. There was also a ceremonial planting of the first seven trees at Dale Earnhardt Inc.’s corporate headquarters symbolizing Earnhardt’s seven NASCAR championships and honoring his longstanding commitment to the conservation of natural resources. The goal of this major initiative is to establish the Dale Earnhardt Forest with a total of 7 million trees throughout the 19 states in which Earnhardt raced during his career.

“Dale was passionate about conservation and very much interested in educating today’s youth on environmental preservation,” said Teresa Earnhardt, CEO and President of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. “This project is meant not just as a tribute to Dale’s lifelong interest in nature, but also as a way to kick-start the planning process and encourages other corporations and charitable foundation s to lend their financial support."

“American Forests is pleased to join with The Dale Earnhardt Foundation in this important program,” said Deborah Gangloff , executive director of American Forests. “As a sportsman, Dale Earnhardt appreciated the importance of clean air and water to people and wildlife. Restoring the health of local ecosystems, we believe, is a fitting tribute to his memory.”

Founded in 2002 by Teresa Earnhardt, The Dale Earnhardt Foundation was established to carry on Dale’s name and good works through charitable causes he supported during his lifetime. This non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation is dedicated to supporting local and national programs focused on areas of deep personal interest to the racing legend, including children, education and wildlife preservation. For more information please visit www.thedaleearnhardtfoundation.org.