Music & Memories Highlight All-Star Tribute To Racing Legend Dale Earnhardt June 28th at Daytona
Sheryl Crow, Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney Headline Inaugural Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert Benefiting the Dale Earnhardt Foundation Tickets on Sale 3/3/03 DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 6 -- Taking the stage at NASCAR's annual media day at Daytona International Speedway, Teresa Earnhardt today announced the first four confirmed musical artists who will perform at the inaugural Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert June 28, 2003. The all-star fundraising concert is the first non-racing event to be held at the legendary motor speedway, and will cap a daylong festival honoring the seven-time Winston Cup Champion. The concert, sponsored by Kraft and its Nabisco Biscuit Division, will be the first marquee event of the Dale Earnhardt Legacy Program, which was unveiled in December. It will feature as many as seven headliners including Grammy Award-winning artists Sheryl Crow, Alabama and Brooks & Dunn and double platinum artist Kenny Chesney. "Dale was a fan of many types of music and over the years we've been fortunate to meet some wonderful and talented artists who have become good friends," said Teresa Earnhardt. "Many of those immediately agreed to get involved with this project. Music was a big part of Dale's life, so it's only fitting that we kick off the Dale Earnhardt Foundation in such an uplifting and entertaining way." This all-day festival of music and memories -- the first to benefit the Dale Earnhardt Foundation -- begins at noon when fans will be treated to interactive exhibits from concert sponsors and special guest appearances. The music starts at 3 p.m. and will continue well into the night. Teresa Earnhardt established the Foundation as a means to carry on Dale's name and good works through the charitable causes he championed during his lifetime. The Foundation is a cornerstone of the Dale Earnhardt Legacy Program. The Tribute Concert is the first non-racing event to be held at the historic Daytona International Speedway. "Dale Earnhardt was a tribute to the sport of NASCAR and his legacy is undeniable," said Lesa Kennedy, Executive Vice President, International Speedway Corporation. "His success at Daytona International Speedway is unmatched by any driver and this concert will be a fitting celebration of his accomplishments." Tickets for the concert will go on sale March 22nd through all Ticketmaster outlets. However, all Dale Earnhardt fans should mark the date 3/3/03. On March 3rd, all http://www.DaleEarnhardtInc.com premium content members, otherwise known as DEInsiders, will get the exclusive opportunity to purchase advance tickets to the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert. All concert ticket holders will receive a free ticket to the Kraft/Nabisco Qualifying night on July 2nd at Daytona. Long time corporate supporter Kraft and its Nabisco brands are sponsoring the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert as part of the company's 100th anniversary celebration in 2003. In addition, the company announced that it is donating $500,000 to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, marking the Foundation's first large contribution. "We consider it a privilege to lend our support to both the Tribute concert and the Foundation," said Tom Corley, Vice President, South Area Sales for Kraft. "We hope our involvement in the Tribute concert will raise additional awareness for this important cause, along with being a fun event for everyone." In other news, Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. announced that Dale Jr. will race a new, custom-painted No. 8 Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert Chevrolet car in the 300-mile NASCAR Busch Series event at Talladega Superspeedway on April 5, 2003. The special Tribute car was unveiled at the news conference. "This concert at Daytona is going to rock," said Dale Jr. "When you see this level of performers jumping on board to play just shows how much my Dad meant to them. This is a show he would have loved." ABOUT THE DALE EARNHARDT FOUNDATION The cornerstone of the Dale Earnhardt Legacy Program, the non-profit 501 C-3 Dale Earnhardt Foundation, will carry on Dale's name and good works through charitable causes he supported during his lifetime. These include those in the children's and educational areas, as well as wildlife preservation. Teresa Earnhardt is working with high-level fundraising consultants to determine how to best utilize monies raised across these areas. The Foundation will be funded through individual and corporate donors, as well as fundraising events like the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert. ABOUT DALE EARNHARDT, INC. Dale Earnhardt, Inc., headquartered in Mooresville, NC, employs over 200 people and owns three NASCAR Winston Cup racing teams featuring drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., Michael Waltrip and Steve Park. More information about The Dale Earnhardt Legacy Program can be found at http://www.daleearnhardtinc.com or by calling 877.334.DALE. ABOUT KRAFT FOODS Kraft Foods markets many of the world's favorite foods in more than 150 countries, including Kraft cheese, Jacobs and Maxwell House coffees, Nabisco cookies and crackers, Philadelphia cream cheese, Oscar Mayer meats, Post cereals and Milka chocolates.