A Heartfelt Tribute: Kevin Pennell Remembers His Impactful Visit to Dale Earnhardt’s Beloved Deer Head Shop After His Passing
Every true NASCAR enthusiast is aware of the special bond that Dale Earnhardt Sr. had with the Deer Head Shop. This was not just any garage; it was the place where the legendary driver, famed for his intimidating presence on the track, worked diligently on race cars right at his property in Mooresville, North Carolina. The shop was a crucial part of Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s original campus and served as a sacred haven where Dale, along with his team, fine-tuned cars for himself, as well as for his sons, Dale Jr. and Kerry.
What Made This Place So Unique?
From fixing up his Sikkens Busch car to the light-hearted moments, like the time Dale Jr. was playfully pranked by a "lady cop" on his important birthday, the Deer Head Shop has witnessed countless unforgettable memories. Yet, after the tragic passing of Dale Earnhardt in 2001, this cherished location has remained largely untouched, confined behind closed doors under Teresa Earnhardt's oversight. However, a poignant journey down memory lane unfolded recently when Junior and long-time friend Kevin Pennell ventured back to this nostalgic place, revisiting the last moments they spent there together.
Kevin Pennell Opens Up About His Feelings Post-Earnhardt's Death
Kevin Pennell, affectionately known as "Two Beer," was an integral member of the crew that supported Earnhardt in the garage. In a heartfelt discussion on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, he reflected on the profound sense of loss he felt after Dale’s unexpected departure. He shared, “On that Monday morning after, I felt incredibly lost, much like anyone would feel in such a situation. Tony Jr. and I exchanged glances, both of us bewildered, pondering, 'What do we do now?' We simply had no answers. We crossed the street, entered the Deer Head Shop, and took a seat at the picnic table there.”
A Journey That Started in High School
Kevin's journey began while he was still in high school when he first got involved with Dale Jr.'s work. What started as a casual part-time role quickly blossomed into a full-time position just after he completed his education. Each day was spent within the walls of the Deer Head Shop, working on late-model cars long before he ever had the chance to meet the legendary Dale Earnhardt (for more on Dale, check here). During that period, he had the privilege of learning from respected veterans of the sport, Tony Eury Sr. and Tony Eury Jr.
A Peek Inside the Deer Head Shop
The Deer Head Shop was a bustling workspace, featuring three garage bays, a dedicated office belonging to Dale Earnhardt, and an upstairs loft crammed with car parts, essential fluids, shelves, and a cedar closet filled to the brim with his iconic racing uniforms dating back to the 1970s. This area also housed items that were cherished by his children. The shop got its name due to the numerous mounted deer heads adorning the outer wall of the loft—a true testament to Earnhardt's love for hunting, which he proudly displayed as trophies.
When Tragedy Struck: Changes at Dale Earnhardt Inc.
However, everything shifted dramatically when Teresa Earnhardt took control of the shop and its contents following her husband’s untimely death. Strained relations arose, particularly between Dale Jr. and his stepmother, especially when Junior proposed acquiring a 51% share of the company—a request that Teresa denied. This dispute intensified when Dale Jr. made the decision to step away from Dale Earnhardt Inc. in 2008. By 2009, the company shut its doors for good after the NASCAR season, marking the end of an era.
A Rift That Went Beyond Business
This conflict created a significant legal and personal divide, which restricted access to any properties associated with DEI. The tension between the parties concerned was palpable. Nevertheless, in a surprising turn of events last month, the Dale Earnhardt Inc. campus was reopened for a private tour, giving two fortunate Reddit users a unique glimpse behind the scenes, along with memorable photographs showcasing racing history and a sneak peek at Dale Jr.'s No. 8 Chevy. This revelation surely caught the attention of the seasoned racer, who expressed delight to see his car prominently displayed once again. While the path to healing might require time, it’s clear that Pennell still cherishes a multitude of memories tied to this iconic place and willingly shared more recollections.
Recalling That Fateful First Encounter with Dale Earnhardt
As the conversation unfolded, Kevin reminisced about the first time he laid eyes on Dale Earnhardt. He was lying beneath a car in the shop when Tony Eury Jr. rushed out for an errand, leaving Pennell to unexpectedly meet the towering figure of Earnhardt himself, who entered, sporting his trademark cowboy boots. This encounter illustrated that the Intimidator's persona extended beyond the racetrack; he was equally formidable off the track.
Kevin recollected, "I could hear the unmistakable sound of his cowboy boots thudding on the floor above me. He then walked over me while I was lying underneath the car and pulled me out by my ankles. At that moment, I had never seen him in person before, and there I was gazing up at him, wondering who the heck I was. I stuttered, 'K-K-K-Kevin.' To which he looked down and replied, 'Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you,' mimicking my stutter as he said, 'K-K-K-K-Kevin.' That really kickstarted our relationship.”
Their friendship flourished over subsequent years, and it was Dale who affectionately dubbed Pennell 'Two Beer' after a late-model race near Myrtle Beach, where Kevin, being too young to join the crew for their post-race drinks, sat in the truck and had a few beers on his own. That moment not only gave him a memorable nickname but also instilled a sense of pride in him. How many can boast about having worked alongside one of the greatest NASCAR drivers in history?
