Statements from the NASCAR community
Danny Earnhardt was the youngest son of Ralph Earnhardt and Martha Earnhardt. He was the brother of the late Dale Earnhardt Sr.
On Friday morning, Danny Earnhardt passed away. He was 66.
In recent years, Earnhardt worked in the suspension shop of JR Motorsports. He was a longtime employee of the race team, joining during the team’s 2005 inception.
Danny was raised in Kannapolis, NC along with older sisters Kaye and Cathy and older brothers Dale Sr. and Randy.
In his early career in racing, Danny Earnhardt worked as a pipe insulator in the Cannon Mills then went to the race track on the weekends. He worked on his father’s dirt track car, bringing it to the track, week after week.
Ralph Earnhardt died in 1973. Soon after, Danny Earnhardt found a home working on cars driven by his brother, Dale Earnhardt. He worked as a pit crew member along the way.
Danny Earnhardt was vocal in support of Dale Earnhardt Jr’s driving abilities. After Earnhardt Sr’s death, he transitioned to a pit crew member for Dale Jr.
He is survived by Sherry, his wife of 47 years, son Danny Earnhardt Jr. (Sarah) and two grandchildren, Nash and Miles along with mother Martha Earnhardt.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
NASCAR community
Danny Earnhardt Jr: “Today has been the hardest day of my life. My dad was my hero, a person who’s work ethic could never be matched. I inspired everyday to be looked at and loved like he was by the people that surrounded him. No one would go further out of there way than my dad to help you! No words can express my gratitude to all the messages and text me and my mother have received. Even if we didn’t responded, you were heard with love. Please stay strong for all the family as we pass through the next few weeks. Dad loved you all… more than you even realize.”
Jr Motorsports: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Earnhardt family with today’s passing of our friend and coworker Danny Earnhardt Sr.”
NASCAR: “The Earnhardt family holds a special place in NASCAR history and Danny Earnhardt was an important part of their success. Danny worked hard behind the scenes, helping three generations of Earnhardts succeed. On behalf of the entire NASCAR industry, our thoughts are with the Earnhardt family during this difficult time.”
Danny Earnhardt
Dale Jr Download
In September, Danny Earnhardt sat down as a guest on the Dale Jr Download podcast:
