The story of the Deer Head Shop and its connection to NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr. is a fascinating one, filled with emotion and controversy. The shop, a sacred space for Earnhardt and his crew, has remained untouched since his tragic passing, but its legacy lives on through the memories of those who worked there.
For NASCAR enthusiasts, the Deer Head Shop is more than just a race shop; it's a symbol of Earnhardt's passion and the heart of his racing empire. Located on his property in Mooresville, North Carolina, this shop was where the Intimidator and his team crafted late-model cars for himself, Dale Jr., and others. It witnessed countless moments, from Earnhardt's iconic Sikkens Busch car to the playful pranks pulled on Dale Jr. on his milestone birthday.
But here's where it gets controversial... After Earnhardt's death in 2001, his widow, Teresa Earnhardt, kept the shop off-limits. However, a recent private tour of the Dale Earnhardt Inc. campus has sparked curiosity and debate. Two lucky Reddit users shared their experience, offering a rare glimpse into the DEI complex and Dale Jr.'s No. 8 Chevy.
And this is the part most people miss... The Deer Head Shop wasn't just about cars; it was a place filled with personal items and mementos. The loft upstairs was a treasure trove of car parts, fluids, and Earnhardt's uniforms dating back to the 1970s. It even had a cedar closet filled with his trophies and items belonging to his children. The shop's name, a nod to the dozens of mounted deer heads lining the outer wall of the loft, is a testament to Earnhardt's love for collecting trophies, both on and off the track.
The legal and personal rift between Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Jr. after his move from Dale Earnhardt Inc. in 2008 is well-documented. Junior's request for a 51% ownership stake in the company was denied, leading to the company's closure after the 2009 NASCAR season. This rift reportedly restricted access to DEI property, but the recent private tour suggests a potential thaw in relations.
Kevin Pennell, also known as Two Beer, was one of Earnhardt's crew members. In a heartfelt conversation with Dale Jr. on the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Pennell shared his emotional last visit to the Deer Head Shop. He recalled feeling lost and unsure of his future after Earnhardt's death. Pennell and Tony Jr. walked across the street to the shop, sat at the picnic table, and said their goodbyes.
Pennell's story takes us back to the early days of his career, when he started working with Dale Jr. while still in high school. What began as a part-time job quickly turned into a full-time gig after graduation. He spent his days at the Deer Head Shop, learning the ropes from respected names like Tony Eury Sr. and Tony Eury Jr. It was here that he first met Dale Earnhardt in person, an encounter he'll never forget.
As Pennell reflected on that terrifying yet memorable moment, he shared, "It was the sound of cowboy boots walking over the top of me, lying underneath the car. Earnhardt grabbed me by my ankles and pulled me out. I had never seen him in person, and my first interaction with him was looking straight up at him, wondering, 'Who the hell are you?' I stuttered, 'K-K-K-K-Kevin,' and he responded, 'Well, I'm glad to meet you,' stuttering my name too. That's how our friendship began."
Their bond grew over the years, and it was Earnhardt who gave Pennell his nickname, 'Two Beer,' after a late-model race. Kevin, too young to join the crew for drinks, had a few beers alone in the truck, earning him the memorable moniker. Today, Pennell looks back on these cherished memories with pride, knowing he worked with one of the greatest NASCAR drivers in history.
The Deer Head Shop may be off-limits, but its impact on those who worked there is undeniable. As we reflect on its legacy, we're left with a question: Can reconciliation truly heal years of hurt? Share your thoughts in the comments; we'd love to hear your perspective on this emotional journey.
