No Fan Could Ask For More

Hi,
I have been a fan of DJ's for quite a few years now as have my family. We are involved in racing as well.

We have been attending the August race in M.I.S. for several years now just for the opportunity of watching this talented, gentleman driver. He was my soul reason for going there.

As a result I was able to meet him at a fan club function and see him win. No fan can ask for more.

We are Canadians so it's not as easy for us to follow our favorite Nascar drivers bit it was definitely worth the trip.

There will never be another Dale Jarrett and our interest in Nascar has gone down hill considerably since his retirement.

We do have our memories though and now as much as we miss him we wish him and his family many happy years of retirement.

We will just have to be grateful for any time we can watch him on TV. He is one of the best and unfortunately a Champion who was never really given the respect and notoriety he deserved by the media. But his fans love him and will never forget him...Good luck DJ!

Marnie Ruigrok
Hepworth, Ontario, Canada

Dale Jarrett is a great man.

Yes this is Crystal Brown. My son get to meet Dale Jarrett before he passed away in Aug 2005. Kyle's best friend set this up for him for a x-mas gift. That was in Dec and Kyle passed away in that Aug. Dale Jarrett is a great man. He made Kyle so happy and a day that he would not forever.

Crystal Brown
(KYLE BROWN)
Denver NC

He's just a great guy

The following are quotes from Tony Stewart regarding Dale Jarrett...

What is you favorite memory about Dale Jarrett's career?
"He's just a great guy -- probably seeing him win the Daytona 500 and having his dad doing the commentary live as he's coming down to win the Daytona 500 was pretty cool. I'm excited for him as a person, I'm sad as a driver to see him go -- we're going to miss having him down in the garage area every week. You have to be excited for somebody like him that's done this as long as he has and he's leaving on his own terms. He's got other things that he wants to do with his life and I think we all ought to be happy for him."

Can you talk about what Dale Jarrett has meant to the sport?
"He's been a great voice. He's kind of been a mentor in the way that (Dale) Earnhardt Sr. was -- when Dale Jarrett spoke about something -- everybody listened and took to heart what he said. He's always had that smile on his face and he's got that famous DJ smile. He was a great champion, he was a great winner and he was a great ambassador for this sport. He was one of the first guys when I won my first race at Richmond to congratulate me. He made you feel welcomed and you appreciated his friendship."

How was Dale Jarrett to race against?
"He was very fair -- he was one of those guys that would race you hard when it was time to race hard and when it was early in the race and it didn't mean much, then he knew to be patient. He raced you the way you raced him. If you learned to be patient and race him with respect he would do the same."

How is Dale Jarrett off the track?
"He's great and a lot of fun. He's got a great personality and is a big sports fan. Rather it's college basketball, pro football and obviously he's a great golfer. He's just a great athlete off the track also."

Contributed by
Mike Arning
True Speed Communication
http://www.truespeedcommunication.com/

Champion among Athletes

As we have watched Dale’s racing career from the sidelines, we’ve been incredibly proud to call him our Honorary Chairman for the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn. Dale has provided unparalleled support for this tournament since its inception – from making special appearances to hosting the annual Dale Jarrett Shootout for charity. His involvement has added another level of professionalism and fun not only for our spectators, but also for the Champions Tour pros who compete here each year. Dale is a champion among athletes and is always at the top of his game, whether in a race car, in a TV booth, or on the fairway at Rock Barn Golf & Spa.

We know Dale secretly wants to race the truck – but we’re also convinced he would be an excellent addition to the world of professional golf. How about it, Dale? Retirement on the Champions Tour?

Contributed by
The Staff of the Greater Hickory Classic at Rock Barn Presented by Kia Motors

Photo by Glenn Fox

THOUGHTS ABOUT DALE JARRETT AND A FAVORITE MEMORY

Below are some quotes from Jeff Gordon when asked about Dale's final "points" race at Bristol earlier this year.

"He has had a heck of a career and I have had a blast racing with him," said Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet Impala SS.

"I feel fortunate to have raced him for some great wins, great battles for wins as well as for championships."

He is just one of the highest quality individuals and race car drivers that I have ever raced against. It is really odd to me when guys you have been racing with say they are retiring and are not going to be out there on the track with you any more. It definitely makes you think about where you are at in your career and those that you had racing with them.

"We have had our run-ins too. I remember one day looking up to him and we weren't real happy with one another. Dale has been a guy that I have always respected and admired for a very long time.

Hate to see him go but you know what, he has had a heck of a career so he should be very proud of that.

"Here you have a guy that comes from a racing family. With Ned Jarrett and his legacy in this sport, I think it has been able to be carried down to Dale.

To go out there and be a championship-winning driver is great. I have always respected him as a competitor, but the person that he is off the track and away from the race car to me is as good of a person as you are ever going to meet. I like the way he handles himself.

"To me, he is just one of the great guys that you will ever meet. His legacy is going to be very broad because of performance -- he has performed at a high level, he has won a championship, the Daytona 500 -- and he is just one of the greatest people you will ever meet."

Contributed by
Jon Edwards
Performance PR Plus

The human side of Dale Jarrett

Dale Jarrett is a well-known icon of the racing world for sure, but we know another side of him.

Dale and wife Kelley generously help many charitable causes. Through their foundation they have enabled the success of Project Potential, a program helping rising freshmen with differing problems make better choices, matriculate through Hickory High and graduate with college scholarships. In five years, they have helped 74 youngsters secure a bright future.

This photo of Dale with five of our Project Potential seniors says it all. Dale spoke at our annual banquet at Lenoir Rhyne College in 2005.

A Very Classy Guy

Kurt Busch on Dale Jarrett:

“It’s incredible to grow up watching the races and to be rooting for those drivers. When I was growing up there was Ken Schrader, Rusty Wallace, Bill Elliot and Dale Jarrett – a guy that won the 1999 championship. A guy that I met for the first time when I won the 1999 Southwest Tour championship – they brought all the champions to Homestead and I got to shake his hand. That was one of the coolest moments – I got to meet a NASCAR champion. That was the first champion I ever met.

“My first start at Dover, he started right behind me. I just pulled out of the way as quickly as I could because those guys wanted to go a lot quicker than I did at the start of the race. To see him win the Daytona 500 a bunch of times – to win at Michigan with the Wood Brothers for his first win - there are so many Dale Jarrett classic moments – he’s a very classy guy. Somebody each and every young driver should look up to him for what he has done for the sport and behind the scenes. A pure champion that has that legacy from his father Ned –it’s a racing family - it’s tough seeing him retire lile he has. It will always be that Dale Jarrett was a champion that I looked up to and try to mock some of his actions.”

Dale Jarrett is not only a gentleman, NASCAR champion and legend, but a great person

Elliott Sadler’s comments from when he was asked about that before the Bristol race.

“Dale Jarrett is not only a gentleman, NASCAR champion and legend, but a great person in so many ways. He helped me when nobody else would give me the time of day when I first got into the Cup level. He took the time to not only talk to me, but actually took me around a track one time just to show me what I needed to look for when I got in the race car. I was just some guy who was coming out of the Late Model stage into the NASCAR level and it amazed me that he took that time when he was already a champion.

“As time went on, he became a teammate to me and continued his role as a mentor in racing and life. He showed me how to deal with sponsors, people, media and everyone else you come in contact with in this sport. NASCAR, and myself, are really going to miss Dale Jarrett being around on a weekly basis in the garage area. But, the good news is fans are going to benefit from his knowledge as he becomes an analyst with ESPN. I’m going to enjoy watching race tapes just to hear what he says about what we’re doing on the track.”


Contributed by Tim Packman
Team 19 Communications
Gillett Evernham Motorsports

Thank you, Dale

My father introduced me to NASCAR when I was young. Now I am 11 years old. I have enjoyed watching races for many years.

As I got older I learned the names and numbers of all of the NASCAR drivers, including Dale Jarrett #44.

As an active member of the community, Dale participated in the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Torch Relay. My mom and I watched Dale carry the Olympic torch in February 2002 while he ran along Hwy. 70 in Hickory.

Dale posed for a picture with me at a social gathering prior to running. Thank you, Dale!

Barbara McAnulty
Hickory, NC

A Great Race and Person

I first met Dale when he was racing late model cars in Hickory. I have followed his racing the # 21 Woods car. The Joe Gibbs # 18 and then # 88 of Robert Yates. Racing the # 44 for Micheal. Dale, I was in Atlanta when you won the championship. You were a great racer, and person. Continue to be the person you are for family and friends.

Irene Curtis
Lenoir, NC

What A Career

DALE,

WHAT A CAREER U HAD--OUR FAMILY WILL MISS THE RACING PART OF YOUR CAREER-BUT DO SO ENJOY WHEN U ANNOUNCE.

I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN HICKORY-STARTED GOING TO HKY SPEEDWAY AT AGE 10 (NOW 66)-NEVER QUIT GOING SINCE-EXCEPT NOW I WATCH RACING ON TV.IN ROCKINGHAM.

YOU ARE ONE OF THE GREATS. YOU RACE LIKE THE GREATS (IE DALE SR.-HARRY GANT-BOBBY ISSAC-ALLISONS-UP KNOW THEM) YOUR SOFISCATION ,INTELLIGENCE AND TALENT IN RACING IS WHAT MAKES ME STILL A RACE FAN.

RACING STILL HAS SOME OF THEE STILL RACING-JUST WISH -''THE WHINNING''WOULD STOP !!!

THE BEST OF HEALTH,HAPPINESS AND BLESSINGS TO UP AND YOUR FAMILY.

BETTY HILDRETH

ROCKINGHAM, NC

Great Driver, A Greater Person

In 1993, Dale Jarrett drove the #18 car. He won his first Daytona race that year and I took his picture. Later on, he autographed that picture for me. My friends and I traveled to over 60 races in a bus we had fixed up. In 1996, we went to the last North Wilkesboro race and I took a picture of Dale in the pits. Again, I tracked him down later on and he signed that picture for me. He is always a gentleman and glad to talk with his fans. He is a great driver but even a greater person.

Charles Mccaslin
Newton, NC

Pit Crew Member for a Day

I know Dale doesn't remember me now, but he and I are the same age and played on the swings together at Hickory Motor Speedway when we were kids. His dad was racing and my dad was a spectator. I have been a fan of his from the beginning. The highlight of my "fanship" came when I entered a contest and won. I got to be on Dale's pit crew for one race. They were so nice. The crew let me help push the car, gave me a hat and shirt and fed me. That was the best!!! I wish him the best!

Gene Riley

Hickory, NC

A class act

I was fortunately part of the early years. I owned a body shop and did paint work on several of Dale's cars. We won the Best Appearing Car at Martinsville Speedway while Dale was still in the old Sportman Division. We worked along side with Dale and Bisquits (Rick) for days on end (without sleep). The body shop was always the last to get the car, and the most rushed to finish.
With all of Dale's success, I sometimes have to laugh that in the beginnings we all had to pool our money to afford a bag of cheeseburgers and a 6 pack of Bud from Circle S Diner.

I wonder if Joe Gibbs ever knew Dale was really a Dallas Cowboy fan?

Happy Retirement to a class act !

Topper Mitchell

Hickory, NC

Litte Red Mustang

Dale Jarrett worked with me at Hickory Printing in or around 1974. We worked on the same machine together. I liked drag racing at that time but all Dale ever talked about was NASCAR. As the years went on, I came to see his way of thinking as my wife and I love NASCAR, in fact so much so, that we bought the red 1965 Mustang that used to belong to his father, Ned. Both Dale and Ned have done so much for our area we should all be thankful to them. We'll always keep your Mustang, Ned!

Dale Jarrett Fan

Hickory, NC

A True Gentleman

I will always think of Dale Jarrett as a true gentleman. His charity work may have gone unnoticed by the racing world but his home community is well aware of his selfless contributions to needy causes. His sense of humor and his ability to identify with his fans makes him a wonderful human being and one of the greatest NASCAR racers of all time. This is a photo that illustrates this. I'm the one in hysterics.

Lana C. Hartshorn
Conover, NC

Dale Jarrett at Newton-Middle School

In the early 1990's, I was teaching at Newton-Conover Middle School (and was one of Jason's 7th grade teachers).

Each year after the Daytona 500, Dale would come speak to our eighth graders where he would try to help them understand the importance of setting goals and challenging them to work through the hurdles they would face to reach the goals they set.

His easy-going delivery that blended racing and personal anecdotes allowed him to connect with many of our kids and really make a difference in how they began to look at their futures. Even the year he won his first 500 and rocketed to celebrity status in NASCAR, he made time for the children at NCMS.

Dale, congratulations on a stellar career on and off the track. Best wishes to you, Kellie, and the girls as you embark on your new endeavors.

Jeff Sherrill
Associate Director
National Association of Student Councils
Reston, VA

(Former teacher @ N-C Middle School)

Fan Forever

Dale,

You know me from Michigan. My name is Shelley Whisman. I live in Kalamazoo (Vicksburg) Michigan.
I have been in your fan club for years. I have seen you at many fan events.

I have chosen not to pick another driver because you are and will be number 1 to me forever. I don't think there is another driver that is nicer and more considerate and caring to his fans. You are the best spokesperson there can be. We actually met your dad in Daytona a couple of years ago and told him how great of a son he raised.

I will miss you on the track this year in Michigan. You are a hero to me because of all you do on and off the track.

My mother died of breast cancer in 2002 and I thank you and Kelley for being the great spokespeople that you are and all the donations you have made to the Susan B Komen foundation. I will miss you and idolize you forever.

Shelley Whisman & DJ (The Yorkie)

DJ, This song's for you

I don't know exactly how to include this in an e-mail, but I wrote a song called "Hanging Up The Keys" about DJ. It's up on YouTube. I would send the words but it's more than 100 words. Here's the link. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tod5GA2hLVo



Thanks

Randy Prahl
Henryetta, Oklahoma

A Gentleman's Gentleman

I just wanted to say thank you to Dale for the many years of representing the sport of NASCAR in such a gentle way. You are the GENTLEMANS GENTLEMAN and I am proud of your contributions both on and off the track... Good luck in your announcing endeavors and I look forward to hearing you for many years to come. And again thanks for the memories!!!!!

David Digh
Gastonia, NC

Dale Jarrett's Generosity

Dale Jarrett generously agreed to help promote The BIG Read during its first year. I am attaching a photo and caption (read below).

Margaret Allen

Hickory, NC

Dale Jarrett has always been generous with his time and willing to support worthy projects in his hometown. In 2006, he posed for this promotional photo for The BIG Read community-wide reading initiative. He also appeared in a BIG Read public service announcement. The BIG Read is a collaboration between Lenoir-Rhyne College, Catawba Valley Community College, Catawba County Library System and Hickory Public Library.

--Photo by Margaret Allen, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, Lenoir-Rhyne College.

Happy Days from Canadian Fan

Hi,
This is for DJ he was and is a great racer. I am new to NASCAR only 5 years now but Dale is my driver and I am sad to see him go. He was always a not polite but not dirty driver and I felt he deserved the titles or wins that I seen him get.

Have happy days Dale and I look forward to the booth when I will get to see my Dale in street clothes. Again happy days Dale

sincerely,
Roxanne Ouellette Windsor
ON Canada

A fan and friend always

Dale,
Wow!!! It is hard to believe that this is it. Boy has it been a roller coaster ride or what? I just wanted to take this opportunity to say that I am proud to be a fan and friend of yours. I am also sad at the same time that Rick did not get to see this day, but we all know that he has the best seat in the house. He was always so encouraging and optimistic in everything you did. He loved working with you all those years, thru the good and the bad. I hope that you and your family can enjoy this time together (Kelley don't kill him, LOL) and that you have fun in the booth. May God bless you. I love you all. Take care.

A fan and friend always,
Annette Bowman
Hickory, NC

Fan for Life

I HAVE BEEN A BIG FAN OF DALE JARRETT'S SINCE I WAS ABOUT 4 YRS.OLD.

MY PARENT'S WHERE BIG FANS OF DALE EARNHARDT BUT NOT ME.

TO ME DALE JARRETT HAS ALWAYS BEEN SOMEONE A YOUNG PERSON COULD LOOK UP TO.HE AS ALWAYS BEEN MY HERO.

I REMEMBER WHEN I GRADUATED FROM NEWTON-CONOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL THEY KEEP IT A SECERT THAT DALE WAS GOING TO BE THERE.

THAT WAS THE BEST SURPISE ANYONE COULD HAVE GIVEN ME. EVEN THOUGH DALE WANT BE RACING ANY LONGER HE WILL STILL BE MY HERO. DALE YOUR THE BEST.

PEGGY BROOME
MAIDEN, NC

Dale Jarrett Memories

I wanted to say how nice I thought Dale Jarrett was. My daughter is a huge fan of his and he signed an autograph for me to give her.I worked in Hickory at the time and he came into the store where I worked and was so nice to do this for me.Nascar has lost a great person and a good racer. Wish him the best.

Darlene Kent
Hickory, NC

Dale Jarrett Memories

Dale Jarrett and his entire family have been a tremendous asset to our entire community.

Dale has put Hickory on the map through his long and distinguished career with NASCAR. He has contributed in so many different and beautiful ways.

His wife Kelly is known well in Hickory and environs for her charity and church work. The children are known as outstanding students and superior athletes.

Dale himself is a first class gentleman and this is apparent when once again we look at his family and what it accomplishes.

He and his Foundation do much in the community, indeed, probably the Unifour area, and most of us know little or nothing about that exemplarity work. I know how his Foundation assists in fighting pediatric cancer since Brett's Ride (in which I, of course, have a vested interest) receives a generous portion of money from that Foundation. Speaking on behalf of the Committee for Brett's Ride, we thank you Dale.

Dale is indeed a worthy candidate for a Dale Jarrett Day in Hickory, if not in all of Catawba County.

Walter L. Hitchcock Jr.

Hickory, NC

We're Looking for Stories about Dale Jarrett!

Have a fond memory you'd like to share with us?

Post your story on here. Feel free to share a picture if you'd like!

Stories under 100 words will be considered for our Printed Newspaper, the Hickory Daily Record.