The emotional journey of Kevin Pennell, a NASCAR legend's crew member, takes us back to the Deer Head Shop, a place frozen in time since Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s tragic passing.
A Sacred Space for a Racing Icon
The Deer Head Shop, nestled on Earnhardt's property in Mooresville, North Carolina, was more than just a race shop. It was a sanctuary where Earnhardt and his crew crafted late-model cars, not just for himself but also for his sons, Dale Jr. and Kerry. This shop witnessed countless memories, from Earnhardt's iconic Sikkens Busch car to the hilarious prank pulled on Dale Jr. on his birthday.
But here's where it gets controversial... After Earnhardt's untimely death in 2001, the shop remained untouched, off-limits to all, including his own son, Dale Jr.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
In a heartwarming podcast episode with Dale Jr., Kevin Pennell, known as 'Two Beer,' shared his last visit to the Deer Head Shop. He recalled feeling lost and unsure, a sentiment shared by his colleague Tony Jr. They walked across the street, sat at the shop's picnic table, and bid farewell to a place that held so many memories.
Pennell's journey with Earnhardt began in high school, quickly evolving from a part-time gig to a full-time career. He spent his days at the Deer Head Shop, learning the trade from respected crew members like Tony Eury Sr. and Jr., all before even meeting Earnhardt in person.
The shop itself was a treasure trove, featuring three garage bays, Earnhardt's office, and a loft stacked with car parts, fluids, and uniforms dating back to the 70s. The loft's outer wall was lined with an impressive collection of mounted deer heads, a testament to Earnhardt's love for collecting trophies.
However, things took a turn when Teresa Earnhardt claimed ownership of everything following her husband's death. Tensions escalated when Dale Jr. moved out of Dale Earnhardt Inc. in 2008, after his request for a majority stake in the company was denied by his stepmother. The company eventually closed down after the 2009 NASCAR season.
This legal and personal rift reportedly led to restricted access to DEI properties, but last month, the Dale Earnhardt Inc. campus opened its doors for a private tour, offering a rare glimpse to two lucky Reddit users.
A Heartwarming Reunion
The photos shared by these users gave a sneak peek at Dale Jr.'s No. 8 Chevy, a sight that thrilled the veteran racer. While reconciliation may be on the horizon, it's a process that takes time to heal years of hurt.
Pennell, however, remains attached to these memories and shared a memorable encounter with Earnhardt. He recalled working under a car when Tony Eury Jr. had to leave suddenly. Earnhardt, in his signature cowboy boots, strolled in, grabbed Pennell by the ankles, and pulled him out from under the car. It was a terrifying yet endearing moment, as Earnhardt, off the track, proved to be just as intimidating as his on-track persona.
Their bond grew over the years, and it was Earnhardt who gave Pennell his nickname, 'Two Beer,' after a late-model race. Kevin, being too young to join the crew for drinks, had a few beers alone in the truck, earning him this unique moniker.
Today, Pennell looks back on these cherished memories with pride, knowing he worked with one of the greatest NASCAR drivers in history.
