Last week I posted a story about Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s racecar going to auction. Mr. Earnhardt was a former NASCAR racing champion. Week in and week out, he would be one of the top contenders either for the individual race win or the overall season win. He was a mainstay on the NASCAR circuit. But he had a tragic death at the end of a race in 2001. He is still, however, considered a legend. So, it was hoped selling his racecar would benefit COVID-19 recovery efforts. It appears that it certainly did and in a big way!

Where did the car come from?

The vehicle belonged to another NASCAR legend, Richard Childress. Earnhardt had won 67 races for Richard Childress Racing in his career. Also, six of the seven championships Earnhardt won, he did it under the Childress banner. So, Mr. Childress knew Dale well. He also acquired a lot of Earnhardt’s cars and memorabilia over the years. 

Prior to the auction, Richard Childress commented,

“I’ve never parted with an Earnhardt Chevrolet from my collection, but with a global pandemic taking place and people in our communities suffering, it’s time to do what I can to help. All proceeds will benefit much-needed causes to fight the devastating effects of COVID-19 on a local and national level.”

What was offered

The auction was held through the Barrett-Jackson organization, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Originally, one of the cars Mr. Earnhardt raced was offered on its own to benefit the Feeding America and Samaritan’s Purse charities for their efforts as COVID-19 responders. However, before the auction had ended, additional things were added with the car. The Buyer’s Fee was waived by the Barrett-Jackson auction house so that 100% of the winning bid could benefit the charities. Also, Reliable Carriers stepped forward and offered free shipping of the racecar to any location within the continental United States.

Richard Childress sweetened the pot

Mr. Childress further sweetened the pot as well. According to the auction site’s web page,

“**ADDED BONUS: The winning bidder will receive VIP treatment from Richard Childress himself upon visiting the Richard Childress Racing campus in Welcome, NC, to pick up the car. The package includes an exclusive, VIP tour of Richard Childress Racing in Welcome, NC; lunch with Richard Childress at Childress Vineyards, an award-winning winery in Lexington, NC; a personalized case of Childress Vineyards wine and photo opportunities with Richard Childress.**”

How much did the car sell for?

Due to COVID-19 distancing concerns, the auction was done online with a live play-by-play. So, no yelling crowds were there for the auction. But, last-second bidding still made it exciting. The auction finally closed with the winning bid at an amazing $425,000. The video of the auction for the car is below.

After the auction, Childress said that the experience made him feel good to be able to touch people’s lives in these unprecedented times. The identity of the winner has been withheld at this time. But, we do know that the winner was able to purchase a piece of racing history and help the COVID-19 responders at the same time. So, it was a win/win situation.