Stepmother Signs Over Rights Of Name To Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Earnhardt Jr. Gains Sole Ownership Of Trademark Rights To His Name

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said that he and Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) have agreed to terms “that awarded him sole ownership of the trademark rights to his lucrative name,” according to Marty Smith of NASCAR.com. Earnhardt Jr. is “fine with” his stepmother, Teresa, owning the trademark to the name of his father, Dale Earnhardt, “but he wanted something for himself.” Teresa complied with “no strings attached.” Earnhardt added that the “current agreements between he and DEI won’t change” (NASCAR.com, 6/17). Previously, Earnhardt Jr. “had to be granted permission” from Teresa Earnhardt “in order to use his own name in licensing and endorsement deals” (ESPN.com, 6/18).

BUD POLE: Budweiser broke a 60-second spot yesterday during Fox’ coverage of the Nextel Cup 3M Performance 400 honoring the Earnhardt family’s three generations of NASCAR success. The Father’s Day-themed spot featured images from the family’s 50 years in auto racing, as well as Budweiser’s longtime support of the sport (Anheuser-Busch).