Kerry Earnhardt's Hometown History Tour: Growing Up Adopted & Meeting His Father Dale Earnhardt

Dale Earnhardt's first born son Kerry Earnhardt may fly under the radar to most casual race fans familiar with his brother Dale Jr. Born in 1969 to the young Dale and his first wife Latane Brown, Kerry's early life story is not much known about until this video. He actually grew up as Kerry Key, adopted by his mothers new husband Jack with zero knowledge he was adopted or that his father was actually the legendary NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt. We get to ride along with Kerry around his hometown of Enochville and Kannapolis North Carolina to see his childhood homes, schools, former workplaces, and the iconic home of Ralph and Martha Earnhardt with Dale's race shop in the back. Kerry also introduces us to his aunt Cathy and Kaye for some better insight on his early years and their memories growing up with Dale! You can find Kerry at several events a year in downtown Kannapolis including the inaugural Earnhardt Outdoors Day

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[Stapleton]

This video is being published on Dale Earnhardt’s birthday on purpose. His contributions to motorsports and positive impact on the lives of so many should never be forgotten. We are super grateful Kerry was willing to share these stories with us in such transparency. I hope you reading this now gained some perspective and learned something to positively apply to your own life.

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[davidh]

Jack Key is the unsung hero in Kerry's story, it takes a special person to adopt another man's child and take on the responsibility of raising that child.

[mikes]

Man, Kerry just seems like a regular dude, like someone who’s very approachable and would talk to you about anything. I’m now a Kerry Earnhardt fan for life!

[rusmokin]

1:34:59 Look at the way Kerry is standing, arms folded and even the same facial expression. Brought chills to me.

[fishkbcf]

To say that you are doing a service to all of old school NASCAR fans is a complete understatement. Thank you a ton for documenting the history. As a 34 year old this is what I grew up watching and every time you talk to one of the old school guys it’s like opening a new present.

[dannotwalruslarkin]

All I hear and see is Dale when Kerry talks. It's so cool to see and hear him interacting with his Aunts, where mamaw liked to hang out learning about his own history. Jesus dude, what a home run video. You went to learn about Kerry and it turned in to all of us watching Kerry learn about himself.

[lisapersino]

So happy he got to meet and talk to his dad before he passed and so happy he had a dad to help raise him . Both of them made him the man he is now .

[MikeH_-_LII]

Kerry Earnhardt is a gem to NASCAR and it’s fans. His authenticity is incredible. All the best to you and your family Kerry!

[frankmorton]

This is the best history of dale and family. All his kids look an sound like dale. But Kerry, omg. Voice, mannerisms, story telling, height and face. Splitting image of his dad. Dale is missed 😥❤️

[juniorsutton]

Love it. I’ve had the privilege of meeting Dale Jr and I also got to meet Dale Sr doing military prerace during my time in the army an shook his hand telling him how he’s always been a hero to me. As I went to walk off he grabbed me in that famous headlock hug an said no son u are the hero not me. That has always meant a lot to me. I hope to meet Kerry & Kelly someday as well

[sternakachris]

Kerry's Grandmother was something special. She got in her head that all her grandchildren should be known and loved and pulled it off .

[joshuawaltz]

Gotta have nothing but respect for Jack Key. Raising a child who wasn't his blood. I'm raising a daughter who isn't my blood with my boys but I love her as my own. You look just like your dad Kerry.

[TheBillmanl]

Glad to hear Kerry talk about his step dad in such a positive way.

[dannotwalruslarkin]

Kerry is so chill, all the time. What a cool guy to interview, seems like you barely had to pry anything out of him.

[brandonpennington]

These people are the last of a generation that we may never see again, it's awesome to hear them talk, Kerry, and his aunts.

[hubes]

How sweet of Dale to send Kerry a present that first Christmas after they talked on the phone! So happy they finally found each other…

[cpoosch]

"Genetics are fascinating" Nailed it. After all these years, I can see and hear Dale in everything about Kerry.

[MrStratbat]

So nice to see Kerry this way, , he is the spitting image of his Dad in looks, speech pattern and voice...

[SaltyNationalist]

The moment Kerry was standing in front of Dale's statue with his arms crossed and his legs and feet positioned in the same way damn near brought me to tears.. Kerry in my opinion is the embodiment of his father.. Both in looks and stature..
Thank you and Kerry for doing this interview and I'm waiting for part two to delve a little deeper into his career and life..

[deansimpson]

I shed a tear, when the family posed in front of the statue. Kerry is a decent guy. Lets hear about his racing story.