Action unveils Earnhardt Legacy logo, car

Last week, Action Performance Companies, the exclusive source for Dale Earnhardt die-cast collectibles for nearly a decade, unveiled a new Dale Earnhardt Legacy Series logo. Action will showcase the new logo on a special edition die-cast collector car.

That beautiful black-and-red 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo replica is now available at the NASCAR.com Store in 1:24 scale car, 1:24 scale bank, and 1:64 scale versions.

The Dale Earnhardt Legacy Series logo depicts Earnhardt in a familiar triumphant pose -- arms outstretched in victorious celebration. In addition to spotlighting the Legacy Series logo, the special "concept car" focuses on Earnhardt's signature "E" with a unique stripe mark featured on the body.

In 2003, that unique "E" stripe design also will be incorporated into the graphic design of

part of every DEI race car: the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., Michael Waltrip's No. 15 NAPA Chevy, and the No. 1 Pennzoil car piloted by Steve Park.

STORE  •  Buy Dale Earnhardt die-cast form the NASCAR.com Store!

An agreement between Action, Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Incorporated ensures the continuation of the Dale Earnhardt Legacy Series. Each product in the series will come in special packaging the bears the new logo on a hologram sticker.

"The new Dale Earnhardt Legacy logo is a brilliant hallmark that celebrates a tremendous career and the charisma that fueled so much enthusiasm for stock car racing," said Fred W. Wagenhals, chairman, president and CEO of Action. "I am honored that Teresa Earnhardt and

the Dale Earnhardt Inc. organization have partnered with Action and allowed us to share in such a historical and significant event.

"By creating such a definitive logo, fans can also easily recognize that any Dale Earnhardt Legacy products they purchase are officially sanctioned by Teresa, the entire Earnhardt family and DEI. Dale was a friend to Action Performance and to me, so it is extremely important for us to have a way to ensure that his name and legacy remain protected."

Action has already released a number replicas of historically significant cars from Earnhardt's career. Those collectibles have been been a tremendous hit with the throng of loyal Earnhardt devotees.

"This is a good solid series," said die-cast guru David Wilson. "Earnhardt was one of those A.J. Foyt-Ken Schrader types who would race anything with wheels on it. That means he drove a lot -- I mean a lot -- of cars during his career. I've heard he drove more than 70 different cars. Action has done a good job with this program; it has been done timely and tastefully."

Action's Wagenhals is quick to point out that Earnhardt was more than a champion race car driver; he is an American icon.

"Dale was like Elvis or James Dean," he elaborated. "They all have fans who collect their memorabilia decades after their passing. Many James Dean collectors weren't even born when he lived. Yet he is a part of our culture. I think it will be the same with Dale Earnhardt. People will be collecting Earnhardt memorabilia for years to come."

Little E Ritz/Oreo

In other Earnhardt/Action news, the die-cast manufacturer just officially announced the release of a die-cast replica of the car that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will pilot in the season-opening NASCAR Busch Series race at Daytona on February 15. Earnhardt Jr. is the defending champion of that event.

That No. 8 Monte Carlo will carry sponsorship from Nabisco's OREO and RITZ brands. Fielded by Earnhardt Jr's JR Motorsports team, the red-and-yellow race car is the first paint scheme special that Earnhardt will showcase in 2003 and is being presented through a collaboration between Dale Jr. and Teresa Earnhardt.

In cooperation with JR Motorsports and DEI, Action designed the vehicle paint scheme, driver uniform and helmet for the event.

Die-cast replicas of the 2003 Dale Earnhardt Jr No. 8 OREO/RITZ Chevrolet Monte Carlo -- as well as replicas of Little E's 2003 No. 8 Budweiser NASCAR Winston Cup ride -- are currently available at the NASCAR.com Store in several sizes and styles.