For the first time ever, NASCAR team owner Richard Childress has parted with a legendary Dale Earnhardt-driven race car from his personal collection, with the $425,000 raised going to COVID-19 relief charities.
Auctioneers Barrett-Jackson held online bidding from May 9-16 for the 1996 No. 3 Chevrolet Monte Carlo that Earnhardt won with that year at Rockingham Speedway and earned several other top-five finishes through 1999.
“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,” Childress said in a statement. “All proceeds will benefit much-needed causes to fight the devastating effects of COVID-19 on a local and national level.”
The winning bidder chooses to remain anonymous, but the money will be split equally to the charities Feeding America and Samaritan’s Purse.
“America is facing unprecedented times right now and it’s going to take everyone working together and making sacrifices to make a difference,” Childress said in a statement. “I have so many memories of this No. 3 Chevrolet, including celebrating with Dale Earnhardt in Victory Lane.
“I will always hold those memories dearly, but now I am thrilled to see that the winning bidder will be able to build memories as well.”
Childress is also auctioning off more than 300 other items from his personal collection on eBay to raise additional money for charity. Click here to be taken to that auction.