On Thursday, May 22nd our team had the incredible honor and privilege to travel to Charlotte, North Carolina to participate in the premiere of Earnhardt, a four-part documentary series from Prime Video that explores the legendary racing career and family legacy of NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Sr.
For a company with deep roots in the world of NASCAR, the opportunity to showcase a piece of racing history at such a meaningful event was truly special.
Bringing Dale’s Car Back to the Spotlight
When NASCAR reached out to us about bringing our authentic 1997 #3 GM Goodwrench Plus Chevrolet Monte Carlo to the premiere of Earnhardt, we didn’t hesitate. We were proud to have the car on display, standing as a tribute to the legacy of “The Intimidator” himself.
Originally raced by Dale Earnhardt Sr. during the 1997 season under the leadership of Crew Chief Larry McReynolds, this Monte Carlo was built by the legendary Hutcherson-Pagan, making it an exceptionally rare chassis. After its time with Dale Sr., the car was sold to Joe Nemechek.
Christy and Will Spencer at the Earnhardt premiere in Charlotte, North Carolina on Thursday, May 22nd, 2025.
Nemechek raced it at Atlanta Motor Speedway during the NAPA 500 in 1998, where it was unfortunately involved in a wreck. That’s when Will Spencer, the Founder of JKS Incorporated, stepped in. Always on the lookout for race cars that could be preserved and shared with fans through our showcar program, Will acquired the car from Nemechek and meticulously restored it to its original livery—the bold black and silver colors made famous by Dale Sr.
“When NASCAR reached out and asked if we could bring the car, I let them know we also had Dale Sr. ‘s 1994 Cup Championship trophy, his seven-time NASCAR Champion uniform, and his 1997 helmet,” said Will. “They were really excited to include those pieces in the exhibit during the premiere. We dusted everything off and put the uniform in an acrylic case, added the trophy to the main stage, and then hung the helmet from the roll bar inside the car. When it all came together, it wasn’t just a display—it told a story. That’s what made it so special.”
After the premiere, the car made its way to Charlotte Motor Speedway, where it was on display throughout Memorial Day Weekend during the Coca-Cola 600 to help promote the Earnhardt documentary. It’s now on the move again, with planned appearances at the Cup races at Nashville Superspeedway and Michigan International Speedway in June.
The 1997 #3 GM Goodwrench Plus Chevrolet Monte Carlo on display at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Memorial Day Weekend.
Our NASCAR Roots Run Deep
JKS Incorporated has been around for more than 40 years and has held a longstanding relationship with NASCAR that dates back to the mid-1980s. From producing and installing track signage, supporting teams and drivers through our showcar program, fabricating specialty props for various race tracks, and even sponsoring our own racing team, we’ve been a part of the original crew that’s watched the sport grow from the ground up.
Events like the Earnhardt premiere are filled with nostalgia for myself, Will, and our entire team. Dale Sr. wasn’t just a racing icon, he was a friend and a true hero to many at JKS Incorporated. Being able to represent that connection by showcasing one of his original race cars at the documentary premiere was deeply meaningful. It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do—to help keep NASCAR’s history alive and share it with generations of fans to come.
JKS Incorporated’s President, Christy Cox Spencer, with Dale Earnhardt Sr. in the mid-1980s.
A Big Thank You to the People Who Made It Happen
We want to extend a huge thank you to Amazon Studios, Imagine Documentaries, NASCAR Studios, and Dirty Mo Media for including us in this unforgettable evening. It was an incredible honor to be part of such a meaningful tribute.
We also have to give special thanks to the documentary’s director, Joshua Altman, and the powerhouse producing team of Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, whose vision brought Dale Sr.’s story to life in such a powerful way.
Interested in watching the documentary series? It is now streaming on Prime Video!