The emotional visit to Dale Earnhardt's Deer Head Shop after his death is a story that resonates with NASCAR fans. It's not just about the shop's significance as the Intimidator's personal race shop, but also the memories and relationships it holds. Kevin Pennell, a crew member in Earnhardt's garage, shares his experience of saying goodbye to the shop after Earnhardt's death. He recalls feeling lost and unsure of what to do next, as if he had lost a part of himself. The Deer Head Shop, with its three garage bays, office, and loft stacked with car parts, was more than just a place to work on cars. It was a sacred space where Earnhardt and his crew worked on late-model cars for himself, Dale Jr., and Kerry. The shop's name came from the dozens of mounted deer heads lining the loft's outer wall. However, after Earnhardt's death in 2001, the shop remained largely untouched, kept off-limits by Teresa Earnhardt. But Junior and Pennell took a trip down memory lane and relived the last time they walked out of the shop for good. The Deer Head Shop holds a special place in the hearts of many NASCAR fans, and its closure marked the end of an era. The legal and personal rift between Earnhardt Jr. and Teresa Earnhardt led to restricted access to DEI property, and the company officially closed down after the 2009 NASCAR season. Despite the rift, the memories and relationships formed at the Deer Head Shop will always be cherished by those who worked there. Kevin Pennell's first meeting with Dale Earnhardt is a testament to the bond that can form between crew members and their legendary driver. Earnhardt's signature cowboy boots and memorable moniker, 'Two Beer,' are just a few of the cherished memories that Pennell looks back on with pride. While reconciliation might take time, the Deer Head Shop will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who worked there and loved the sport of NASCAR.
