Teresa Earnhardt

Teresa Earnhardt is an executive and a businesswoman. She is best known for being the ex-wife of NASCAR driver, Dale Earnhardt. Teresa is someone who has a strong business mindset. She has played a key role in establishing and enhancing the Earnhardt legacy. Did you know she even sued her stepson for using Earnhardt in his own business?

Many know her for being the former wife of the NASCAR legend. However, it was Teresa who made it possible for Dale to achieve great success throughout the late 1980s. Unfortunately, her husband died during his race in 2001. Find out how Teresa helped Dale Earnhardt in his career, and learn about her life and work.

Who is Teresa Earnhardt?

Teresa is known for being the widowed wife of legendary NASCAR river, Earnhardt. Born on October 29, 1958, in Hickory, North Carolina, she is the daughter of Hal Houston, a businessman and outdoor enthusiast who owned race cars. 

Teresa served as the NASCAR team owner of Dale Earnhardt Incorporated (DEI). Leading the team, including her former husband, her effective leadership is credited with bringing success to DEI and contributing to Dale's career achievements. As of 2024, Teresa is the CEO of her former husband's NASCAR team, DEI.

Teresa wouldn't have been the CEO if she hadn't met her husband, Dale. They first met at a race in the '70s through a friend, got along well, and married on November 14, 1982, on the same year Cindy Williams was married. They stayed together until Dale's unfortunate crash in 2001.

Relation with NASCAR Legend, Dale Earnhardt

Before Teresa, Dale had two unsuccessful marriages with Latane Brown and Lorraine Gee. They say the "third time is a charm," and that turned out to be true for Dale. Teresa and Dale tied the knot in 1982, and from there both Dale and Taresa's careers took off.

Before meeting Dale, Teresa was already successful in her business endeavors. After they tied the knot, she took on the responsibility of leading Dale's NASCAR team. Under her guidance, the team achieved significant success, winning not only one but two championships in both the Busch Series and the Daytona 500.

Unfortunately, on February 18, 2002, Dale passed away in a crash during the Daytona 500. This affected Teresa in the worst way possible and left her deeply saddened by his loss. In an interview on NBC, Teresa talked about their marriage and the tragic crash. 

Even after losing her husband, Teresa focused on the business aspects of the Earnhardt legacy. She was determined to keep his legacy alive. She worked hard to honor Dale through DEI and her role as a team owner. As the CEO of DEI, she has given her best to preserve Dale's memory.

Teresa Earnhardt, Mother of Four

Teresa is a mother to four children, three of them being from Dale's past relationships. She gave birth to Taylor Nicole Earnhardt on December 20, 1988. Alongside being Taylor's biological mother, Teresa also serves as the stepmother to Kerry Earnhardt, Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

All four children of Dale followed in his footsteps and pursued a career in racing. Dale Jr. is a semi-retired stock car driver, and Kerry had a successful racing career starting in 1997. Kerry and his wife Rene founded The Earnhardt Collection, a family lifestyle brand. Taylor Earnhardt is a professional rodeo performer and cattle rancher.

All of Dale's children have carried on their father's legacy, but Teresa disapproved of Kerry and his wife using the Earnhardt name for their business. Due to this disagreement, Teresa eventually took legal action against her stepson.

Teresa Suing her Stepson, Kerry Earnhardt

Teresa was involved in a legal dispute with her stepson, Kerry Earnhardt, over the use of the Earnhardt name in the "Earnhardt Collection," a real estate and design venture. Teresa, who had gained control of Dale Earnhardt's likeness after his death, argued that linking the name with homes could mislead customers.

Despite Kerry and his wife, Rene, using the term "Earnhardt Collection" for design projects unrelated to racing, Teresa filed a lawsuit, citing potential confusion. The legal battle progressed to an appeals court after a U.S. Patent and Trademark Office ruling.

The appeal, held on March 10, 2020, determined whether Kerry could continue using the term. Teresa's efforts to prevent the association of the Earnhardt name with the collection faced challenges, highlighting the complexities of family and business dynamics in this high-profile case.

Teresa Earnhardt Net Worth & Assets

Teresa took over the NASCAR team after her husband, Dale's death. She is the CEO of Dale Earnhardt Inc. Her estimated net worth is around $50 million. Teresa was already a successful businesswoman before meeting Dale. After meeting her former husband, Dale, her success grew even more.

Teresa's net worth is similar to Portia De Rossi's. She also owns a significant amount of real estate, including a 300-acre farm, a large mansion in Mooresville, North Carolina, and a property in Palm Beach, Florida. She did inherit everything from her former husband, and Teresa has done her best to preserve his legacy. 

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