Kerry Earnhardt is known as the eldest son of the NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. He enjoyed a diverse career as a NASCAR driver, television personality, entrepreneur, and business advisor at Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
His net worth is estimated at $4 million, reflecting his accomplishments on and off the racetrack.
In 2011, Kerry Earnhardt launched the Earnhardt Collection, designed to embody natural beauty and comfort in homes. This venture further contributed to his net worth.
Kerry’s racing career started in 1992 with an impressive start in street stocks, earning him the Rookie of the Year award. He progressed through various racing series, including ARCA Racing, Busch, and the Craftsman Truck Series. Kerry showcased his dominance on the track through his racing achievements. Competing against icons like his father, Dale Earnhardt, and half-brother, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kerry’s racing endeavors have been a significant part of his net worth narrative.
Kerry transitioned from his racing career in 2007 to focus on the Earnhardt Collection and other ventures.
Net Worth
Kerry Earnhardt’s Career is a resounding success, evidenced by his financial stance. Earning from his time as a NASCAR driver and businessman, his total worth has been estimated to be $ 4 million.
While he can boast of getting the fastest car and winning races, what effectuated his rapid career growth in terms of his financial position was his partnership with Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
Earnhardt earned about $500,000 per year as a NASCAR driver and about $100,000 per episode as a television personality,
Technically, he was paid to breathe! LOL. Money Came In Easy!
Assets and Properties
While there’s little data on the prices of Kerry Earnhardt’s possessions, he has been known, alongside his girlfriend, to own several houses, some of which are:
Pocono: A single-story home with a large open family area, spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, and a majestic great room in the center.
Blue Ridge: A single-story home with a huge central great room that flows to the kitchen and the dining area and a spectacular owner’s retreat.
A stunning Giant Sequoia: A two-story home with huge open spaces, a spectacular kitchen, a handy mudroom, and a cozy loft.
As a racer, here are some of the cars he has driven and owned:
- A 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo that Kerry raced in the NASCAR Cup Series.
- A 2005 Toyota Tundra that Kerry raced in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
- A 2006 Chevrolet Silverado that Kerry raced in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
- A 2007 Ford F-150 that Kerry raced in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
- A 2011 Chevrolet Camaro that Kerry raced in the K&N Pro Series West.
- A 2012 Chevrolet Corvette that Kerry raced in the Rolex Sports Car Series.
- A 2013 Chevrolet SS that Kerry raced in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.
- A 2014 Chevrolet Impala that Kerry raced in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
- A 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe that Kerry drove as a pace car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
- A 2016 Chevrolet Malibu that Kerry drove as a pace car in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Earnhardt also owns a luxury yacht named Sunday Money that Kerry docked in Rhode Island to avoid paying higher taxes in Massachusetts and a private jet that belongs to Teresa Heinz Kerry, Kerry’s stepmother and the heiress to the Heinz ketchup fortune.
Career Timeline
It’s no news that Earnhardt’s career had remotely come in a platter of gold as his father had influenced his choice to race in NASCAR.
Regardless of how expressly he had received prestige, there wasn’t any endeavor he conceived to undertake that he didn’t break a sweat to accomplish, quite shocking! His career timeline shows how Earnhardt made “making money, not a problem.”
In 1992, his foray into racing began with street stocks, where he swiftly clinched the Rookie of the Year award. His talent also shone through in the NASCAR Goody’s Dash Series, where, over 11 races, he managed to secure an impressive two top-five and eight top-ten finishes.
By 1994, this rising star had further cemented his reputation by earning the Rookie of the Year accolades at the venerable Hickory Motor Speedway while competing in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Racing Series. His consistency was remarkable, achieving eight top-five finishes and 40 top-ten finishes.
1998 marked a significant milestone as he debuted in the NASCAR Busch Series at Myrtle Beach, completing the race in the 27th position.
The advent of the new millennium in 2000 heralded his inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan under the banner of Marcis Auto Racing. This race was notable for being a family affair as he competed against his father and his half-brother, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Unfortunately, an accident on the fifth lap prompted an early exit.
The following year, 2001, was a victorious chapter in his career, securing victories in four out of 11 starts within the ARCA Racing Series, driving for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. This success was bolstered by DEI NASCAR Cup Series equipment, previously operated by Steve Park.
Moving forward to 2002, he experienced his most successful season in the Busch Series, securing the 22nd spot in the overall points standing and achieving six top-ten finishes. Additionally, he made two starts in the Cup Series driving for Richard Childress Racing. He finished 17th at Talladega and 21st at Atlanta.
By 2004, he continued to grace the Cup Series, making three starts for DEI, with performances including a 17th place at Talladega, among others. He also participated in eight K&N Pro Series West races representing Bill McAnally Racing. He impressively clocked in two top-five and five top-ten finishes.
In 2005, he embarked on a new journey with Billy Ballew Motorsports in the Craftsman Truck Series, stepping in for Shane Hmiel. Out of 25 starts, he achieved his season-best finish of 11th at Daytona and 23rd in the points standings. Additionally, he had one Cup Series start with Richard Childress Racing, concluding the race in 43rd position at Talladega.
The year 2006 saw him making two starts in the Truck Series for Billy Ballew Motorsports and one more Cup Series start for Richard Childress Racing, evidencing his relentless pursuit in the racing realm.
After an action-packed career, 2007 marked his retirement from active racing. This paved the way for him to channel his energy into other business interests, including the Earnhardt Collection, which offered bespoke homes and signature furniture.
He transitioned his racing expertise into a consultancy role in 2011, significantly contributing to Dale Earnhardt, Inc.’s driver development program until that year.
His professional journey took an intriguing turn as he ventured into television. He earned the Outstanding Television Personality Award from the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors in 2015 for his unique contributions to forensic science through his acclaimed show ‘Homicide Hunter.’
In 2016, his longstanding commitment to solving robbery and homicide cases was celebrated with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Colorado Association of Robbery Investigators.
A year later, in recognition of his illustrious career and public service, the University of Pittsburgh honored him with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
After a successful run of nine seasons, ending in 2020, he concluded the renowned ‘Homicide Hunter’ show, having aired 144 episodes.
Embracing a new challenge in 2021, he commenced hosting the Discovery+ series American Detective With Lt. Joe Kenda, further expanding his influential presence in entertainment and education.
Businesses & Investments
Kerry Earnhardt is a successful and diversified businessman who has leveraged his racing and television fame to create various ventures and opportunities. Some of the businesses he has been involved in are.
As the co-founder of the Earnhardt Collection, a brand that celebrates natural beauty, Kerry Earnhardt knows something about creating cozy and inviting homes.
He and his wife, Rene Earnhardt, are passionate about sharing their vision and products with others, from housewares and decor to lifestyle essentials. They also partner with Schumacher Homes, a custom home builder, to design and build stunning, comfortable living spaces that reflect their style and values.
Kerry has also worked for his family company, Dale Earnhardt, where he was a consultant, initially serving as a racer. His earlier years saw him win 11 starts in the ARCA racing series, winning seven top 5s and eight top 10s. He endeavored to develop racers for Dale Earnhardt, Inc., Martin Truex jr, Paul Menard, and his son Jeff Earnhardt; this has passed as one of his best investments; nothing trumps giving back!
Personal Life
Kerry Earnhardt is happily married to his wife, Rene Earnhardt. Together, they have a daughter named Kayla Earnhardt and a son named Jeffrey Earnhardt.
Kayla, a two-time all-around champion cowgirl, is passionate about rodeo while Jeffrey, who bears a striking resemblance to Kerry, is into motorsports racing.
Kerry enjoys spending quality time with his family and loves outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing.