Bristol Motor Speedway has officially selected a winner of the first Dale Earnhardt Jr. scholarship to a deserving student from Tennessee High School in Bristol, Tenn.
Senior Jaicee Weaver, who plans to begin her collegiate career studying in the automotive field at Northeast State Community College in nearby Blountville, Tenn., has earned the $2,088 scholarship. The Dale Jr. Scholarship, which was announced during the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race last August, drew inspiration from Junior’s former career as an automotive service mechanic.
“We were thrilled to honor Dale Jr.’s legacy in East Tennessee by awarding a scholarship to a local high school student,” said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “We had a number of worthy applicants, but Jaicee’s essay rose to the top. We think her passion and determination are deserving of this award.”
Weaver, who has a passion for restoring and painting cars to their former glory, was originally informed of the decision during a visit to JR Motorsports on Tuesday. While at the shop, she was able to take in a tour of the facility floor and even got to visit the JRM paint booth and paint a part of a to-be-used race car.
While visiting with JR Motorsports co-owner, vice president and business manager Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Weaver was surprised by Earnhardt Jr. himself, who informed her that she was the winner.
Weaver will be honored during pre-race this weekend. To purchase tickets to the Food City 500 weekend, please call 423-BRISTOL or buy them online at www.BRISTOLTIX.com.
BMS PR/Photo Jaicee Weaver and her family got to meet Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt Miller
during her visit to JR Motorsports to surprise her with BMS’ “Dale Jr Scholarship”
