Earnhardt Jr.’s Race-Used Steering Wheel Auction to Raise Funds for Food Insecurity Crisis

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 5, 2022) – When Dale Earnhardt Jr. climbs behind the wheel of the No. 88 Hellmann’s Chevrolet on Friday night at Martinsville Speedway (7:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1), he’ll be doing much more than steering a racecar, he’ll be helping those who experience food insecurity.

It is estimated that one in every eight Americans are food insecure, meaning they “lack consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Earnhardt Jr. and The Dale Jr. Foundation will call attention to that fact at Martinsville with a specially designed steering wheel for the No. 88 Hellmann’s Chevrolet.

The wheel, produced by Max Papis’ MPI® in Italy and featuring TrueTimber’s® Viper Urban Orange camouflage, will be auctioned off following the event to raise funds to battle food insecurity through The Dale Jr. Foundation’s partner charities.

“Food insecurity is a growing trend in today’s society, and we are excited to see Dale Jr. raise awareness for this important cause through the creation of this exclusive, one-of-a-kind steering wheel,” said Regina Smith, director of The Dale Jr. Foundation. “Our partner, TrueTimber® Camo, provided the digital camouflage for the wheel and Max and his company, MPI®, helped bring it to life.”

Bidding for this unique item begins on Martinsville race day, Friday, April 8, at TDJF’s auction site and will remain open through Monday, April 11 at 3 p.m. ET.

ABOUT THE DALE JR FOUNDATION:
The Dale Jr. Foundation is a charity dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals with a focus on youth, the resources to improve their confidence and education, and the opportunity to achieve extraordinary goals. The Dale Jr. Foundation has made a monumental impact in the local community since its beginning. Dedicated to giving underprivileged individuals, with a focus on youth, the resources to achieve extraordinary goals, TDJF has contributed to more than 300 charities nationally and locally, including The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Blessings in a Backpack, Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ace and TJ’s Grin Kids, and Mooresville Christian Mission. For more information, visit www.thedalejrfoundation.org.

ABOUT MAX PAPIS INNOVATIONS
Max Papis Innovations (MPI) was founded in 2009 by veteran racer Max Papis and his wife Tatiana Fittipaldi Papis. The company creates industry leading steering wheels, motorsports and gaming products informed by numerous years of experience racing and supporting IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, WOO, drag, off-road, marine and recreational industry. MPI products are trusted by champions in every type of motorsport worldwide and can be found in virtually every car or truck on the NASCAR starting grid. Based in Mooresville, North Carolina, with production facility in Italy, Max Papis Innovations also designs and manufactures products for collaborative partners like AdamLZ, Cleetus McFarland, Vaughn Gittin Jr, Mastercraft Boats, Rennline, Hyundai Motorsport, and more. Visit www.maxpapisinc.com.

There can be many reasons you might want to sell your car. For example, if you plan to buy a new car, it might be an excellent option to sell off your old one. Or you might want some extra cash, and selling your car is the only option you have.

Whatever the reason, it is evident that you would like to get the best value for your vehicle. And that’s precisely why we are writing this article.

If you’re looking to get the most money for your car when it comes time to sell, you can do a few things to increase its resale value. Here are seven of the best ways to boost your car’s resale value.

Wash and Clean the Car

Many people don’t realize how important it is to regularly wash and clean their car. It improves the look of the vehicle, but it can also increase its resale value.

A clean car is more likely to catch the eye of a potential buyer, and it will also be easier to inspect for any damage. In addition, washing and cleaning the car regularly will help prevent rust and other forms of corrosion. This will keep the vehicle in better condition for longer, making it more valuable when it comes time to sell.

So next time you think about skipping a trip to the car wash, remember that you could be costing yourself money in the long run.

Tint Your Windows

Many car owners are surprised to learn that something as simple as window tinting can significantly impact their car’s resale value. In addition to enhancing the car’s appearance, tinting also provides several practical benefits.

For instance, it helps to keep the interior of the car cool in summer weather, and it can reduce glare when driving. Tinted windows also provide extra privacy and security, making the car less attractive to potential thieves.

As a result, cars with tinted windows often sell for more than those without. So if you’re thinking about selling your car shortly, be sure to get the window films. It’s a small investment that could pay off big time regarding resale value.

Get a New Paint Job

If your car’s paint job is looking a little worse for wear, you might consider getting a new one. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the appearance of a car, and it can also increase its resale value.

Of course, this is not a cheap option, and you will need to find a reputable automotive paint shop to do the job. But if you’re planning on selling your car shortly, it could be worth the investment.

Install New Tires

Another simple way to increase your car’s resale value is to install new tires. This is especially true if the current tires are worn down or damaged.

New tires will improve the look of the car, but they will also improve its performance. They will provide better traction and handling, making the vehicle safer to drive. As a result, cars with new tires often sell for more than those with old ones.

Get a Mechanical Inspection

If you’re planning on selling your car, it’s good to get a mechanical inspection before you do. This will help ensure that there are no hidden problems that could potentially reduce the car’s value.

A mechanical inspection will also allow you to get any necessary repairs done before you put the car on the market. This will help ensure that it is in good condition when potential buyers come to look at it.

Have the Car Detailed

Another simple way to increase your car’s resale value is to have it detailed. This involves thoroughly cleaning and polishing the exterior and interior of the vehicle.

In addition to making the car look its best, detailing also helps to protect its paint job and interior surfaces. This can help keep the vehicle in better condition for longer, ultimately increasing its value.

So if you’re planning on selling your car, be sure to have it detailed before you do. It’s a small investment that could pay off big time.

Keep Up with Regular Maintenance

Last but not least, one of the best ways to increase your car’s resale value is to keep up with regular maintenance. This means having the car serviced regularly and promptly getting any necessary repairs.

Of course, this can be a costly investment, but it will pay off in the long run. Well-maintained cars often sell for more than those that aren’t, so it’s worth the extra effort.

You could indeed be costing yourself money in the long run if you neglect to take care of your car. Car owners who want to increase their resale value might consider tinting windows, getting a paint job, installing new tires, or regular maintenance. It’s also worth mentioning that these are only some ideas for boosting your car’s resale value. You can do many other things to increase its worth, so be sure to do your research before selling. Thanks for reading!

Whether you’re traveling with friends or with family, spring break vacation is an American staple every year. People flock to various destinations for sand, surf, and adventure. But, as everyone knows, part of the excitement of a road trip is not just the destination but the road trip itself. Getting there is half the fun! 

Along with packing the swimming trunks and sunscreen, finding the cheapest car insurance that still meets your needs will give you peace of mind before, during, and after your trip.

1. South Padre Island. Located on the southern coast of Texas, South Padre Island is known for its calm waters, luscious beaches, and various wildlife centers that serve as entertainment and education for tourists. Go bird watching at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center or take a boat tour at the islands Dolphin Research & Sealife Nature Center. The entire family will also love visiting the rescued and recuperated sea turtles.
   
2. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Spanning across a coastline of 12 miles, Hilton Head Island is chock full of delightful summer activities. Whether you are craving water sports, such as sailing, jet-skiing, fishing, parasailing, and kayaking, or land sports, like horseback riding, golf, and biking, there is literally something for everyone at this charming, palm tree-filled island. There are also a number of museums to visit, like the Harbor Town Lighthouse and Museum and the Coastal Discovery Museum that will help you explore the wonderments this island offers. And, if you’re interested in coastal wildlife, the Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a salt marsh that harbors many deer, birds, and of course, alligators.
   
3. NOLA. There really is nothing else like the Big Easy. New Orleans, Louisiana is a popular spring destination less for its sand and surf and more for the architecture and world of historically preserved buildings. Some of the many entertainingly educational hotspots include the Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium, and Louisiana Children’s Museum. And, of course, no visit to New Orleans would be complete without visiting Café du Monde, the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and a ride on Algiers Ferry to feel the brawn of the Mississippi River beneath your feet.
   
4. St. Petersburg, Florida. The quintessential destination if you’re in search of sparkling sandy beaches, lush exotic foliage and stately palm trees, St. Pete’s offers visitors all of the hallmarks of a classic spring break spot. The town is charming with a historic vibe where tourists can visit flamingos in the Sunken Gardens and stay a night or two in the Pink Palace Resort. There are a number of wildlife preserves including the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve and Weedon Island Preserve to hike miles of trails, peek in on native wildlife and climb observation towers.
   
5. Disneyland, Anaheim, California. Let’s face it; if you can’t have fun at Disneyland, then there may be no hope! An American staple since 1955, Disneyland is the place for amusement and days of endless excitement. Some of the most popular Disneyland attractions include Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Ancient Sanctum, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes, and Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: Breakout! When you’ve had enough of the movement attractions, take a pit stop at the Flambeaux’s Jazz Club and the Adventure Food & Wine Festival. Sit back and enjoy fireworks to top the day off right.
   
6. Rocky Mountains, Colorado. If you want a “break” from the usual, traveling to the Colorado Mountains is a great option for the Spring Break family vacation. By late March and early April, it’s likely that most of the ski resorts are still open with a base layer of snow. There are a number to choose from including Keystone, Copper Mountain, Aspen, and Breckenridge. Aside from skiing, there are also numerous historic tourist spots to spend the day.
   
7. Grand Canyon, Arizona. On every American’s bucket list, the Grand Canyon is one of the most visited National Parks in the country. Be sure to visit the South Rim to gain access to tremendous views and vistas of the gorgeous canyon. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is also a must, located at Grand Canyon West. Truly experience the wonders in a helicopter ride or on horseback winding down the walls of this jaw-dropping natural formation.
   
8. Outer Banks, North Carolina. Famous for being “First in Flight,” the Outer Banks is where the Wright Brothers flew for the very first time. Also called OBX for short, this area is blessed with 200 miles of coastline with pristine beaches, lighthouses, and sand dunes. The Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and Currituck Beach Lighthouse are open to those who want to climb to the top to enjoy the breathtaking views.

Wherever you decide to spend your vacation over spring break, take into consideration where you’ve traveled before and what activities excite you the most! Prepare your car properly with a full trip inspection and arm yourself with car insurance that best suits your needs.