The Buzz: Jan. 8, 2001

January 8, 2002
2:23 PM EST (1923 GMT)

EARNHARDT MEMORIAL FUND GROWING IN HOMETOWN

Kannapolis, N.C., is known the world over for its textile industry. In the racing world, it's known as the hometown of Dale Earnhardt.

With the hometown hero's death in last year's Daytona 500, the town started working in May to erect a memorial Earnhardt's honor. Plans are calling for a larger-than-life statue, a commemorative mural wall and a plaza area.

The $700,000 project will be built in the existing Village Park with funds from the private sector. To date, a fund-raiser and various donations have raised more than $19,000.

"We have enough money now to sit down and plan the concept, that's the first step to getting this project moving forward," said Jennifer Woodford, public information officer for the city. "The rest of the money will go to the memorial and some renovations to the 16-acre park once we start erecting everything. One thing we are going to add for sure is parking."

The final date of completion depends on how quickly the funds can be raised. For more information and details regarding the memorial, check out www.ci.kannapolis.nc.us for the latest news.

MORE FUNNY FOX PROMOS

With the 2002 season fast approaching, Fox has already begun doing promos for their return to the airways. Fox will resume broadcasting Winston Cup and Busch Series races at Rockingham, the second event of the year.

Even thought they will start the season one race behind, they are already ahead in the humor department.

Beginning in late December, the network began airing promotions with booth announcers Mike Joy, Larry McReynolds and Darrell Waltrip covering less than high-action sporting events. One has the three announcing a lawn-bowling tournament. The other has the three sitting at an eight-foot table giving some high-energy coverage to a dog show.

Look for three more promos from the trio leading up to Rockingham.