News14.com

Sunday, March 21, 2010   58º F

Updated 07/26/2008 10:50 AM

Dale Trail banners come down

By: David Kernodle

Dale Trail banners come down
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- The city of Kannapolis has removed all the Dale Trail banners, and they’re reportedly not going back up.

The banners along with the statue in Cannon Village honor the life of Dale Earnhardt, who died in the last lap of the Daytona 500 in 2001. Both were paid for by Castle and Cooke – the developers of the North Carolina Research Center.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

A company spokesperson says the banners were tattered and torn and needed to come down. That is opposed to an earlier report that suggested the developers wanted the flags down in preparation for an important visitor this weekend regarding businessman David Murdock.

Have your say...

Do you think Kannapolis should change its image from a NASCAR town to The Home of Science? E-mail us your comments at: web@news14.com

“If there are some complaints, we will certainly deal with them,” said Cordelia Anderson of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We may find some really creative ways to address this; like we might find a way to take the banners out after they’re taken down and get them in the hands of fans … I’m sure there are a lot of Dale fans who would love to have their own Dale Trail banners.”

There are talks of replacing the Dale Trail banners with event-specific flags in the future.

Thoughts from our readers:

What ever they should never take them down. He put that town on the map globally and that would be very disappointing to take down the flags because the theme dose not fit the town’s image. Dale is the image of that town and every thing that he stands for represents the town just fine. Maybe they should be more concerned with cleaning up the town first to make it more presentable, instead of taking down these flags. I mean really!!!!!

Tim, Raleigh

The town of Kannapolis was and still is the home of an American Hero who was killed doing the American thing, what he loved. He is an icon to that town, but also to this entire state and country. Keep the Dale Trail! Science is mostly lies anyway. LONG LIVE DALE!!

Michael

If Castle and Cooke paid for the banners, then they have the right to take them down. If they were tattered and torn, then they need to come down. My family is a Dale fan also, but everything doesn't have to be Dale. Cannon Mills is the foundation of Kannapolis. Charles A. Cannon started the mill, and as it grew, the town grew. He was a good man who took care of his employees and now there aren't any signs, parks, etc. honoring him! Now that Mr. Murdock owns the town, he has chosen to develop it into a research center, that's his priviledge. At first I think the majority of the people of Kannapolis thought it was a "pipe dream", but as the construction has progressed, it seems like it's coming true. If the research center is everything they anticipate then Kannapolis will be on the world map for reasons that will benefit all of us.

Sandy, Kannapolis

As usual the money talks and the good people walk. Shame on you Kannapolis.

Buck, China Grove

Hey, it's fine with me if Kannapolis becomes know for science. I can live with the Dale Trail banners being removed but to take away the statue of our beloved Dale is more than I can accept. It is unnecessary, disrespectful and upsetting. This will push me over the line, I will not be a supporter of the Research park and Mr. Murdock. I will join in any protests that may be organized!

Keith Heaton, Kannapolis

I agree with Sandy. What about the Cannon name? J.W.Cannon needs a statute and a trail. Kannapolis don't forget who actually made Kannapolis.

former millworker

The Dale Earnhardt banners were looking worn and did nothing for the looks of Dale Earnhardt Blvd or the city of Kannapolis. While I honor Dale Earnhardt's memory, it is important to remember that he has a road and beautiful park area dedicated to him. Dale will never be forgotten. Meanwhile we should be encouraging the promotion needed for the development of the Research Campus. This will bring great jobs for our area! The work that has been completed looks fabulous.

I say there is more than room enough in Kannapolis to celebrate and honor both. You cannot live in the past, only learn from it. Move forward Kannapolis!

Cindy