Dale Earnhardt Jr. is speaking out as concerns mount over the future of the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Martinsville clock tradition, following news that the manufacturer of Martinsville Speedway‘s famed grandfather clocks will cease operations in 2026. The potential end of this decades-old custom has stirred frustration and disappointment among fans and NASCAR personalities alike.
Endangered Legacy at Martinsville Speedway
Martinsville Speedway, one of NASCAR’s original venues, has been a staple on the racing calendar since 1949 and will again host the pivotal Round of 8 Xfinity 500 later this season. Since 1964, every Cup Series race winner at Martinsville has been awarded an intricately crafted grandfather clock—a prize unique among NASCAR tracks—for their achievement. Fred Lorenzen was the first driver to receive the Martinsville clock, dominating that debut year by leading 980 out of 1,000 laps across both races.
The clocks, produced under the Ridgeway Clock brand, have been an essential symbol of victory. In 2004, Howard Miller Company acquired Ridgeway, continuing the tradition of supplying these iconic timepieces. However, unsustainable production costs now threaten the clock’s future at Martinsville.
Manufacturer Struggles and Impacts of Global Trade
The shutdown of Howard Miller Company’s clock division highlights serious challenges for the tradition. Howard J. Miller, the company’s CEO, addressed the tough decision to end operations:
“Our business has been directly impacted by tariffs that have increased the cost of essential components unavailable domestically and driven specialty suppliers out of business, making it unsustainable for us to continue our operations.”
—Howard J. Miller, CEO
Despite efforts to find a buyer for the clock operation, none has emerged. Components made overseas and a shrinking supply chain have put too much financial pressure on continuing production in the United States. If no purchaser is found, the Howard Miller, Ridgeway, and Hekman brands—each vital to the clock’s history—will disappear when the company shuts its doors after 2026.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Calls for Integrity in the Tradition
Upon learning about the looming shutdown, Dale Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR Hall of Famer who personally won a Martinsville clock after his 2014 Goody’s Headache Relief Shot 500 victory, made his feelings public. He emphasized that any replacement clock must faithfully replicate the original design, voicing concerns that change could undermine the meaning of the award:
“Whomever makes the next version better make them exactly like the previous versions,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
“Don’t get cute and fu** this up.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
Earnhardt’s direct words reflect deep dissatisfaction and anxiety among NASCAR drivers and supporters, highlighting the importance of maintaining authenticity in the tradition, rather than allowing cost-cutting or modernization to erode its value.
Outpouring From the NASCAR Community
Broadcaster Mike Joy added historical perspective by recalling his own experiences visiting the Ridgeway Clocks facility and watching its evolution through the decades:
“When we first visited Ridgeway Clocks for TNN (early ’90s) the clocks were made there, and a star employee was chosen to present the special Speedway Clock”
—Mike Joy, FOX NASCAR commentator
In the early 2000s, major changes came as the clocks began assembly in Ridgeway using imported components. Following the acquisition of Martinsville Speedway by ISC (NASCAR’s holding group), there was a disruption in the relationship with Ridgeway. Race winners still received finished clocks, but these were purchased from stores rather than custom-made at the original factory. The closure of the Ridgeway plant in Michigan, still standing but abandoned, marked the decline of a once-thriving operation.
The sense of loss resonates especially now, as Joy noted:
“Today, Howard Miller announced (unless a buyer is found), it will shut down at the end of this year. Their brands, including Howard Miller, Ridgeway and Hekman will disappear. Very sad.”
—Mike Joy, FOX NASCAR commentator
An Uncertain Future for the Martinsville Clock
With Howard Miller Company preparing for closure and no successor yet in place, the tradition of presenting a grandfather clock at Martinsville hangs in the balance. NASCAR may be forced to seek a new supplier, but for drivers like Earnhardt Jr. and other fans, the hope is that the new clocks will remain true to the original design and symbolic value. The situation underscores a broader anxiety in motorsports about preserving cherished rituals in a changing industry. If the tradition can be saved, its continued existence will depend on the commitment of all involved to respect its history and significance.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dale Earnhardt Jr. a billionaire?
A. In 2025, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is believed to have a net worth of around $300 million. His wealth comes from his successful career as a leading NASCAR driver and his current role as a broadcaster. He continues to grow his influence through endorsements, owning a team, and various partnerships.
Q. Did Dale Earnhardt Jr. retire?
A. After he stopped racing full-time in NASCAR, he started as a color commentator for NBC in 2018. Once his NBC contract ended in 2023, he moved to Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports. This switch was for NASCAR’s new TV contract, which started in 2025.
