Wednesday, 09 September 2026 12:15 PM
Company Update
CHANDLER, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / September 9, 2026 / More than 500 guests gathered at Earnhardt Ford in Chandler on the evening of September 4, 2026, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Earnhardt Auto Centers and specifically, Earnhardt Ford. The event took place where it all started - the Earnhardt Ford dealership - albeit a newer modern location. Tex Earnhardt founded both the dealership and the company, in Chandler, AZ (at a different address) back on September 4th, 1951.
"We really do appreciate all the friends, customers, community stakeholders, and staff that attended," said Hal Earnhardt III (one of Tex's two sons). "It really felt so uplifting to have such tremendous attendance and so much love for the brand that my father built. He'd be so proud!"
The catered event featured door prizes, souvenirs, entertainment and speeches from notable attendees such as the Mayor [Elect] and Vice Mayor of the City of Chandler, Hal & Jim Babe Earnhardt and the General Manager of Western Markets - Ford Motor Company, Steve Papanikolas.
Guests left with cowboy hats and other keepsakes honoring founder Hal "Tex" Earnhardt, Jr. and the western-themed automotive empire that - from humble beginnings - has endured for over 75 years.
The evening closed with surprise drone shows visible in Chandler, Mesa, and near Old Town Scottsdale. The shows in Old Town Scottsdale and East Mesa launched at 7:51 p.m., or 19:51 in military time - marking September 1951, the month and year that the company was founded.
"So many people turned out to help us celebrate our 75th," said Bull Earnhardt, Tex's grandson. "I love how the ‘Spirit of Tex' keeps driving us to create -- and celebrate - our community. Connecting with our customers and the surrounding community is foundational to our success. It's a 75 year tradition that won't go away."
Cameras and Crews from a variety of local media outlets were onsite with Earnhardt Ford when that location's aerial spectacle took to the skies and attendees were in awe of what came to life via synchronized LED aerial drones; including notable brand images such as the famous Earnhardt Bull-Head, the Ford Logo and an outline of the late Tex Earnhardt, tipping his hat to guests.
"When we began planning our 75th year, we wanted to include as many people as possible," Jim Babe Earnhardt (Tex's other son), said. "That was the idea that spurred us to look up! Tex was always a showman - so what better way to honor both his and the company legacy than to end the evening with a show in the skies - and in three parts of the market! We hope it brought joy to viewers across the Valley!"
Earnhardt Auto Centers has grown from a single Ford store in 1951, into 17 dealerships representing 15 brands and remains family owned and operated; now in its third generation. The anniversary year celebration(s) has also included several surprise charitable donations to organizations including: Child Crisis Arizona, Ava's Treehouse at the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, Make-A-Wish Arizona, St. Mary's Food Bank, the 100 Club of Arizona, the Boys & Girls Club, the Arizona Humane Society and (most recently) the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Media Assests
Photos from the September 4 reception and footage of the "Earnhardt Eyes to the Skies" drone show are available for download. Media are welcome to use these materials with credit to Earnhardt Auto Centers.
About Earnhardt Auto Centers
Earnhardt Auto Centers (EAC) is one of the oldest and most prominent privately owned auto dealer groups in the United States. Founded in 1951 by Hal Earnhardt, Jr. ("Tex Earnhardt") and known for its "No Bull" approach, Earnhardt Auto Centers is recognized by Automotive News as one of the top dealership groups in the country. EAC operates 17 new car dealerships, representing 15 brands. In 2026, Earnhardt Auto Centers celebrated its 75th anniversary as an Arizona company. EAC remains locally owned and operated by multiple generations of the Earnhardt family and more than 2,000 employees. The company website is NoBull.com.
Contact:
Earnhardt Auto Centers
Nature Earnhardt
Corporate Director of Sponsorships & Promotions
602.690.9076
[email protected]
Scenes from the Earnhardt Auto Centers 75th anniversary reception, September 4, 2026, Chandler, Arizona.
SOURCE: Earnhardt Auto Centers