Earnhardt told The Associated Press that he
recently called Marcus Smith, the president and chief operating
officer of Speedway Motorsports Inc., about potential
involvement in purchasing the Panthers.
Sabates told The Charlotte Observer that two NASCAR drivers were
involved with his group and that he'd been in contact with Smith
about joining his group planning to make a bid.
That immediately started people thinking that Earnhardt, a
native of nearby Kannapolis, might already be involved.
"(Felix) did not ask me to be involved," Earnhardt said. "I did
call Marcus and I said, 'Hey, Marcus, if you guys are in the
middle of it and you think it's a good business deal, I
definitely have some interest.' But I am not one of the guys
that Felix is talking about."
Forbes recently valued the Panthers at $2.3 billion and
estimates Earnhardt's net worth is about $300 million.
"I wouldn't have the kind of money where I would move the needle
too much, but it would be something to have a lot of pride in,
and a good Charlotte NFL team is good for the city of
Charlotte," Earnhardt said. "I wish them success because of what
it does for our community, not only from a pride standpoint but
(from) an economical standpoint."
Panthers owner Jerry Richardson announced last month that he
would put the team up for sale after the season. The NFL has
said it would like the team to remain in Charlotte.
-- Field Level Media
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