Motor Sports

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- Officials in the late NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt's hometown are trying to reassure fans that removing flags honoring Earnhardt doesn't mean he's being forgotten.

The Salisbury Post reported Tuesday the Kannapolis mayor and city manager wrote a public letter Monday after flags marking the "Dale Trail" tourist attraction were taken down last week.

The flags were removed after officials promoting a science research park being developed in Kannapolis said the flags were dirty and torn and might upset an unidentified guest expected to come to see the park.

The letter said the city has had plans to enhance tourism based on Earnhardt's life and career in the former textile town.

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Information from: Salisbury Post