If you’ve driven down Patterson Farm Road lately, you’ve probably noticed the signs—literally. Dozens of them. And they all point to one of the most talked-about development debates in recent Lake Norman memory: the proposed rezoning of 400 acres once owned by racing legend Dale Earnhardt.

And this one hits close to home—really close. The land, now managed by Earnhardt Farms LLC (with Teresa Earnhardt listed as the sole managing member), is at the center of a proposal that would transform this quiet corner of Mooresville into a multi-billion-dollar tech hub called the Mooresville Technology Park.

If approved, the development would be spearheaded by a company called Tract, which promises nearly 200 new jobs, a “low-profile” data center campus, and a pledge to minimize noise and traffic. But for many longtime residents, the concern isn’t just about what’s being promised—it’s about what could be lost.

None more vocal than Dale Earnhardt’s oldest son, Kerry, who took to Facebook Thursday to call out the rezoning effort by name, saying, “My dad would be livid for his name to be associated in this title!” He added, “I’m ashamed our family name is involved in the request to rezone a community that is thriving as a rural residential/agriculture zone to be changed to industrial.”

So, what’s next? We’ll be following this closely. But one thing’s for sure—when a data center proposal stirs up a family feud involving NASCAR royalty, all eyes turn to Lake Norman.