MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Teresa Earnhardt, widow of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, has initiated plans to rezone approximately 399 to 400 acres of her property in eastern Mooresville for development into a technology-focused industrial campus.
The property, located between Patterson Farm Road and Coddle Creek, has historically been zoned for residential agricultural use. Earlier this year, the Mooresville Planning Board issued a 4‑3 recommendation in favor of rezoning the land to make way for the proposed Mooresville Technology Park—a major data center complex.
If approved, Tract—a company known for designing and operating large-scale data centers for clients such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Oracle—would develop the site. The project is projected to bring around 195 full‑time jobs, with an average annual salary of $100,000, and nearly 1,000 construction jobs. Tract has also pledged infrastructure investments, including electrical and water systems expected to avoid disruptions to existing services.
Despite those employment and economic projections, the proposal has faced growing opposition from local residents. Concerns shared at public meetings include potential impacts on traffic, light and noise pollution, property values, and the rural character of the area.
At Monday’s meeting, where Teresa Earnhardt—who holds a substantial net worth following the inheritance of her late husband’s NASCAR fortune—was not in attendance, a crowd of approximately 200 concerned residents filled every seat. Ten residents addressed the board during the meeting, and none spoke in favor of the rezoning request.
Dale Earnhardt’s oldest son, Kerry Earnhardt, has also voiced opposition to the plan. In a recent social media post, he stated that his late father “would be livid for his name to be associated in this title,” signaling familial disagreement over the land’s proposed use.
The Mooresville Board of Commissioners is expected to make a final decision following the September 15 public hearing.
