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Graham tours facility at Dale Earnhardt Inc

Cincinnati Bengals placekicker Shayne Graham took time out of his off-season Wednesday to take a tour of Dale Earnhardt Inc. Graham, a self-described car-guy and life-long NASCAR fan, was impressed by the facility.

"Everything was first-class and it is easy to see why DEI is one of the premier race teams in the world," Graham said. "The thing that impressed me most was how nice everyone was and that they took time to show me around."

Graham was accompanied by his publicist Tim Carley. Graham met the crew chiefs of the #1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet, Kevin Mannion, and the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet Tony Eury Jr.

"I have tremendous respect for the athletic ability of Martin Truex Jr. and Dale Jr.," Graham said. "But Kevin and Tony are vital to the success of the team. What most fans don't see is the hard work by the crew that goes into getting a car ready to race. I saw that on Wednesday."

Besides visiting the race shops, Graham saw the showroom of DEI winning cars, the trophies and firesuits worn by Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"It was like seeing the history of NASCAR," Graham said. "It was awesome."

After Graham had lunch in the DEI dining room, he and the crew went to JR Motorsports for a tour. JR Motorsports is the Busch Series Team owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Graham talked racing with the crew members of the #88 Navy Chevrolet and toured the brand-new race shop. He was equally impressed with JR Motorsports.

"Anything associated with the Earnhardt family is first class," Graham said. "DEI and JR motorsports are no different."

As customary with Shayne's commitment to charitable endeavors, he presented the Dale Earnhardt Foundation with a game-worn jersey. In exchange, Dale Earnhardt Jr. gave Shayne an autographed diecast replica of the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet.