Hawkeye Downs Speedway in Cedar Rapids, IA, is now home to a Norwegian Spruce paying tribute to the late Dale Earnhardt, thanks to a loyal race fan and Bobcat customer.

“We attached a tree-spade [to our skid-steer loader] with a six-ft. Norwegian spruce inside,” said Darin Chamberlin of Chamberlin Landscaping.

“This tree should grow a couple of feet each year. As fans come back to the track season after season, it’s our hope that they look at it and are reminded of how Earnhardt helped the sport grow,” he added.

The ceremony, held during a race event on July 27, followed what Bobcat is calling the “World’s Largest Bodcat Equipment Parade,” with more than 60 machines rounding the half-mile track at an average speed of less than eight mph (12.9 kph).

Rexco Equipment Company of Cedar Rapids, the local Bobcat distributor, sponsored the “Night At The Races” that featured both events.

“This parade has grown to become a major happening in the Midwest,” said Scott Banes of Rexco.

“Over 200 Bobcat equipment owners turned out for this special night. Activities included a barbecue, t-shirt giveaway, great racing and the world’s largest parade of Bobcat equipment,” he added.

The parade featured Bobcat equipment owners of all ages, and units were equipped with a variety of skid steer loader attachments from buckets to tree-spades.

According to the company, the Rexco “Night at the Races” has grown in attendance and participation every year.

“This is our third annual event,” Banes said. “Everyone had a great time, and we can’t wait to do it again next year.”