EARL AND MISSY PEARSON

Earl Pearson of Jacksonville, Florida is a Four-Time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008). 

I really don’t know why I’m telling you this. 

Everybody in the country knows Earl’s accomplishments in racing. 

I don’t really need to tell you he is a 2004 Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Racing Series Champion or that he is a 2010 Dirt Track World Champion. 

I know it's probably old news to tell you that he is a 2009 and 2015 Indiana Ice Breaker Champion or a 2010 Colossal 100 Champion and a 2009 Jackson 100 Champion 

Let’s not forget a 2006 Hillbilly 100 Champion and a 2006 World 100 Champion 

No need to tell you about his Longhorn Chassis, Clements Racing Engine and Team Owner, Papich Racing, his crewman Tim Douglas. 

I’m sure you already know that his racing hero was his dad Earl Pearson Sr. and the highlight of his career was winning the 2010 Dirt Track World Championship for his mom.  
She was very ill, and he won it for her.  

She passed away four days later. 

What I can tell you is how important a support of a wife and mother can be for any racing career. 

“Missy” Melissa Pearson has been what some might call the glue in Earl’s career and her sons, Bradley (Earls stepson) and Trey's life 

I first met the Pearsons at Marion County Speedway in Ocala where I was doing media for the track. 

Earl was there on one of his “off” weekends, I think it was 2013 with his dad and Trey wheeling a midget for owner Wayne Davis in which Trey would race a few times also before jumping into an Emod later in his career. 

Missy’s story kind of tells it all on how much the importance of the whole family relates to racing. 

“Wow, I have so many stories from over the years.” she starts out  

"We have 2 sons, Bradley (Earls stepson) and Trey.” 

“Both boys were very good drivers just like Earl.” 

“Our boys were so fortunate to be able to travel during the summertime with Earl.” “They got to go to many places and see things that they would’ve probably never had the opportunity if it wasn’t for racing.” she said  

“Racing has opened the door for us to meet so many amazing people that have become dear friends.” Missy sighed  

“When our boys were young it was very hard at times for me because they played sports and raced.” 

“I was very fortunate to have my parents and Earl’s parents to help.” 

“I’m not sure how many wives would admit that sometimes they were jealous but at times I was”.  

“Every weekend Earl was able to pack up and follow his dreams while I had to work and take care of our family.” 

“Please don’t get me wrong Earl is an amazing dad and has always taken care of us but I was a little jealous of his freedom that he had.” 

“It was many years later that he told me that he was jealous of the fact that I never had to miss anything that our kids did.” Missy confided 

“We had many highs and lows but thank God we worked our way through them.” 

“I have always been Earls biggest fan and I can’t even begin to tell you how hard it was when people didn’t like him or would say bad things about him.” said Missy Melissa Pearson somberly “I don’t think most drivers are bothered if someone isn’t a fan but in the words of Scott Bloomquist “I hate it for my family when they say bad things about me because it hurts my family”.  

“This is from a conversation Scott and I had sitting in the bleachers one night.” 

I think it really sucks when people get on social media and talk trash about drivers, teams, or things that they have never done themselves but that’s a whole different story.” said Missy  

“It has been very hard watching Earl let go of racing.” 

“It’s so difficult for any athlete when they’re no longer in their prime.” 

“So many people judging them but I can say that Earl has handled it well. “ 

“As we navigate in the next chapter of our life, we are very excited about the things to come.” 

“I absolutely love having Earl home.”  

“We love being grandparents to our beautiful granddaughter.” 

“Earl and our daughter-n-law are working hard to make this new business successful.”
“While racing or any sport can be very hard on a family, it also builds a strong family.”
“We absolutely understand the value of time together and we do so much together.” 

“It makes me so happy that our adult children choose to spend their vacations, weekends, and most of their free time we us.” concluded Missy.
Earl and Missy's daughter-in law are working hard at her newest venture  Newell Lodge Resort / The Lodge at Hartley Oaks in Folkston, Georgia.
Make some plans to check it out.