The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina has announced an arrest in connection with a burglary targeting retired NASCAR Cup driver Dave Marcis. The incident occurred while Marcis was away from his home, resulting in the theft of numerous items, including irreplaceable pieces of NASCAR memorabilia.
Marcis, who competed in 883 NASCAR Cup races between 1968 and 2002, is one of the most prolific drivers in the sport’s history. Only three drivers have started more races at the top level. Over his 35-year career, he secured five victories and finished as the championship runner-up in 1975. At 85 years old, Marcis continues to be a respected figure in the racing community.
The breakthrough in the investigation came after a stranger contacted Marcis’s daughter, Shawna Beam, via Facebook. According to WLOS News 13, the stranger revealed that they had purchased items they believed to be stolen from the Marcis residence at a local flea market in Fletcher, North Carolina. This information led to the arrest of a suspect, who now faces felony charges of breaking and entering.
Tragically, not all of the stolen items were recovered, and many held significant sentimental value for the retired racer. Upon returning to his home in Arden, Marcis discovered that the house had been ransacked. Items were knocked off shelves and scattered across the floor, the basement door had been pried open, and several belongings from upstairs were missing.
Among the stolen items were Rolex watches gifted to Marcis by Roger Penske upon his retirement, along with unique rings, rifles, and a firesuit. One of the rifles was a personal gift from the late Dale Earnhardt Sr., a close friend of Marcis. Shawna Beam recounted her father’s distress upon realizing the extent of the loss, noting that he felt the thieves might as well have taken everything.
The burglary has added to a difficult year for Marcis, who lost his wife of 60 years, Helen, in January.
