Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office has apprehended a suspect in the burglary at the home of former NASCAR Cup champion Dave Marcis.
The 85‑year‑old driver, whose career spanned 883 Cup races and five victories, was away when armed thieves broke into his Arden residence, according to police releases.
Break‑in Details
Law enforcement says the intruders forced open the basement door and overturned shelves, scattering items across the living room floor before fleeing toward nearby streets.
Marcis later called his daughter, Shawna Beam, to confirm whether she or her husband had been in the house, but evidence indicated no relatives were present.
Stolen Memorabilia
Among the pilfered trophies were irreplaceable NASCAR memorabilia, a pair of Rolex watches gifted by Roger Penske upon retirement, and one‑of‑kind rings and rifles – one rifle having been a present from Dale Earnhardt Sr., an old friend of Marcis.
Post‑incident, Beam informed authorities that a stranger had reached out via Facebook, claiming to have purchased some of the stolen items at a local flea market in Fletcher, North Carolina.
Legal Consequences
Following the Facebook tip, a suspect was arrested and faces felony charges of breaking‑and‑entering. Police are still recovering the full extent of the loss, noting that while not all items were recovered, many held significant sentimental value.
Personal Loss
The theft arrived amid personal tragedy, as Marcis’s wife of 60 years, Helen, died in early January, leaving the veteran racer to confront both grief and a damaged home.
With the community still coming to grips with the loss, the case underscores the need for heightened home security for high‑profile retirees.
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