Earnhardt Auto Centers, State Forty Eight collaborate on new shirt designs

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Earnhardt Auto Centers recently teamed up with State Forty Eight to co-brand custom T-shirts with recognizable Earnhardt artwork in the State Forty Eight style. Show your love of all things Arizona and get your shirts today at No Bull Gear!

Photo courtesy of Earnhardt Auto Centers Facebook

The new State Forty Eight shirts depict Tex Earnhardt riding against a picturesque sunset, display the Earnhardt logo, or highlight Tex’s famous catchphrase “No Bull” with the State Forty Eight logo.

Based in Chandler, local entrepreneurs founded State Forty Eight with a shared passion for the state of Arizona. Their tagline, “Clothing for all, inspired by Arizona,” encapsulates their philosophy and love for the state. Their uniquely designed shirts, hats and accessories feature local people, businesses and sights. These recent offerings pay homage to Tex Earnhardt and Earnhardt Auto Centers, both fixtures in Arizona.

Tex started Earnhardt Auto Centers in 1951 with a Chandler-based Ford franchise. At age 21, he was the youngest-ever Ford franchise owner. Over the years, the company expanded and opened more dealerships, with Tex at the head. Tex’s straight-shooting style and famous catchphrase, “That ain’t no bull,” endeared him to generations of Arizonans.

Today, Earnhardt Auto Centers represents 16 brands at 17 locations around the Phoenix metro area. Tex’s sons, Hal and Jim Babe, joined him in the business, and so did several of his grandchildren, making it a true family business. Tex stayed active in Earnhardt Auto Centers operations until he passed away in 2020 at age 89.

In addition to the State Forty Eight teamed merchandise, No Bull Gear also offers a variety of shirts and hats with different Earnhardt logos. Also look for the wide-brimmed straw hat — perfect for shading that Arizona sun! Show your Arizona pride as you sport logos from an iconic local company with these selections from State Forty Eight and Earnhardt Auto Centers, available now from No Bull Gear!

Carolyn Sostrom

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle. She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*. With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower. She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix. Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.