[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”33778″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]The Earnhardt name is known for reliable trucks and cars and a “No Bull” attitude. Did you know that Earnhardt Auto Centers sponsors the Cowboy Lifestyle Network team to cover rodeos throughout the country and in Canada? Rodeo fans love to see events first-hand, but they can’t always travel to see rodeo action. Earnhardt Auto Centers sponsors the CLN team to travel to events like Cheyenne Frontier Days, Calgary Stampede and the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. First held in 1897, Cheyenne Frontier Days started as a cowboy roundup with pony races, bronco busting, steer roping and more. This initial gathering was so popular that it continued to grow and build a following. Now, many of the world’s top rodeo athletes come from all over so that they can compete in Cheyenne Frontier Days each July. Held each summer, the Calgary Stampede is called the “greatest outdoor show on Earth.” The first-ever Stampede happened in 1912, and the event has continued to thrill audiences ever since. Beyond rodeo action, the Stampede hosts concerts with big-name artists — past years showcased Lady Antebellum, the Zac Brown Band, Nickelback and comedian Jeff Dunham. People also come from around the world to try different food at the Stampede. In 2016, attendees could try four new Oreo items. While we can’t bring the taste of Oreos to you, the CLN team can give you all the action from the Stampede. The CLN team also covers the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas each December. The top 15 contestants in standard rodeo events of bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding all qualify to compete at the National Finals Rodeo. At the conclusion of the Wrangler NFR, the sport’s world champions are determined based on total season earnings. Thanks to support from Earnhardt Auto Centers, you can keep up on the action from all your favorite rodeos without leaving your home![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”21665″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d”][vc_column_text]
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.
