Earnhardt was one of 11 racers used in Coke ads, and his picture appeared on vending machines around the country. The seven-time Winston Cup champion, known as The Intimidator for his aggressive driving, slammed into the wall and died Sunday on the final turn of the Daytona 500 race.
Investigators suspect someone backed a pickup truck, tipped the machine over and drove away.
Businesses have been asked to keep an eye out for overzealous Earnhardt fans or anyone trying to cash in on Earnhardt paraphernalia.