Citizen Soldier Scheme:
This Saturday, Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s No. 88 Chevrolet will pay tribute to the Army National Guard with a special paint scheme inspired by the 3 Doors Down song “Citizen Soldier.” The band’s name and song title will appear on the hood. Lead singer Brad Arnold was moved to write the song after watching 50,000 everyday citizens become active members of Guard units and provide disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. On May 20, 3 Doors Down will release its new, self-titled album that features the song “Citizen Soldier.”
It’s The Gray Ghost:
At Saturday’s NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Earnhardt’s No. 88 National Guard Citizen Soldier/AMP Energy Chevy will resemble the “Gray Ghost” that Buddy Baker drove to win the 1980 Daytona 500. The car earned its nickname because the colors made it difficult to see on the track, and a camouflaged Baker would sneak up and overtake the competition. After Baker’s Daytona win, drivers complained to NASCAR, and Baker had to put reflector strips on his car.
All-Star Performances:
Earnhardt won the 2000 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race (then known as The Winston) and has recorded seven top-10 finishes in his eight appearances in the event. The victory came in his first start in the winners-only, non-points race.
Follow The Leader:
Earnhardt has led at least one lap in all but two of the 11 Sprint Cup events that have been held this season. He has led 451 laps of 3,664 completed. In 17 starts in points-paying events at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Earnhardt has led 236 laps and completed a total of 6,153.
All-Star Chassis:
Crew chief Tony Eury Jr. and the No. 88 engineers have chosen Chassis No. 88-488 for Saturday night’s all-star race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. This is the same car that Earnhardt raced to a third-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March and a 12th-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway in April. Earnhardt also won the pole position with Chassis 88-488 at Texas Motor Speedway in April.
All-Star Teammates:
Earnhardt and all three of his Hendrick Motorsports teammates—Casey Mears, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson—will compete in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race. Gordon won the event in 1995, 1997 and 2001; while Johnson won it in 2003 and 2006. Mears qualified by winning the May 2007 points-paying race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.
Old School, New School:
Last weekend, AMP Energy unveiled its “Old School New School” promotion, which runs through Aug. 11 and gives consumers the chance to win “Cars, Kicks and More.” To participate, fans must enter the code found on the bottom of their AMP Energy, Mountain Dew or Sobe drink purchase.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Driver Of The No. 88 National Guard Citizen Soldier/Amp Energy Impala Ss (On The Gray Ghost Scheme):
“I had a lot of input into this paint scheme. Over my career I would like to pay respect to the heritage of this sport. Buddy Baker is someone I respect tremendously, and I loved that car he ran in the 1980 Daytona 500. When we were thinking of ideas for the all-star race, I asked for something like this car. The biggest difference is that NASCAR doesn’t let us run chrome numbers anymore, but believe me, I asked.”
Earnhardt (On His Relationship With 3 Doors Down.):
“I have a longstanding relationship with Brad Arnold and the band 3 Doors Down. I was in the video ‘The Road I’m On’ a few years ago and have kept in touch with Brad. The song they recorded, ‘Citizen Soldier,’ is a great tribute to the National Guard. Winning with this car would be a fitting way to pay respect to the citizen men and women who become soldiers in times of need.”
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