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Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s new colors and car number were revealed at the Dallas Convention Center (Hendrick Motorsports/Autostock photo) MORE NASCAR PHOTOS ยป More Photos
After months of speculation, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. finally showed off his new colors today in Dallas, unveiling his 2008 Sprint Cup ride, the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Impala SS, with sponsorship from Mountain Dew, Amp energy drink and the National Guard. Earnhardt's car will carry No. 88.
While the rumors had abounded for weeks about the car number and the sponsorship package, at long last the rumors can be put to rest. The team showed two cars, a green and white car with Mountain Dew/Amp as the primary sponsor, that will run 20 races next season and a blue and white National Guard car that will appear in the remaining 16 races.
Team owner Rick Hendrick said a decision on which schemes will appear when will be determined once NASCAR's 2008 Sprint Cup schedule is set.
There were huge smiles all around at the announcement from Hendrick and the various sponsors, but most specially from Earnhardt himself, who looked like a kid on Christmas morning.
"Just know that I'm really excited that Mountain Dew and Amp and the National Guard decided to partner with Rick to support my efforts as a race-car driver," said Earnhardt. "It's a great feeling. I'm excited and I want to make them proud of the decision that they've all three made to put me behind the wheel. I can't wait to be able to get out on the race track, prove myself and make them feel like they made the right choice."
Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s new colors and car number were revealed at the Dallas Convention Center (Hendrick Motorsports/Autostock photo) MORE NASCAR PHOTOS ยป More Photos
Although he never mentioned his old team, Dale Earnhardt, Inc. during the press conference, Earnhardt said parting at year end will carry some pain. "The last lap of the Homestead race is going to be very emotional for me," he said. "I'll be saying goodbye to several great friends that I've had over the last several years and will be meeting some new friends that I'll be having great relationships with. It's going to be quite an emotional time."
That noted, Earnhardt was extremely enthusiastic about moving to Hendrick Motorsports, which has three drivers in the Chase for the Nextel Cup this season alone the same number in total that DEI has
"Once we get in the off-season, I'm looking forward to being over at Rick's place, getting to know the guys, understanding who does what, what each guy's little niche is, what their personalities are. That's very important," said Earnhardt. " I can't wait to get to the racetrack and start understanding and adjusting whatever I need to adjust driving style-wise, learning what I need to get used to, as far as the feel (of the Hendrick cars). I think that's more important than anything."
Next year will mark PepsiCo's 12th season with the organization and the National Guard's second. "Having a pair of sponsors like Mountain Dew Amp Energy and the National Guard supporting the No. 88 team is just unbelievable," said Hendrick, who as a car owner scored a NASCAR-best 161 Cup-level victories since 1984. "It's a fantastic combination that fits Dale Jr.'s personality and will allow him to be successful at Hendrick Motorsports for many years to come.
With 65 wins and 52 poles since 1949, cars carrying the No. 88 have started 1,264 Cup-level events with multiple drivers, including Earnhardt's legendary grandfather, Ralph Earnhardt. The number is currently campaigned by Yates Racing, which has released it for the 2008 season.
"Ralph Earnhardt drove the No. 88 Olds in 1957 and because of this number's history with the Earnhardt family; I felt car number 88 should continue with Dale Earnhardt, Jr.," Yates said in a statement released by his team. "Younger fans don't realize I built cars and raced against Ralph. I also had a very close relationship with Dale Earnhardt, Sr. I'm proud to transfer this number to Dale Jr. and let him know how much I appreciate the friendship and competitive racing I've always enjoyed with his family."
Related stories:
88 HAS STORIED NASCAR HISTORY
KAHNE, BUDWEISER TEAM UP FOR 2008
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