This Saturday, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s #88à Chevy 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.” The #88 National Guard Citizen Soldier/AMP Energy Chevyà 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.(HMS PR), see an image of the scheme on my #88 Team Schemes page.(5-14-2008)
