MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 23, 2016) – Nationwide and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have unveiled a special patriotic paint scheme for the No. 88 Nationwide Chevrolet SS that will run in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The scheme, which features an American Flag-themed design, is a collaborative effort between sponsor Nationwide and Earnhardt Jr., and supports the launch of the fifth annual NASCAR: An American Salute initiative, which is a collective expression of reverence, respect and gratitude for those who are serving or have served in defending our nation.
One special detail of the paint scheme is located on the windshield, where Earnhardt Jr.’s name usually appears. In its place will be the name of Lance Corporal Aaron Reed, who was killed in action on Aug. 3, 2005 in Iraq. His name appears as part of NASCAR’s “600 Miles of Remembrance,” in which all drivers in the field will honor U.S. service members who have given their lives in service to their country.
Earnhardt Jr. and Nationwide have invited Lance Corporal Reed’s mother, aunt and sister to attend the race as their guests. In addition, Travis Williams, the only surviving member of Aaron’s squad, will join Nationwide and the Reed family at the race, as will Jason Dominguez, a member of Reed’s company who is now working as part of Nationwide’s Military Associate Resource Group program.
The Reed family has set up a scholarship fund in his honor, and in the past 10 years it has granted 47 $1,000 scholarships to students from Southeastern High School in Lancaster, Ohio, from which Reed graduated prior to his service. Donations to the fund can be sent to: The LCpl Aaron Reed Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Southeastern Local Schools, 2003 Lancaster Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601.