Sports Illustrated cover to feature Earnhardt Jr.

CONCORD, N.C. (Feb. 13, 2008) – Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine’s Feb. 18 issue, which is set to hit news stands this week. Shot by photographer Michael J. LeBrecht II, the cover depicts a relaxed Earnhardt on the hood of his No. 88 AMP Energy/National Guard Chevrolet with the headline “Time to Win? Dale Earnhardt Jr. Has a New Car.” The cover story, penned by writer Lars Anderson and entitled “Fired Up,” details Earnhardt’s journey to Hendrick Motorsports and his relationship with team owner Rick Hendrick. Earnhardt will kick off his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season with Hendrick Motorsports in Sunday’s Daytona 500 (2 p.m. ET on FOX). For more information on Sports Illustrated magazine, visit www.SI.com. Photo credit: Michael J. LeBrecht II/1Deuce3 Photography.