Memorial Day weekend event more than a race to Dale Earnhardt Jr.

CONCORD, N.C. – For Dale Earnhardt Jr., the 600-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup event at Charlotte Motor Speedway this Memorial Day weekend is more than just a race; it is a reminder to honor those who serve our country.

“It is a good time to reflect on what the military has sacrificed for us; for us to live like we want to live; to have the freedom we have,” Earnhardt, said. “It is a good time to thank somebody that you know that has served and tell them how much that means to you. It is just a good time to remember everything that they’ve went through.”

During Sunday’s race, Earnhardt’s No. 88 National Guard/AMP Energy Chevrolet will sport an additional patriotic logo – the Lowe’s Summer Salute decal. Through this program, Lowe’s, in conjunction with PepsiCo, will donate $1 million to help support the troops and their families. The decal will appear on the rear quarter panel for this weekend’s 400-lap event.

In 23 Cup appearances at the 1.5-mile oval, Earnhardt has scored one pole position, five top-five finishes and nine top-10s. He knows what to expect from Charlotte’s unique layout and the changing track conditions. 
 
“Turns 3 and 4 make for a tough corner, especially through the day when the sun is up,” Earnhardt said. “It gets real hard to get through the bottom of that corner and then when the sun goes down, which is typically when the race is ending, there is a lot of grip on the bottom, and it’s almost a one-groove corner at that time. It definitely changes throughout the day.”

Watch Earnhardt make his 14th appearance at the 600-mile Cup event Sunday on FOX at 6 p.m. ET.