Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson to host a Google+ Shoppable Hangout

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will be the first athletes to host a Google+ Shoppable Hangout on Thursday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. ET before the 56th running of the Daytona 500.

The Hendrick Motorsports teammates will give fans the opportunity to join them in a Google+ Hangout, answering their questions and discussing the upcoming 2014 season. In addition, the NASCAR stars will showcase select new items from their 2014 merchandise as well as debuting items exclusive to the Google+ Hangout. Utilizing groundbreaking Google technology, the Shoppable Hangout gives viewers the ability to purchase items discussed within the Hangout via clickable links embedded next to the live video chat.

“We are always looking for ways to give our fans new experiences,” said Johnson, a two-time and defending Daytona 500 winner. “Google+ Hangouts have been a great way to interact with fans and now the ‘Shoppable’ feature adds a cool and unique element.”

The Hangout will be broadcast on www.bit.ly/488hangout and also streamed on JimmieJohnson.com, DaleJr.com and NASCAR.COM.

Fans interested in participating in the Hangout can visit goo.gl/Dfe8SH to register for the chance to be chosen as a participant. Four participants will be selected to join the Hangout and all fans are encouraged to tune in at 2 p.m. ET and submit their questions via Twitter and Google+ using the hashtag #488Hangout.

While Johnson is no stranger to Hangouts having hosted two during the 2013 season, Earnhardt will quickly be getting the “hang” of things as he is scheduled to host two Hangouts during the month of February alone.  JR Motorsports sponsor TaxSlayer will be hosting a Hangout with Earnhardt on Feb. 18 and this Shoppable Hangout with Johnson on Feb. 20.   

“I haven’t been too involved in the social space but am really excited about this,” said Earnhardt, the 2004 Daytona 500 winner.  “I enjoy getting to chat with fans, and I think it will be cool doing this with Jimmie, and we’ll have a good time.”

In addition to the four fans chosen to join the Hangout, all viewers at home will get the first look at two never-before-seen 2014 items launched exclusively by Earnhardt and Johnson within the Hangout.

“Google has done a great job of staying innovative in the space and I know Dale and I are excited to bring this shoppable technology to sports. I think our fans will really enjoy hearing about the new merchandise for 2014 and I’m certain they will like the exclusive items we’re going to announce in the Hangout.”

For more information and to sign up for the Hangout, visit www.google.com/+JimmieJohnson