Story Number: NNS070829-09
Release Date: 8/29/2007 1:51:00 PM
By Jeffrey Nichols, Commander Navy Recruiting Command Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS)

In honor of the 65th anniversary of the Seabees, the No. 88 Navy Chevrolet will feature a special Navy Seabee’s paint scheme for the Sept. 1 race at California Speedway in Fontana, Calif.
Instead of the regular navy-colored paint scheme, the No. 88 will be tan with the Seabee’s 65th anniversary logo adorning the hood.

"I think it's great. Nice to see that one of America's favorite pastimes is honoring true American heroes," said Lt. Sam Bridges of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast.

Driver Brad Keselowski will be behind the wheel of Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s JR Motorsports-owned No. 88 car.

‘I’m honored to run the special Seabee’s paint scheme this weekend,” Keselowski said. “The car looks really great. It’s pretty awesome to get to represent the Sailors who defend our country out on the track each week.”

Keselowski added the benefits to driving the No. 88 Navy Chevrolet at California Speedway.

“Working with the Navy team is very different. I’m excited to go back to the track with a competitive car and a team that has a shot at a top ten or a top-five run,” Keselowski said. “It makes a huge difference to show up with a team that has all the parts and pieces in place to run up front.”

Cmdr. Steve Fitzgerald, executive officer, Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss. said his Seabees wouldn't miss it.

"Absolutely. Growing up in east Tennessee I have been a NASCAR fan all my life. Seabees enjoy exciting, family events and we are extremely happy to see such a nice tribute," Fitzgerald said.

In June, JR Motorsports team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. visited the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Miss. He visited with a number of Navy Seabees stationed there and gained experience with some of the equipment they work with on a daily basis.

“The Navy team has run well at California in the past. We had a good run there earlier in the year until we broke a shock,” said Wes Ward, crew chief, No. 88 Navy Seabee Chevrolet Monte Carlo. “We had a top-ten car that day and I’m confident the car we’re taking this weekend can run in the top 10 as well. I’m looking forward to going back to California and getting a top ten for the Navy.”