Dale Earnhardt Jr. reveals throwback paint scheme for Southern 500 at Darlington

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 car will have a design replicating the scheme he had when he won consecutive Xfinity Series championships.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is bringing out a familiar paint scheme for his final Southern 500 throwback weekend at Darlington Raceway, one that pays homage to his earliest days in NASCAR.

Earnhardt’s No. 88 Nationwide Insurance-sponsored Chevrolet will have a paint scheme mirroring the AC Delco design he raced for two years in the Xfinity Series from 1998-99. During those two years where he ascended onto the national scene, Earnhardt won consecutive championships and a combined 13 races.

The annual throwback weekend featuring historic paint schemes coincides with the Southern 500 (Sept. 3, NBC), one of NASCAR’s oldest and most prestigious races. Now in its third year, the event has transformed into a favorite among drivers, fans, and teams alike.

Earnhardt personally takes the throwback idea serious, having an active hand in conceptualizing and designing how his car will look. Last year, he sported a “Gray Ghost” paint scheme honoring NASCAR legend Buddy Baker. Hendrick did not participate in 2014, prompting Earnhardt to rebuke that he felt like “he showed up to a costume party without a costume.”