As if the Carolina Collector Auto Fest wasn't exciting enough, Strutmasters had another trick up its sleeve during the weekend of May 17-19.
As guests walked into the Livin' the Dream Cafe, they were greeted by a car driven by one of NASCAR's most beloved drivers, Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Jr. doesn't need any introduction for anyone with even a passing familiarity with NASCAR. In addition to his own illustrious career, Earnhardt Jr. bears the namesake of perhaps the sport's most legendary driver.
The #88 Chevy looking mean
Buying Earnhardt Jr's car an easy decision
Strutmasters founder and owner Chip Lofton said the decision to buy the vehicle was a no-brainer.
"When you get a chance at something like this it's hard to pass it up," said Lofton. "Dale Jr. is an icon of racing, just like his father. When you love racing as much as we do and as much as our customers do, you just have to go for it."
Earnhardt Jr. drove this particular number 88 Chevy just once before donating it. Since then, the car has been on display across the country. This has allowed racing fans a view inside the cockpit.
Junebug's love of North Carolina was noted and appreciated.
Reactions from the CCAF
Guests of the Carolina Collector Auto Fest were ecstatic to see the famous #8 car driven by "The Pied Piper of Daytona."
"It's really cool to see Dale Jr.'s car up close and personal like this," said David Straughan, a CCAF attendee. "Normally on TV these cars are going so fast you don't really get a good look at them. I am also surprised to see how simple they are on the inside."
These decals are a little harder to read at 200 MPH.
Acquiring a legendary driver's race car is just another in a series of moves Strutmasters has made to build up their racing credentials. The company is quickly becoming a well-recognized name among fans of the sport.
