Dale Jr.'s racecar features 'Paint the 88' contest-winning design

Donnie Floyd, who works in the 5 and 88 shop, applies decals to the No. 88 Chevrolet
featuring the winning 'Paint the 88' design. (Courtesy of Hendrick Motorsports' website)

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity was offered to Junior Nation by Mountain Dew this year. It was the chance to paint and design the #88 Diet Mountain Dew-sponsored car driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the race in Phoenix, Ariz., this Sunday, Nov. 14.

More than 10,000 fans entered the contest, which began in July. The final decision was made in September by Earnhardt Jr. He picked the design by Jason Corino of Colorado Springs, Colo.

"I was really interested to see what the fans would come up with and what their opinions are about what our car should look like," Earnhardt Jr. said in a press release. "You want that reaction and connection with your fans, you want them to have input into what you are doing. It was a great program and as a fan you have to get excited about something like that." 

Corino, 36, who does not have a background in design, researched past paint schemes driven by Earnhardt Jr. for ideas as to what his favorite driver would like. His design integrates the traditional green and white colors associated with Mountain Dew.

"There are no words to explain how I feel, other than it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I'm excited," Corino said. "I can't wait to see the car on the track. Thank you so much Dale Jr. and Diet Mountain Dew."

On Friday night, Earnhardt Jr. was at the Phoenix Coyotes hockey game where they showed off the car on the ice. To see a video of the racecar presentation, click here. Earnhardt Jr. also took time to meet fans, answer questions and sign autographs.