// MotorSportsNews.Net(work)

(MOORESVILLE, N.C.) Feb. 12, 2008 – With the new year in full throttle, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shows no signs of slowing down. This week the legendary driver launched the brand-new “JR Nation” fan club. The new fan community comes close on the heels of major change for Earnhardt Jr. who left a long history with Dale Earnhardt Inc. to drive the No. 88 Mountain Dew AMP/National Guard Chevrolet Impala SS in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series for Hendrick Motorsports.

“The 2008 season is a fresh start for me,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “In appreciation of all of the fans who’ve supported me over the years, we’ve launched a new fan club. We want to make it better than ever as I shift into the next part of my career.”

The JR Nation fan club will be the best way for fans to get together and show support for their favorite driver. Announcements will be posted directly from Earnhardt Jr.’s headquarters at JR Motorsports in Mooresville, N.C. Contests and giveaways will be a hallmark of the club, including a regular-running “Race Reporter” contest which gives fans a chance to report on the action. Race Reporter winners will have the opportunity to have their recap published on JR Nation and receive a commemorative lanyard. Near the end of the season, the best Race Reporter selected by JR Nation members will win an ultimate flyaway for the final race before the Chase for the Cup begins.

“Dale Jr. is one of the most respected figures in racing, both for his on-track victories and his grace and dignity off. Having won the 2007 NASCAR NMPA Chex® Most Popular Driver for the fifth consecutive year it is clear that Dale Jr.’s fans will follow him anywhere and we’re honored he chose us to grow the JR Nation Fan Club,” said Lawrence Peryer, UltraStar President. “We’re thrilled to show NASCAR that we can bring excellence to online communities in the racing world just like we’ve done for 10 years in the music business.”

In honor of the launch, JR Nation is giving new members opportunities to win special prizes during the first 88 hours. From launch at 3:00 pm ET today through 7 a.m. ET on Friday, anyone who purchases a JR Nation membership is entered to win a grand prize 88 year JR Nation membership, an $88 gift card to ShopJRNation.com and a commemorative plaque signed by Dale Jr. All fans who join in the first 88 hours will be eligible for one of several other gift cards for ShopJRNation.com, and every new member will receive a special bonus gift with their 2008 membership kit. Anyone visiting JR Nation during the 88 hour celebration can also register for a free two-week limited access trial to the fan club.

Membership in JR Nation is just $34.88, and will provide full access to JR Nation online including access to exclusive media, contests, members-only message boards and chats, 10 percent off merchandise at ShopJRNation.com, and an annual JR Nation Crew Kit. The exclusive 2008 kit includes a welcome letter from Earnhardt Jr., vinyl banner, license plate frame, decal, zipper pull, collapsible can coolers, soft-sided cooler and membership card all emblazoned with “JR Nation Crew.”

“The new fan club will have cool, interactive features to help give fans a better look into my life both on and off the track,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “The new club will have access to the all-new JR Nation online community that offers the latest announcements, behind-the-scenes multimedia, a members-only message board and chat room, discounts on merchandise at JR Nation and a ton of other features.”

To visit the new JR Nation fan club, go to www.DaleJr.com and click on “Fan Club”

For Dale Jr.’s official website, visit www.DaleJr.com.

For Dale Jr. gear, check out the official online store at www.ShopJRNation.com..