When CARS Tour first announced a throwback event for August at Hickory Motor Speedway, attention immediately turned to JR Motorsports and driver Josh Berry for which iconic paint scheme the team would revive.
After all, the organization had the entire Earnhardt legacy to pull from.
Ultimately, the team chose the No. 83 Late Model Stock that Kelley Earnhardt-Miller drove around the Carolinas in the mid-1990s. The idea was entirely conceived by Berry, whom wanted to find a way to say thank you to a team who has provided so much to keep in him in a car over the past decade. Earnhardt is the co-owner of JR Motorsports.
“When we first heard about this Throwback race, this was the idea that first popped into my head,” Berry said. “Dale, Kelley and L.W. (Miller) have been so influential to my career and this was just a way to give back.”
READ MORE: Every Throwback 276 throwback scheme
Earnhardt-Miller was actually believed by many to be the most talented of the Dale Jr., Kerry and Kelley Earnhardt trio, but her career ultimately took her to the boardroom where she has excelled as the driving force behind JRM.
“Josh didn’t elaborate, but he really wanted to surprise me,” Earnhardt said. “I did know he was going to do this car, and to know that he thought of me honored and surprised me. I swear it looks just like my car. It gives me goosebumps and chills.”
The Throwback 276 will feature 138-lap green flag races for both the Super Late Models and the Late Model Stock divisions. The 276 total laps matches the 1971 and 1972 distance the NASCAR Cup Series ran at the .363 mile track. In addition to the race distance; a special red, white, and blue throwback “CARS Tour Late Model Series” logo will be used on all branding, including special CARS Tour official uniforms and various tour merchandise that will be made available.
TV Guide: Where to watch Late Model racing this weekend
SPECS
Throwback Driver: No. 38 Kelley Earnhardt-Miller
Car Make: Chevrolet
Stat History: Weekly contender across the Carolinas and Virginias
Sponsor: Mom N’ Pop’s Microwavable Foods
Year/Series Competed: 1990s NASCAR Weekly Racing Series
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