Elvis paint scheme featured in die-cast

Fifty years ago this month, the release of Elvis Presley's recording of "That's All Right" by Sun Records signaled the birth of Rock 'n' Roll.

In commemoration of that musical milestone, NASCAR icon Bill Elliott will race a specially-decorated No. 09 Elvis Presley 'He Dared To Rock' Dodge in the Sam's Town 'He Dared To Rock' 250 NASCAR Busch Series race, set for October 23 at Memphis Motorsports Park. The car will be sponsored by Lucas Oil and Boyd Gaming Corporation's Sam's Town Tunica Hotel & Gambling Hall.

The car, bearing an unmistakable Elvis logo on the hood, was unveiled at a ceremony at the legendary Sun Studio two weeks ago. "Just to be a part of an event like this is an honor," said Elliott, a former NASCAR Cup Series champion and 16-time Most Popular Driver.

Elliott will make his first Busch Series start in more than 10 years.

"What a neat deal it's going to be, running with Elvis in his hometown. We've got a good-looking paint scheme that sure would look good in Victory Lane, too."

This will mark the third time the King of Rock 'n' Roll has been featured on a NASCAR race car. Rusty Wallace raced Elvis-themed paint schemes in 1998 and 2002.

"We have long enjoyed our relationship with racing and NASCAR," said Jack Soden, CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises. "As we celebrate this very special 50th anniversary year, we just know how proud Elvis would be to know that his image and Legacy are being honored in this exciting sport and, even better, in his own hometown."

Elliott himself is no stranger to special paint scheme promotions. In fact, Awesome Bill was one of the pioneers of the concept. In 1995, he raced a unique design promoting the motion picture "Batman Forever!" in which his McDonald's-sponsored Ford was dubbed the "Thunderbat."

Die-cast replicas of the No. 09 Elvis Presley 'He Dared To Rock' Dodge are available in die-cast from Action Performance Companies. You'll find them in the NASCAR.COM SuperStore.