Martin Truex Jr. will drive the Wrangler colors at Darlington Credit: Contributed photo

Wrangler unveils retro scheme for Truex Jr.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- When Martin Truex Jr. rolls on to the historic track of Darlington Raceway this weekend, history also will be on his car.

He'll have a blue and yellow No. 8 Chevrolet with the Wrangler paint scheme like the one seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt carried for years. It was in 1980 that Dale Earnhardt earned his first NASCAR championship with the same scheme and sponsor on board.

Dale Earnhardt beginning in 1981 drove the original scheme, but it made its debut in the final race of the 1980 season at Ontario Speedway, when Earnhardt beat Cale Yarborough for the title by 19 points. The Wrangler colors remained on the car through 1987 with several variations and owners along the way.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. personally chose the 1981 version to run at Darlington this weekend. Truex Jr. will be decked out in an early 1980's style race uniform and his crew will also sport the yellow and blue team colors. They're even going to don throwback "trucker" mesh style hats.

"Darlington has 50 years of history and tradition in NASCAR and this paint scheme represents the history and tradition of the Earnhardts," Earnhardt Jr. said. "My dad had a great association with Wrangler and I'm proud of my association with them, as well. Dad won two championships with the Wrangler car. This weekend would be great for Martin to bring the Wrangler yellow and blue to another championship."

"It is truly an honor to be driving the Wrangler car with a retro-paint scheme honoring Dale Earnhardt," Truex Jr. said. "Just to have the opportunity to win my first championship with this paint scheme is beyond anything any driver could ever dream. I would like to thank Teresa, Dale Jr. and the Wrangler Corporation for making this possible. I just hope the history of Wrangler and NASCAR championships repeats itself this weekend."

Wrangler Jeans Company signed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. this year. Part of the revitalized partnership includes sponsorship of several NASCAR Busch Series races through Chance 2 Motorsports and a new line of men's carpenter and cargo jeans, co-designed by Dale Earnhardt Jr.