'Man in Black' pays tribute to two American legends

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Dale Earnhardt and Johnny Cash on Thursday were honored at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as two of the greatest American icons ever. Meant to perpetuate the legacies of both men, "The Man in Black" program provides music fans and race supporters the ultimate historical crossroad between country music and NASCAR.

A black No. 3 racecar with Earnhardt's famous paint scheme was unveiled with Cash and Earnhardt's names and likenesses on the sides and hood of the car. The "Man in Black" car, the first in a multi-year series that will perpetuate the legacy of Earnhardt by teaming him up with other iconic American personalities, puts one of the most influential American musicians on the hood of the car of NASCAR's most respected driver of all-time.

Earnhardt is remembered by fans for his highly aggressive driving style and down-to-earth, blue-collar personality. Known throughout his career as The Intimidator, Dale Earnhardt also was synonymous with the color black earning him the nickname once reserved for Cash -- The Man in Black.

A Grammy Award-winning country singer/songwriter, Cash is widely considered to be one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century and one of country music's most beloved personalities. Cash, known for his deep, distinctive voice, rugged persona, intimidating personality and dark clothing, has drawn a lot of comparisons to Earnhardt during the course of the last several decades. Cash was always known, and is remembered today, as a rugged, tough, no nonsense icon -- very similar to how Earnhardt's fans remember the seven-time Cup Series champion.

Motorsports Authentics, through its Action Racing Collectables die-cast brand, will be offering a collectible version of the limited edition No. 3 Dale Earnhardt/Johnny Cash car. Pre-orders are being taken on NASCAR.COM (click here to order). Chase Authentics, the authentic trackside apparel of NASCAR, also will offer an array of apparel items such as hats, T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts.