Last night at approximately 11:15 Eastern time, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., took the National Guard #88 car to a first place victory at the coveted Daytona 500. Last year, EANGUS members were instrumental in the National Guard keeping its appropriation to sponsor major motorsports. More than 1,350 EANGUS members responded to a scientific poll that analyzed their perceptions of the value of the #88 car and Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s , contributions to recruiting and retention in the National Guard. The results of the poll were 80-85% positive and Congress utilized the results to support continuation of the sponsorship.
“Dale Junior’s victory last night at Daytona was the validation that the National Guard sponsorship is an incredible branding investment,” said Al Garver, EANGUS Executive Director, who was traveling, but caught the last eight laps of the race from his hotel room. “Winning the Daytona with the National Guard #88 car is a special value all its own, that just makes the brand stronger and more valuable to the National Guard.”
Garver also noted the incredibel victory for Hendrick Motorsports, who had three of the top five finishers at Daytona last night. Jimmie Johnson finished 4th, and Jeff Gordon finished 5th. “Hendrick Motorsports has been an amazing steward of the National Guard brand, and I assure you the entire team is determined to do all they can to keep America’s National Guard strong,” Garver continued. “EANGUS congratulates everyon at Hendrick for the win at Daytona!”
