Dale Earnhardt Jr., third-generation American stock car racing driver and team owner, along with local National Guard Soldiers, will visit Fossil Ridge High School on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. to meet with students who have excelled in academic, athletic and leadership roles. 

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s appearance on behalf of the National Guard is to strengthen the relationship with local schools, increase National Guard branding and messaging, and to help assist Recruiting and Retention Non-Commissioned Officers in developing rapport with high school administrators, coaches and staff.

A group of 100 juniors and seniors who have met academic or athletic standards will be selected to attend the meet-and-greet session with Earnhardt and get the chance to take a photo with him and get his autograph. Earnhardt will also meet with school and district administrators and participate in a live Q&A session with the entire student body. Later during his visit, ten selected students will participate in an interview with Earnhardt.

The National Guard is in its sixth year as a co-sponsor of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s No. 88 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. National Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while training part time, staying ready to defend America in the event of an emergency. Serving both the state and federal governments, the Guard is unique in that its units are combat-trained and can be deployed overseas or in their own communities–training just one weekend per month, and one two-week period each year.

The 2013 season marks Earnhardt's 14th in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series competition. Through 2012, he has 19 career victories, including the 2004 Daytona 500. His 19 victories tie him for 37th on NASCAR's all-time race winners list. Earnhardt finished the 2012 season ranked 12th in the championship standings on the strength of a 10.9 average finishing position, the best of his career. 

The tentative schedule for Earnhardt at FRHS is:

            1-2 p.m. – Meet and greet sessions for administrators and students

            2:10-2:30 p.m. – Q&A session with student body

            2:30-3 p.m. – School/student media interviews

Story courtesy of Keller ISD