FOR THE WIN

Dale Earnhardt Jr. gives Marine veteran the surprise of a lifetime

Michelle R. Martinelli
USA TODAY Sports

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - There are so many things to do in and around the Daytona International Speedway in the days leading up to the Daytona 500, but drivers only occasionally get to take advantage of them.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., however, lived out a longtime dream, jumping in a different kind of driver's seat this week during the countdown to Sunday's Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season-opening race.

In a video documenting his experience, the No. 88 Chevrolet driver talks about having driven boats, planes, tractors and even hot rods, but he always wanted to drive the Goodyear Blimp, which has been circling around the speedway all week.

Wednesday, that dream came true, and Earnhardt was joined by Vietnam and Gulf War veteran Paul Siverson - also one of his biggest fans - for the ride.

"This was such a cool day - being able to co-pilot the Goodyear Blimp and connect with a fan who has so honorably served our country," Earnhardt said in a press release. "I'm proud to be involved with Goodyear. Ever since we started working together, I've wanted to ride in the blimp, so this was a great experience that I will never forget."

Read more of FTW's coverage on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s return to racing here.