Freedom Car headed to World Series

American Legion/David Law Firm 76 Freedom Car driver Jerick Johnson joins NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt Jr. in Shelby, N.C., as part of American Legion Baseball World Series festivities.

Team Johnson Motorsports crew and Johnson are scheduled to appear alongside his winning 76 Freedom Car to sign autographs and greet fans Aug. 11 from 4-8 p.m. at the entrance of the County Fairgrounds.

Earnhardt, one of the most recognizable figures in professional sports, will be at Shelby's Keeter Stadium Aug. 15 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., signing autographs and greeting fans.

Earnhardt, a native of nearby Kannapolis, N.C., decided to attend the event to show his support for the Legion and the National Guard. His showcase 88 National Guard Car will also be on exhibit at the stadium.

Johnson arrives in Shelby touting four straight oval track victories and six wins in the last eight starts at tracks in Tennessee, Georgia and Ohio.

"I think we've found our groove both on and off the track," Johnson said. "There's only one thing more fun than driving a race car, and that is driving a winning race car. And I've got to say we're having a lot of fun lately."

In addition to his six victories this season, Johnson has accumulated 14 top-10 finishes and 12 top-five finishes in 18 starts.

Johnson's next race is Aug. 20 at Newport Motor Speedway in Tennessee followed by a race August 27 at Elko Speedway in Minnesota.

The Elko "Eve of Destruction" race event will give Legionnaires attending this year's national convention in Minneapolis the opportunity to see Johnson and The American Legion/David Law Firm 76 Freedom Car in action at no cost. Any American Legion member will be granted free admittance to the race by presenting their American Legion card.

Elko Speedway gates open at 5 p.m., with qualifying starting at 6 p.m.