NASCAR has never been shy about patriotism, and this year they are going all-out. They have announced the launch of “NASCAR Unites – An American Salute.”

Red, white and blue fans and events will highlight the summer season, starting and ending at two traditionally patriotic summer NASCAR events held at Charlotte Motor Speedway (Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-27) and Daytona International Speedway (Independence Day Weekend, July 5-7). Additional activities related to the six-week initiative will take place between these “tent-pole” events, including retail programs and other sponsor promotions.

To launch the initiative, the “NASCAR Unites – An American Salute” paint scheme for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s No. 88 National Guard Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet was revealed recently in the nation’s capital for more than 30,000 children and their guests attending the 134th Annual Easter Egg Roll event at the White House.

“The entire NASCAR community has a long history of recognizing the efforts of the men and women who serve in our country’s military,” said NASCAR President Mike Helton. “With this effort, we continue to rally the NASCAR industry to collectively express our gratitude to those who serve our country and their families. This program will reinforce our sport’s commitment to honoring the United States Military while also raising funds to help support military families.”

Teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, along with their partners and sponsors, will showcase support for the program in their own individual ways, from displaying the customized logo on their cars and trucks to developing red, white and blue paint schemes. In addition, NASCAR has provided teams with the option of running a specially designed, patriotic-themed package that would incorporate the spoiler as well as other areas of the car. Additional activities related to the platform will include retail programs and other sponsor promotions to be announced in the weeks leading into the Charlotte event weekend.

Among those NASCAR drivers already committed to “NASCAR Unites – An American Salute” paint schemes are Earnhardt, 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart, NASCAR Sprint Cup points leader Greg Biffle, Danica Patrick, Brad Keselowski and Carl Edwards.

“I’m thrilled to be part of a sport that does so much to support the military and their families,” said Edwards. “It’s an honor to support “NASCAR Unites – An American Salute,” and display the red, white and blue on the Fastenal car. I know all my partners and team look forward to showing appreciation for those who serve our country.”

As part of the program, NASCAR and The NASCAR Foundation will work with charities to fund initiatives that support military families. A social media promotion utilizing a #NASCARUnites hashtag will highlight track activations as well as patriotic activities from teams, broadcast partners and sponsors.