Labonte paint scheme honors D-Day veterans

As part of its ongoing celebration of American patriotism and in honor of the 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, credit card lender MBNA has dubbed the June 6 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race at Dover, the MBNA 400: A Salute to Heroes. Pre-race activities will honor those Americans whose heroism in the liberation of Europe earned them the title, "The Greatest Generation."

Activities will include a fly-over of World War II-era military aircraft, including the world's only B-29 bomber still in flight. D-Day veterans will be active participants in pre-race ceremonies.

In addition, the No. 18 MBNA-sponsored Joe Gibbs Racing Chevrolet piloted by Bobby Labonte will carry a special MBNA/D-Day 60th Anniversary paint scheme. The car will be decorated in a style reminiscent of World War II military equipment and will carry the phrase, "We will accept nothing less than full victory," that was included in General Dwight Eisenhower's Order of the Day on June 5, 1944.

"I think with the special paint scheme on the car and, obviously, what it stands for, there will be more recognition on the race track," Labonte said.

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Action Performance Companies has produced die-cast replicas of the No. 18 MBNA/D-Day 60th Anniversary Chevrolet in a variety of styles and scales. MBNA will donate a portion of its royalties from sales of the die-cast to the D-Day Memorial Foundation and to the Armed Forces Family Scholarship and Assistance Fund (AFFSAF), administered by the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation (MCLEF).

"On the 60th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, it is necessary to reflect on the sacrifices that so many soldiers made in the cause of freedom," explained Fred Wagenhals, Action's chairman, president and CEO. "That day changed the course of history. Because the NASCAR Nextel Cup race in Dover also coincides with the D-Day anniversary, it will provide a unique forum to showcase the No. 18 MBNA/D-Day Commemorative Chevrolet Monte Carlo. I expect that this car will also make a special die-cast collectible for Bobby Labonte fans and anyone who wants to demonstrate his or her patriotic pride."