Labonte to sport LeBron scheme at Bristol

One of NASCAR's top drivers, Bobby Labonte, is joining forces with basketball superstar LeBron James to bring some extra "FLAVA" to this year's Sharpie 500.

Labonte's No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Chevrolet will be decked out in custom graphics featuring James and POWERADE's new FLAVA23 sports drink on the hood.

The newest version of the POWERADE FLAVA23 line is the second installment of the limited edition sports drink that James helped develop. His input is evident in every detail of the new beverage -- from the SourMelon flavor profile to the color and stylized packaging.

Labonte's No. 18 POWERADE FLAVA23 Chevy will carry James' stylized comic book character, "King James," soaring through the air on the way to the rim for a signature dunk.

And James himself will be on hand in Bristol to witness the debut of his likeness on a NASCAR track.

"This is going to be my first NASCAR race. I'm psyched about seeing one live 'cause the sport's incredible popularity will introduce FLAVA23 to new fans," said James. "Plus, it's cool teaming up with a former champion and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing Bobby put the FLAVA23 car in victory lane."

While James will be attending the race, it is unclear whether he'll be helping crew chief Steve Addington set the car up in race trim. "I really like the look of the race car, but I'm thinking we need to add some new rims," joked James when he first saw the car.

However, to complement the commemorative race car, Labonte will sport a custom POWERADE FLAVA23/LeBron James firesuit. Labonte is looking forward to piloting the special car through the banks and turns at Bristol Motor Speedway.

"One thing's for sure, if having LeBron and FLAVA23 on my car helps me dominate on the track the way LeBron owns the court, we should have a great night in Bristol. Just don't ask me to play one-on-one against him," said the 5-foot-9 Labonte.

Bringing James and FLAVA23 to the track is just one of the many ways POWERADE is driving awareness of the new SourMelon flavor. In addition to the special race car, POWERADE has again teamed up with DC Comics to create a new installment of the comic series about LeBron entitled "King James," which will be available in both print and online versions.

Race fans visiting the track in Bristol on Friday and Saturday will receive a collectible "King James" mini-comic with a storyline that features James and Labonte, as well as a POWERADE FLAVA23 LeBron James poster.

People everywhere will be able to view the comic online at www.flava23.com. The next full "King James" story will be available in stores this fall with the purchase of any three 32-ounce bottles of POWERADE.

As for the newest flavor to enter the sports drink world, POWERADE FLAVA23 SourMelon will be available beginning October 1 in 32-ounce bottles at retail locations throughout the U.S.

Television coverage of the 2005 Sharpie 500 is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. EDT, August 27 on TNT.

The race is set to start around 7:40 p.m., and can also be heard on the radio on the Performance Racing Network (PRN).