Kenny Schrader and the New American Hero

I have a die-cast replica of a NASCAR car with an Alabama Crimson Tide-themed paint job in my office. It was given to me by the late, legendary Evan Lloyd, because he knew I was a Bama fan, not necessarily a stock car junkie. It's one of my favorite possessions.

Now I think I need another die-cast.

Regan Smith, a generally average driver in the Sprint Cup, will drive the 88 car in the next three Xfinity Series races. The Xfinity events are NASCAR's minor leagues. Some of you may remember them as the Nationwide Series, or another of the dizzying parade of major sponsors that I've completely forgotten. Smith's turn behind the wheel is unremarkable, but his major sponsor is not.

Smith will be running the Dale's Pale Ale Chevy Camaro. In fact, he already did, taking the car to an 11th place finish on Friday night at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Longtime G:TB readers will be well aware of our affinity for Oskar Blues' flagship brand, the first craft beer to be packaged in cans. It's heartening to know that Dale's is successful enough to be able to afford national exposure.

And it's only a matter of time before the pioneering brewery meets its namesake on the track. Dale Earnhardt, Dale's Pale Ale. Match made in heaven. Or at least in North Carolina.