(Courtesy JR Motorsports and NASCAR Media)

TALLADEGA, Ala. - The U.S. Navy and NASCAR's five-time most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., announced the formation of the Dale Jr. Division, an 88-person boot camp division at Recruit Training Command. Potential sailors will be able to start signing up for the division on May 24 at their local recruiting station.

To officially launch the division, Earnhardt Jr. will drive the JR Motorsports No. 83 Navy Dale Jr. Division Monte Carlo SS in the NASCAR Nationwide Series CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 24. The national recruiting effort is the first of its kind for the Navy, and will be supported by a national advertising and marketing campaign.

"This is the first time we've developed a national-level recruiting program, focused on the synergy of the Navy and a high performing, non-military partner," said Captain Jack Hanzlik, Chief of Naval Personnel, public affairs officer. "NASCAR is a high-tech sport and the type of equipment, teamwork and commitment required to be a winning organization is very similar to what it takes to succeed in the Navy - that's why we've partnered with the top team in the industry.

"Everything JR Motorsports does is centered around excellence, teamwork and professional development and that squarely places them in that number one seat, and that's where the Navy sits in the defense of our Nation. The Navy is constantly seeking to bring aboard the most talented young men and women that represent our diverse nation. For those who want to join an organization that offers tremendous opportunity and the chance to make a difference in our global future, join the Navy Dale Jr. Division."

Recruits who sign up for the Dale Jr. Division will ship to Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill., in late August and the division will be commissioned by Earnhardt Jr. after initial in-processing. Earnhardt Jr. will again visit "his" recruits upon completion of their seven-to-eight week course.

"JR Motorsports has enjoyed a great relationship with the Navy for several years now," Earnhardt Jr. said. "Through that relationship I've been able to meet a number of sailors from various commands and it's always cool to hear their stories and learn more about what they do to protect and serve our country. I'm honored to be a part of the Navy's first-ever national recruiting campaign, and I look forward to going up to Great Lakes to commission them once all 88 recruits are in place."

In addition, Brad Keselowski, driver of the No. 88 Navy Chevrolet who is coming up through a Dale Jr. division in his own right by competing in his first full season of NASCAR Nationwide Series competition for JR Motorsports, will join the division during training to learn the boot camp basics such as marching, damage control and physical training.

Space for the division will be limited to 88 recruits, so those interested are encouraged to act quickly to reserve a spot. The division is open to enlisted men and women interested in any of the 60 career fields the Navy has to offer.

For more information on and after May 24, interested parties can visit www.navy.com/dalejr, call 1-800-554-1820, or visit their local recruiter.