Nationwide Partners with Hendrick Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Chevrolet at Barrett-Jackson Auction

1970 Chevelle and No. 88 Nationwide Chevy Hit the Block with Proceeds Benefitting Nationwide Children's Hospital

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Jan 17, 2017, 08:33 ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 17, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Nationwide, in partnership with Hendrick Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Chevrolet, will highlight the star-studded Barrett-Jackson classic car auction on Jan. 21 with a pair of custom vehicles.

On the block will be a 1970 Chevelle co-designed by Earnhardt and Chevrolet, and the No. 88 Nationwide Chevrolet SS driven by Earnhardt during the 2014 and 2015 NASCAR Cup Series seasons. The cars will be auctioned off in tandem, with 100 percent of the hammer price to be donated by Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet to Nationwide Children's Hospital.

"This is a first-class event for classic car enthusiasts," said Terrance Williams, chief marketing officer at Nationwide. "I would like to thank Rick Hendrick and Chevrolet for donating these two cars to create a once-in-a-lifetime auction opportunity that benefits Nationwide Children's Hospital."

The 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is a modern pro-touring upgrade of its original self. It is the first car to feature Chevrolet's Connect and Cruise Crate Powertrain System, which includes a supercharged LSA/4L85-E engine and transmission combination producing 556-horsepower. The paint scheme, chrome and wheel designs were fashioned by Earnhardt. Each step of the meticulous design and build was overseen by the team at GM's Milford Proving Grounds.

The No. 88 Nationwide Chevrolet SS will be the first-ever Gen 6, fuel-injected stock car to cross the Barrett-Jackson auction block. The car was driven by Earnhardt in short track NASCAR Cup Series races in 2014 and 2015, including Nationwide's debut as a primary partner on the No. 88 in September 2014 at Richmond International Raceway.

"The Barrett-Jackson community has a long history of not only getting excited about special cars but rallying behind great causes and organizations," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "I expect this unique pair of custom vehicles will be very popular on the auction block and have a terrific impact on young people and their families through the wonderful work of the Nationwide Children's Hospital. Nationwide and Chevrolet have each made an incredible impact with their many charitable initiatives, and we're proud to have partners who do so much good."

The auction is part of the 46^th annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, taking place Jan. 14-22 at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Ariz. For more information, visit barrett-jackson.com.

Nationwide is a leading provider of classic car insurance offering Guaranteed Value Coverage™ on a wide range of vehicles, including antique and classic cars, muscle cars and vintage race cars. Additionally, Nationwide offers insurance for classic car dealers, restoration shops and classic car haulers.

About Nationwide
Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor's. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, commercial, homeowners, farm, life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; banking and mortgages; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle, boat and classic car insurance. For more information, visit nationwide.com.

Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.

CONTACT: Adam Fell
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714-706-5520

SOURCE Nationwide