Dale Earnhardt Jr. latest NASCAR driver to take Ice Bucket Challenge
NASCAR's most popular driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the latest NASCAR driver to take part in the latest social media craze, the Ice Bucket Challenge benefiting the ALS Association.
Nominated by Washington Redskins Ryan Kerrigan and Pierre Garcon, Earnhardt Jr. took his turn having the ice cold bucket of water poured on his head after Friday's opening practice at Michigan International Speedway.
After taking part in the challenge, each person then challenges three other people to take part as well. After his shower of ice-cold water, Earnhardt Jr. nominated his crew chief Steve Letarte, his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jimmie Johnson, and Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder.
Johnson, who was also challenged by singer and friend Nick Lachey, was not as willing to take the challenge, but gladly said he would provide a donation. Earnhardt Jr. was not willing to let his teammate get out the easy way, though.
Thnx for the #ALSIceBucketChallenge nomination @dalejr @NickLachey & others, I'm going to skip the ice to write a big check.?
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) August 15, 2014
.@JimmieJohnson @NickLachey I did the ice and the check. C'mon ol buddy ol pal. I got a bucket cold and ready.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) August 15, 2014
The Ice Bucket Challenge has been sweeping social media as of late, with NASCAR drivers Kevin Harvick, Aric Almirola and NASCAR on FOX's Michael Waltrip.
According to sports business reporter Darren Rovell, the Ice Bucket Challenge has raised $9.5 million over the last two weeks, compared to $1.6 million over the same time span last year.
$9.5M in donations to @alsassociation over last two weeks vs $1.6M over same time period last year #IceBucketChallenge
— darren rovell (@darrenrovell) August 15, 2014