Michael Phelps on No. 31 AT&T Car

Michael Phelps

The 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing are fast approaching and Team USA swimmer Michael Phelps, 23, is in rare form. At the 2008 U.S. Olympic swimming trials in Omaha, Neb., Phelps set two world records (200 individual medley, 400 individual medley) and one U.S. Open record (200 freestyle), ultimately qualifying to compete in eight events in Beijing (5 individual and 3 relays).

Phelps – a 22-time world record holder – has cemented his status in the upcoming games as “one-to-watch". He is already an eight-time Olympic medalist with six gold and two bronze medals from the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

To drive excitement and show support for Team USA, AT&T recently announced a new paint scheme for Richard Childress Racing’s (RCR) No.31 AT&T Chevrolet, driven by NASCAR Cup Series veteran Jeff Burton. Featured on the car is an image of Phelps (seen here) along with Nastia Liukin, a rising star in her own right from Team USA’s gymnastics squad.

“The excitement and encouragement we receive from fans around the Olympic Games is incredible, and it really motivates us to compete at our very best," said Phelps. “The new paint scheme will help drive that enthusiasm for the Olympic Games, and it’s a privilege to be showcased on the No. 31. AT&T Car."

The custom paint scheme will run during the Pennsylvania 500 on Aug. 3 at Pocono Raceway.