Earnhardt visits `Handy Manny' prime-time special

The children's animated TV series ``Handy Manny Big Race'' is going prime time Saturday night with Dale Earnhardt Jr.

NASCAR star Earnhardt voices the character of Chase Davis, who steps in to help Manny compete in the Wood Valley 500 auto race. The special, debuting at 7 p.m. EDT Saturday on the Disney Channel, stars Wilmer Valderrama as the voice of Manny.

Earnhardt says he decided to participate in ``Handy Manny'' because his 4-year-old niece is a fan of the show. The Disney Channel series is designed to teach preschoolers about working together and problem-solving.

The ``Handy Manny'' special also features a new song performed by Lance Bass, who voices the character of Elliot.