NASCAR XFINITY Series to salute U.S. Military at Daytona
This weekend, NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers will bear the names of active military units and installations on their race car windshields during Friday's Subway Firecracker 250 Powered By Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway.
Several NASCAR XFINITY Series teams that have personal or direct connections to the units displayed on their race cars will honor the military. Driver Brendan Gaughan's windshield will read "23RD STS," representing the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron (U.S. Air Force) from Hurlburt Field in Fort Walton, Fla.
Elliott Sadler's windshield will honor Fort Campbell to recognize JR Motorsports employee Lee Langley, who served for six years at the Army base as an infantry team leader in the 101st Airborne Division.
Ty Dillon and Brandon Jones both work with Hope 4 Warriors and will honor 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines and 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marines, respectively, from Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C.
Justin Allgaier is friends with Major Robert Harms, one of the pilots serving in U.S. Air Force 469th Flight Training Squadron. Allgaier will honor the personal connection.
"I always look forward to getting a chance to pay homage those who serve our country at Daytona each year," said Allgaier. "We're thankful to Comcast for providing the space on all of our cars to support these military heroes and to NASCAR for continuing their NASCAR Salutes program. This year there's a personal tie for me as I get to display the squadron of one of my friends. We love that we're able to support our military, but a sticker or event will never be enough to truly give them all the credit they deserve for what they do."
"NASCAR's long-standing tradition of honoring the U.S. Armed Forces will never waver -- it is woven into the fabric of our sport," said Brent Dewar, Chief Operating Officer, NASCAR. "We have a unique opportunity with the NASCAR XFINITY Series to pay tribute to the military units and bases integral to preserving our country's freedom."
Several military activities are planned for the Independence Day weekend races at Daytona International Speedway, culminating with Saturday's Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola.
Pre-race activities planned will feature a flyover of four F-16s from the 93rd Fighter Squadron from Homestead Air Reserve Base during the national anthem as 200 military members unfurl a giant American flag in the infield.
