Photo Credit: Noel Lanier
The military salute program used for the Coca Cola 600 will once again be in effect this weekend in Daytona.
During Friday night’s Subway Firecracker 250 powered by Coca-Cola, NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers will bear the names of active military units and installations on their race car windshields. Among the military units honored include The 82nd Airborne Division, 1st Marine Raider Battalion and the USS New York (LPD-21).
“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.”
Notably, select drivers have connections to the military member they will carry on their car. Among the tributes, Elliott Sadler will carry Fort Campbell to honor JR Motorsports employee Lee Langley, who served for six years at the Army base as an infantry team leader in the 101st Airborne Division, while Justin Allgaier will carry the U.S. Air Force 469th Flight Training Squadron through a personal connection, as Allgaier is friends with Major Robert Harms, one of the pilots serving in that specific unit.
“I always look forward to getting a chance to pay homage those who serve our country at Daytona each year,” Allgaier said. “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.”
On top of the windshield tribute, NASCAR and Daytona will host hundreds of active military and veterans, along with their families, with several active military members taking part in a special moment of recognition for the U.S. Armed Forces before the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday.
