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Ahead of the much-anticipated Coca Cola 600, some of NASCAR’s top drivers are getting a taste of military life. These unique experiences are part of Charlotte Motor Speedway’s military appreciation program, aptly named Mission 600, designed to bridge the gap between the world of high-speed racing and military service.
In a fascinating look into naval operations, Joey Logano recently boarded the USS Nitze at Naval Station Norfolk. There, he delved into the sailors’ world, navigating through realistic situations in the ship’s simulation room and even serving the crew a meal.
A special experience for @joeylogano. 🇺🇸 #Mission600 x #NASCARSalutes pic.twitter.com/w8icIpHLVp
— Charlotte Motor Speedway (@CLTMotorSpdwy) May 10, 2023
April witnessed Austin Dillon and his pit crew interacting with the soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg, soon to be renamed Fort Liberty on June 2nd.
Meanwhile, Daniel Suarez took a virtual journey to meet with members of the Area Support Group Jordan. This active component organization focuses on enhancing cooperation with Jordanian troops. On the other hand, Aric Almirola ventured to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, immersing himself in the lives of the Marines of the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.
Everything’s a race with these guys. 🏁#Mission600 | @RCRracing | @NASCAR pic.twitter.com/qqaaL5MiZK
— Charlotte Motor Speedway (@CLTMotorSpdwy) April 19, 2023
Famed driver Denny Hamlin, alongside others from the NASCAR industry, took a poignant trip to the Pentagon earlier this month. Here, they engaged with service members and paid tribute by laying a wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
This exclusive meeting at the Pentagon also offered a chance to discuss the vital role of the NASCAR/DOD partnership with Deputy Secretary of Defense, Kathleen H. Hicks. Emphasizing the importance of the racing community in maintaining the military’s legacy as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the all-volunteer force, she praised their efforts in shining a spotlight on service members and their families.
What a privilege it was today to spend time at Camp Lejeune for a day in the life with Marines of the 2nd Light Armored Recon Battalion. These men an women are the real deal! #Mission600 x #NASCARSalutes pic.twitter.com/wSf2GY6lfW
— Aric Almirola (@Aric_Almirola) May 16, 2023
“You are instrumental in bringing stories of service members and their families to the forefront and our mission to millions of people. That’s important for increasing understanding of what we do and the sacrifices that service members and military families make to ensure our nation’s security,” Hicks told the visitors. “Your amplification also reaches a huge potential pool of talent who may go on to serve their country and defend the nation.”
Start your engines!
Visitors from @NASCAR, @CLTMotorSpdwy, Coca-Cola and NASCAR driver @dennyhamlin took a tour of the Pentagon and @ArlingtonNatl as part of Charlotte Motor Speedway’s military appreciation program. pic.twitter.com/L9lzbqAWYo
— Department of Defense 🇺🇸 (@DeptofDefense) May 4, 2023
The Coca Cola 600, NASCAR’s longest race, clocking in at an astounding 600 miles, has been a fixture since 1960. This exciting event was the inaugural race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, and it continues to be a highlight on the racing calendar, uniting the exhilaration of NASCAR with a deep appreciation for military service.
Source: Dept. of Defense
