Horsepower for troops

CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY, N.C. - Soldiers from Fort Bragg, N.C., complete a "victory lap" after performing a simulated invasion during opening ceremonies of the Coca-Cola 600 here, May 29, 2011. As part of NASCAR's Memorial Day tribute military members received free tickets to the track's two-week long events. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Rae Perry)(RELEASED)

Horsepower for troops

CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY, N.C. - U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Ian Brown and his wife, Monica, cheer on the number 11 Fed-Ex Toyota of Denny Hamlin during the Coca-Cola 600 here, May 29, 2011. Before the cars took to the track, Soldiers from Fort Bragg, N.C., performed in various pre-race events including parachute jumps and a simulated military invasion. Sergeant Brown, a Civil Affairs Team sergeant, hails from Blackstone,Va., his wife, Monica, hails from Roanoke, Va. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Rae Perry)(RELEASED)

Horsepower for troops

CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY, N.C. - A B-2 Spirit from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., performs a fly-over during the opening ceremonies of the Coca-Cola 600 here, May 29, 2011. Charlotte Motor Speedway hosted many military members and their families to celebrate Memorial Day. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Rae Perry)(RELEASED)

Horsepower for troops

CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY, N.C. - "Larry the Cable Guy," the voice of Mater from the animated film "Cars" drives the pace car for the start of the Coca-Cola 600 here, May 29, 2011. Kurt Busch, driver of the number 2 Miller Lite Dodge started on the pole position (inside) and A.J. Allmendinger, driver of the 43 U.S. Air Force Ford, started second (outside). (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Rae Perry)(RELEASED)

Horsepower for troops

CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY, N.C. - A.J. Allmendinger, driver of the 43 U.S. Air Force Ford, races the number 2 Miller Lite Dodge of Kurt Busch back to the start/finish line during a caution here, May 29, 2011. The caution flag is flown if there is a hazard on the track; such as an accident, spilled fluids on the track or any kind of debris. Allmendinger finished 5th overall. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Rae Perry)(RELEASED)

Horsepower for Troops

Published June 2, 2011
By Senior Airman Rae Perry
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- NASCAR celebrated Memorial Day weekend by honoring those who serve with free tickets to see the Sprint Cup Coca-Cola 600.
Servicemembers received free tickets for the different events which happened May 20-29, including the 400 lap NASCAR Sprint Cup Coca-Cola 600 which is the longest race of the season.

The opening ceremonies for the race included a simulated military invasion of 600 soldiers from Fort Bragg that marched toward the start/finish line from turns one and four to secure the area while members of the 82nd Airborne Chorus sang the "Armed Forces Medley" and members of the Army, Marine Corps and Air Force introduced the 43 drivers of the race.

A B-2 Spirit bomber from the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., also supported the event with a low altitude fly-over after the National Anthem.
U.S. Army Sgt.1st Class Ian Brown, a Civil Affairs Team Sergeant from Fort Bragg, N.C. and his wife, Monica, received their tickets two weeks prior to the event.

"I received an email May 16 from our Family Readiness Group that Operation Homefront had tickets to three races available," Monica explained, "I replied and requested the Coca-Cola 600. A representative from Operation Homefront met my husband on Fort Bragg the 19th with our tickets."
Operation Homefront is a non-profit organization that provides emergency financial assistance and other services to the families of servicemembers and wounded warriors.

The couple have been NASCAR fans for many years and since SFC Brown recently returned from an overseas assignment, this was a good opportunity for him and his wife to reconnect they said.

Celebrities also attended the race including "Larry the Cable Guy," who was selected to drive the pace car during the start of the race, Darryl Worley and Lee Greenwood also performed during the pre-race festivities.

"My favorite part was watching the racing up close and meeting Jonathan Hilstrand from the television show, "Deadliest Catch." Sergeant Brown said.
The race kept fans on the edge of their seats with 14 cautions, 38 lead changes and two extra laps.

During the two additional laps many drivers questioned if they had enough fuel to reach the finish after the green-white-checker. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew chief, Steve Letarte, told him to not make a pit stop and that the fuel should last just for the finish, but they were unsuccessful.

Kevin Harvick, driver of the 29 Budweiser Armed Forces Tribute Chevrolet won the race and A.J. Allmendinger, driver of the 43 U.S. Air Force Ford, placed 5th.