NASCAR loves the United States military and goes the extra mile to honor men and women who have given their lives for their country in the sport’s longest race.
The Coca-Cola 600 coincides with Memorial Day weekend. NASCAR drivers connect with families of fallen soldiers to put their name on the windshield of the car that normally is occupied by the driver’s name.
Information on the solider is read during the race broadcast and the names of the soldiers are prominent throughout the broadcast, on tickers and showcased on camera.
“NASCAR is probably the top sport that gives back to the military and honors our military in a fantastic way,” said Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota. “Going above and beyond for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. For us to be able to represent a family name, a fallen soldier is very humbling for sure.”
Drivers know how much these tributes mean to families and other loved ones of the fallen soldiers, especially knowing the fallen soldiers’ memory and legacy will be shown to hundreds of thousands of fans across the country and the world and seen by fans at the racetrack.
“It means the most seeing the family’s reaction,” said Carson Hocevar, driver of the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet. “We have ties to it but being able to bring in the family and see them care so much, just to see their name on the car that we drive every single day, them to come into our world and be appreciative, and care that their names on that car, it means a lot to me.”
NASCAR also pauses the race after the second of four stages for a moment of silence to remember soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
The Coca-Cola 600 is NASCAR’s longest race, but it’s also the most meaningful race.
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NASCAR drivers on honoring fallen soldiers
Noah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford: “It is very important to not only myself, but everybody in the NASCAR community, to be able to represent our men and women in the military, both right now and the ones that have fallen. It’s extremely impactful for me to be able to carry a fallen soldier on the race car and have their families out to the racetrack and be able to spend time with them and get them into a different atmosphere. Our world that they might never experience and be able to represent their family members in such an impactful way.”
Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet: “It’s extremely meaningful. Obviously, I think it’s probably more meaningful than we all even recognize or appreciate during the day, but when you look at that and just what that really signifies, it’s a big deal. Especially having family members or friends of that person at the racetrack, too. I think it makes the moment all the more special.”
Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet: “That’s always just super meaningful. You want to win every week, but just having somebody’s name on your car like that means a lot. A lot of times, the family is there, or you get to meet the family, or at least talk to the family before the race and it just kind of brings things into perspective. It kind of just makes the whole event a little more meaningful.”
When is NASCAR Charlotte race?
The Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Charlotte race is set for 5 p.m. CT on May 25 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina.
What channel is NASCAR Charlotte race on?
The Coca-Cola 600 will be broadcast on Amazon Prime with Adam Alexander, Steve Letarte and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the broadcast booth.
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Follow sports writer Austin Chastain on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @ChastainAJ or reach him via email at achastain@gannett.com.
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