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Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee throughout the year at various events. place. That high-visibility event helped
James to drive the pace car at the AAA Charlotte Motor Speedway has paid create an atmosphere of hope – and
400 NASCAR Monster Energy Cup tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces each a catalyst for redevelopment – for the
Series race on October 4, 2015. (James Memorial Day Weekend for many devastated community.
is the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force years.
and the second woman to hold that Nowhere is that effort more evident
position.) “The Salute the Troops portion of our than at the Homestead-Miami Speed-
pre-race show gives us a chance to say way, where the Army Ground Forces
Dover’s 2015 Spring Races featured thank you to those who have served Brass Brigade has played, the Navy
60 Team Dover Airmen who worked as or continue to serve our country and Parachute Team “Leap Frogs” have
honorary pit-crew members for several protect our freedom,” explains Marcus jumped, Special Ops have presented
NASCAR teams. Smith, CEO of Speedway Motorsports, Colors, Navy Sun Downers have per-
Inc. and president of Charlotte Motor formed flyovers, and active personnel
On the race weekend of September Speedway. have sung the national anthem.
26-28, 2014, Airmen from Team Dover
volunteered at concession stands, pro- A representative sampling of other It’s no wonder, then, that American flags
vided security, and held flags during the efforts: The skies above Texas Motor flying at NASCAR events aren’t just
singing of the national anthem. Speedway have been seasoned with sideshow trinkets tossed about as an
fireworks as a way to bring attention after-thought. Instead, Stars & Stripes
In addition, Dover has participated in to the unselfish service given by first are an authentic representation of the
NASCAR’s Troops to the Track, which responders and military personnel. sport’s patriotic passion. Perhaps that’s
is described as “a year-round recre- Bristol Motor Speedway – as do other why drivers and pit crews who visit mil-
ational group therapy program that hon- NASCAR tracks, including Chicagoland, itary bases are both embraced and ap-
ors service men and women, veterans, Kansas and Darlington – show appre- preciated – and why Sailors, Soldiers,
and military families at races throughout ciation by offering special ticket pricing Marines, and Airmen are well-received
the country.” military members, retired and active. and respected at races from Sonoma in

the west and Watkins Glen in the east
Colonel Ethan C. Griffin, commander, So whether it’s Martinsville, NASCAR’s to Michigan in the north and Texas in
436th Airlift Wing, speaking to Dover Air oldest track (1948), or its newest the south.
Force Base “News Report,” summed (Kentucky, 2011), military personnel
things up this way: “Our Air Force mis- and their families are warmly That’s just how things are done at
sion is to fly, fight and win in air space welcomed. The sport’s season finale NASCAR.
and cyber-space, and we’re excited exemplifies this mutually beneficial Experience security and peace of mind with the

that that partnership lines up with cross-pollination. BIO Honda EG2800 Inverter Generator. It provides quiet
i
NASCAR’s: speed, innovation, high Jim Lamb is a retired journalist living in
technology – all hallmarks of the U.S. Homestead Army Airfield, established in Florida. He served in the Navy, includ- power, long run times, and a 30A receptacle for easy
Air Force legacy and tradition – so we the early 1950s, was all-but-destroyed ing several short trips to Vietnam. He connection to a transfer switch. And at only 67 lbs.,
think it’s a good match.” by Hurricane Andrew in 1992. A year first became interested in NASCAR it’s trusted, portable home backup and DIY power
later, because of efforts by leaders such when Tiny Lund won the 1963 Dayto- where you need it, when you need it—for your home,
That match-up works equally well at as Rafael “Ralph” Sánchez, ground- na 500 after saving the life of Marvin and life. Find out more at gen.honda.com.
other racetracks that routinely welcome breaking ceremonies for the mile-and- Panch, the car’s original driver, follow-
military personnel and their families a-half Homestead oval racetrack took ing a pre-race crash.

268 THE OFFICIAL NASCAR 2019 PREVIEW & PRESS GUIDE Please read the owner’s manual before operating your Honda Power Equipment and never use in an enclosed or partially enclosed area where you could be exposed to odorless, poisonous carbon monoxide.
Connection of a generator to house power requires a transfer device to avoid possible injury to power company personnel. Consult a qualified electrician. Specifications subject to change without notice. © 2019 American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Honda OFI NASCAR PreviewPress 8.5x11.25.indd 1 1/18/19 2:21 PM