On May 24, car racing fans were treated to a special Memorial Day tribute at the Coca-Cola 600. The usual drivers' names on car windshields were replaced with the names of servicemembers killed in the line of duty.
According to the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, all 43 drivers participated in the "600 Miles of Remembrance" tribute. Many of the family members of the fallen soldiers being honored were in attendance, in addition to more than 6,000 active members of the military.
"In a lot of ways, we get more attention than we should, so this is a great way to redirect some of that attention," NASCAR driver Sam Hornish Jr. told the Air Force Times.
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The tribute launched "NASCAR: An American Salute," a summer series of events that will run through Independence Day. The seven-week platform seeks to express respect, reverence and gratitude to the soldiers who served our country and continue to defend it today.
In addition to the Memorial Day weekend activities, NASCAR reported that "An American Salute" will include a national letter-writing campaign to encourage fans to send messages thanking military members for their service, a "Troops Welcome Center" for veterans, active duty servicemembers and their families in the Midway at the Coke Zero 400, and opportunities for families of former and active members of the armed forces to attend each race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
In conjunction with the platform, NASCAR partner Goodyear launched a charity auction featuring signed memorabilia, blimp rides and special race experiences that will run through July 6, Goodyear reported. The funds raised will go to Support our Troops to help U.S. military members and their families.
Fans can follow the stories and events around "An American Salute" through the social media hashtag #NASCARSalutes.
The activities will culminate on 4th of July weekend at the Coke Zero 400, held at the Daytona International Speedway.