Coke 600 Winner Denny Hamlin Humbled by NASCAR’s Contribution to National Defense Organization’s Biggest Event

Serving and protecting the country, the military is one of the most valuable institutions of any province. For quite some time now, NASCAR has shown its gratitude to the brave military soldiers. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin has been one of the biggest admirers of the United States Department of Defense ever since.

As one of the benefactors of the military, NASCAR has implemented various projects and memorials that underline the importance of soldiers, since 2018, the Coca-Cola 600 event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It has included participation from NASCAR and every service of the Defence Department. The Coke 600 has often been fondly known as the ‘600 miles of remembrance’. Drivers have often expressed their pleasure in being able to celebrate the bravery of the military through NASCAR events.

NASCAR and the National Defense Organization: A great partnership

The decision to pay tributes with the NDO has provided underlying results. The NASCAR collaborations deepen DOD’s ties to regional communities while introducing Americans to the devoted men and women who serve in the U.S. military. In the weeks leading up to the race, the raceway will once again host several military-themed events.

Several military vehicles will be on exhibit. Servicemen will be lined up on the logos on the surface, including one for the #WhyWeServe campaign. T-38 Talons from the Air Force’s 1st Fighter Wing will perform a flypast just before the start of the race to excite the crowd. What an interesting lineup of performances indeed. During a caution period midway through the race, all the drivers’ vehicles will return to Pit Road. Drivers will shut down their engines and observe a moment of silence for our nation’s fallen heroes.

As part of Charlotte Motor Speedway’s military appreciation program, Mission 600, select NASCAR drivers got a first-hand look at military life prior to this weekend’s race. The USS Nitze at Naval Station Norfolk was visited by driver Joey Logano in the first few days of May. More drivers, including Aric Almirola, Austin Dillon, and Daniel Suarez have graced their presence at different setups.

Denny Hamlin even visited the Pentagon earlier this month, spoke with duty soldiers, and placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. In a recent interview, he also talks about his experience at Arlington and Memorial Day Weekend.

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Denny Hamlin Speaks on His Visit to NASCAR’s Tribute Event

Speaking to the media ahead of the race, Denny elaborates on his admiration for the military. Having won the Coca-Cola 600 in 2022, Denny was one of the guests on the tour of The Pentagon.

He also highlights the contribution of NASCAR to the military institution in the conversation.

On being questioned about his experience at the Memorial Day Weekend event, he said,

“Yeah, it really is special for sure and you know I think Marcus and his whole team for allowing me to go and experience it. It was a great experience and obviously, very humbling experience to you know kind of see the cemetery.”

Further shedding light on the importance of Coca-Cola 600, he says, “But you know it was an honor to kind of watch the changing of the guard there. You know our sport always does so much for the military anyway week in week out. You know when we get to the Coke 600 you know to hear the national defense organization thinks this is their biggest event that they have to honor their military. Certainly very humbling for us to be able to go out there and put on a show for them.”

Certainly a great initiative by NASCAR to show their gratitude and respect to the servicemen.

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