Chase Elliott honors fallen soldiers at Coca-Cola 600 this Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, emphasizing the sport’s meaningful tradition of remembrance. As part of NASCAR’s tribute, Elliott and fellow drivers participate in celebrations that highlight the sacrifice of U.S. service members during the Cup Series’ longest race.
NASCAR’s Meaningful Memorial Day Tributes
Each year, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte coincides with Memorial Day, creating an emotional atmosphere of remembrance and pride. NASCAR drivers display the names of fallen soldiers on their car windshields, and race broadcasts share the stories of these heroes, extending the tribute beyond the track. Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, has become not only a day of reflection for the nation but also a special occasion marking the unofficial start of summer. The event is widely recognized as one of the sport’s crown jewel weekends, with both the Coca-Cola 600 and the Indianapolis 500 held on the same day.
Chase Elliott Reflects on Honoring Service Members
Chase Elliott, representing Hendrick Motorsports, expressed his deep respect for the enduring NASCAR tradition of honoring American troops. Elliott pointed to the consistent and heartfelt ways in which the sport and its partners at Charlotte Motor Speedway have paid tribute to servicemen and women over the years.
“It’s honoring our troops and our service members, which I think NASCAR’s done a great job of over the years,”
Elliott said (via The Augusta Chronicle).
“It’s really become a great tradition of that race and that whole race weekend. I’ve always felt like NASCAR and Charlotte (Motor Speedway) and everyone there has done a great job of honoring them and I hope we continue to do that.”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
PFC Richard J. Feehery Remembered on Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet
This year, Elliott’s #9 chevrolet/”>Chevrolet honors PFC Richard J. Feehery, a young soldier from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, who gave his life during the Vietnam War in Binh Duong province in 1967. Feehery, born in 1947, was only 20 years old when he made the ultimate sacrifice while serving with the Army. As part of the special recognition, Feehery’s name will be displayed on Elliott’s car, continuing the tradition of acknowledging individual stories of heroism and loss.
As Elliott prepares for the weekend, he also celebrates the 100th anniversary of NAPA Auto Parts with a special design on his vehicle, further marking the occasion as extraordinary for both the team and the memories of the fallen.
“The No. 9 of @chaseelliott will carry the name of PFC Richard J. Feehery and a distinctive design for the #CocaCola600. PFC Feehery made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in the Vietnam War, earning the Purple Heart for his service.”
—NASCAR (as reported)
Importance of the Coca-Cola 600 in NASCAR’s Calendar
The Coca-Cola 600 stands as the most grueling race on the Cup Series schedule and forms an important chapter in NASCAR’s tradition of honoring the military. Held alongside high-profile events like the Indianapolis 500, this weekend serves as a celebration of both speed and sacrifice, with the stories of individuals like Feehery shining a spotlight on the race’s deeper meaning. The presence of names and faces from all branches of the armed forces, and the collective efforts by drivers such as Elliott, underline the race’s role in elevating the memory of lost heroes to the national stage.
Chase Elliott’s Recent Performance and Outlook
On the track, Elliott has shown steady performances throughout the current season, finishing among the top 20 in most races, with occasional top 10 results. However, he has yet to secure a win that would ensure his entry into the playoffs. The Coca-Cola 600 provides another crucial opportunity for Elliott to find victory, all while racing in memory of PFC Feehery and honoring the military service that has defined so many American families.
As the weekend unfolds at Charlotte, NASCAR, its drivers, and fans continue to keep the focus on remembrance and appreciation. The ongoing commitment to these tributes strengthens the connection between the sport, its participants, and the American military community, showing that the legacy of service is never forgotten at one of racing’s biggest stages.
