This Memorial Day weekend, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway stands out not just as NASCAR’s longest race, but as an event where Chase Elliott honors military before Coca-Cola 600, alongside thousands of race fans and servicemen and women. Each year, the speedway transforms into a site of remembrance and appreciation, with American military heroes and their families recognized through large-scale festivities and special tributes across the historic track.
Since its start nearly four decades ago, Charlotte Motor Speedway has drawn tens of thousands to salute and remember U.S. military members and their families. On this special weekend, the racetrack hosts military personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, inviting them to participate in stirring pre-race ceremonies and enjoy a day at the races.
Events in past years have included action-packed demonstrations, such as simulated military invasions, paratroopers descending onto the infield, explosive simulations, and more—all designed to showcase the skill and dedication required to keep the nation secure. The tradition is more than spectacle; it is a heartfelt salute, reflecting the commitment and sacrifice of America’s servicemen and women.
NASCAR’s top stars play a major role in fostering this atmosphere of appreciation. Drivers are frequently seen signing autographs, posing for photos, and engaging in genuine conversations with service members. These small moments of interaction, though brief, reinforce NASCAR’s deep bond with the military community and offer visible support for those who serve.
Chase Elliott’s Connection with the U.S. Coast Guard
Leading up to this year’s landmark event, Hendrick Motorsports standout Chase Elliott immersed himself further in honoring America’s defenders by visiting U.S. Coast Guard Station at Wrightsville Beach, part of Sector North Carolina. This outreach gave Elliott first-hand insights into Coast Guard operations and allowed him to express his personal gratitude ahead of the highly anticipated race weekend.
“Memorial Day weekend is a is a big weekend for our country,”
Elliott said.
“I have always felt like NASCAR and Charlotte Motor Speedway in particular has always done a really good job of showcasing and showing that appreciation that we as an industry have for our servicemen and women around the world.”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
“I think it’s really special to be a part of a sport that has that type of showcasing on a yearly basis and it seems like it just gets bigger and better every year. It really, really makes me proud to be a part of it”
—Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver
Chase Elliott shared his personal excitement for the Coca-Cola 600, emphasizing that the opportunity to stand with and honor service members would be among his top reasons for looking forward to the event.
Experiencing Coast Guard Life Alongside Crew Members
During his visit to the facilities, Elliott shadowed Coast Guard personnel, taking part in several typical exercises to gain a deeper understanding of what crew members face daily. The station’s primary duties are wide-ranging, including Search and Rescue, ensuring Marine Safety, overseeing Port and Waterfront Security, protecting the environment, maintaining navigation aids, enforcing maritime law, and promoting boating safety for the public.
A Coast Guard spokesperson described the day’s activities:
“We kind of gave him a day in the life of the Coast Guard and just kind of showcased our skills. We started off with a tour of the station, ran him through a mock search and rescue case scenario where he was able to go out on our 45 (foot) response boat medium and responded to a vessel in distress that was taking on water.”
—Coast Guard Spokesman
He was able to drive the 45 a little bit and practice some man overboards with person in the water recoveries, both as a crewman and driving the boat as a cockswain. And then (Elliott was) able to mingle with the crew for lunch. We treated him to some good old Carolina-fashion barbecue.
This hands-on visit not only allowed Elliott a rare behind-the-scenes perspective but also fostered camaraderie between the driver and the Coast Guard team. The spokesperson added that the crew enjoyed spending one-on-one time with the NASCAR star, noting how the visit showcased their work and allowed them to learn more about one another.
“We have some big NASCAR fans here and they were just super excited to be able to meet him and interact with him. It really boosted the morale around here. I think going forward we’re all going to be looking for the big race and he definitely earned some fans here today,”
the spokesman continued. —Coast Guard Spokesman
Before departing, Chase Elliott thanked the assembled Coast Guard crew, telling them with a big grin,
“So have fun and uh enjoy the show!”
The Lasting Impact of NASCAR’s Memorial Day Tribute
NASCAR and Charlotte Motor Speedway’s enduring tradition of honoring military members each Memorial Day weekend stands as a meaningful display of unity and gratitude. The involvement of stars like Chase Elliott in events such as these not only brings attention to the service and sacrifice of military branches but also strengthens the bond between the racing community and those who protect the country.
As the Coca-Cola 600 unfolds, the spotlight remains on the American heroes and their families who gather for this memorable weekend, ensuring their courage and commitment are front and center during one of NASCAR’s most celebrated races. For both NASCAR legends and the thousands in attendance, the event is a heartfelt tribute that grows in meaningfulness year after year.
