Subscibe to our feedMemorial Day More than Just a Special Paint Scheme
Rick Hendrick leaned back and recalled a picture in the paper of a young man walking with his dad, a wounded member of the 1st Cavalry who was in a wheelchair. He was intrigued enough to read the accompanying newspaper article in which the dad longed for a van that would enable him see his family while he was recuperating in a Texas military hospital.
“I was so touched that we got a new van with a lift gate and sent it to Texas for him,’’ Hendrick recalled. “He came to the race here in Charlotte and presented me with his silver spurs, which in the infantry is the highest honor you can get. I didn’t feel I could take them, but he wanted me to have them,’’ he said.
Hendrick has many such stories involving the military. They’re never more vivid or more meaningful than around Memorial Day weekend at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, particularly when Hendrick has special programs to salute the troops.
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Among Hendrick’s all-time favorites is the “Power of Pride’’ program that three-time defending Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson has carried several times in the Coca-Cola 600 and other races. It was on the No. 48 car in 2003 when Johnson swept the All-Star race and 600 on consecutive weekends.
“I told the guys right after the race, ‘Don’t touch that car. I want that car,’ ’’ Hendrick said. “I kept that in my collection. It’s hard to beat the red, white and blue. You feel the hair on your neck kind of stand up when you do the National Anthem.
“When you’re carrying those colors . . . it’s a tremendous pride.’’
Team Lowe’s Racing Honors Heroes This Memorial Day
Team Lowe’s Racing will again honor America’s military heroes at the 50th anniversary of the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Memorial Day with a special program recognizing the troops.
The military always has been a big part of NASCAR, from pre-race flyovers to honoring high-ranking officials in the drivers’ meeting to sponsorships by the U.S. Army, National Guard and U.S. Air Force.
“I have been touched by going to the Walter Reed [Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.] and seeing all those young guys that have made tremendous sacrifice and have lost limbs and will never be the same,’’ Hendrick said. “How can you ask anybody to do anymore than to give their life?
Hendrick hopes in a small way Johnson’s paint schemes have added to the pageantry as well as honor those who have given their lives.
Johnson Salutes the Men and Women Serving Our Country
The Power of Pride car is one of Johnson’s favorites as well, and not just because it was the scheme for the first of his five point-race wins at LMS.
“It’s just great to be able to show your appreciation,’’ he said. “I’ve been to Walter Reed hospital and visited soldiers. I’ve visited with soldiers at the racetrack. There are just so many interactions that we’re fortunate to have with the men and woman that defend our country.
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“It’s just great to be able to show your appreciation,’’ he said. “I’ve been to Walter Reed hospital and visited soldiers. I’ve visited with soldiers at the racetrack. There are just so many interactions that we’re fortunate to have with the men and woman that defend our country."
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“To have them on the racecar and have Lowe’s be so involved in supporting them . . . if we can somehow put a smile on someone’s face who is representing and defending our country it’s well worth it.’’
Johnson’s support of the military goes beyond paint and stickers. His brother-in-law is training to be a Navy Seal. Both of his grandfathers served in the military.
“I’ve been involved throughout my household,’’ he said.
Johnson knows those involved in the military appreciate the special paint schemes because of the many gifts, such as flags and coins from servicemen and women around the world he’s received.
Knaus Knows the Importance of Honoring the Military
Crew chief Chad Knaus, whose grandfather was in World War II, shares Johnson’s enthusiasm for the Power of Pride scheme.
“It was sad we didn’t run one last year,’’ he said. “We get a lot of feedback from the military, the USO. We get letters from people overseas and in the United States. We take a little extra effort and put a lot into those paint schemes just to make those cars look extra special.’’
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The smiles, and sometimes tears, on race day make it all worthwhile.
“You see those Power of Pride decals on people’s street cars, bumper covers, and I like that,’’ Knaus said. “I like when they look at the Lowe’s car at Lowe’s Motor Speedway that they see it painted red, white and blue, that they think about the Power of Pride and the armed forces.’’
One of Knaus’ favorite fan gifts is a photograph from an overseas battalion with a No. 48 flag and picture of the Power of Pride car.
“Which makes you feel good because you know you’re actually helping those guys who are actually allowing us to do our jobs,’’ he said.
The Power of Pride car is especially meaningful to Johnson’s spotter, Earl Barban. He served in the Marines straight out of high school from 1983 through 1988, earning a rank of corporal.
“It’s moving,’’ he said. “As a young man I was very influenced by the military. The National Anthem, every time they play it I stand a little taller. It’s exciting to see them roll out that paint scheme. In your every day life you seem to forget patriotism. When you see it like that it’s kind of cool.’’