NASCAR community voices support

By Dave Rodman, Turner Sports Interactive March 29, 2003
11:27 AM EST (1627 GMT)

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Many of the NASCAR drivers that are at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend for the Busch Series and Winston Cup events paused to voice their support for the coalition military forces that are currently engaged in the Middle East.

All five cars fielded by Richard Childress Racing will carry decals this weekend recognizing the plight of United States prisoners of war in Iraq.

"The men and women captured by the Iraqis are serving our country in the most honorable way possible," team owner Childress said. "They have put their lives on the line in the name of our country so we all have to keep them in our thoughts and prayers and hope that they will be returned safely."

Darrell Waltrip, FOX Sports commentator: "This is a great sport. We got a lot of fans in the armed forces that follow us week in and week out on armed forces radio and on television. Our hearts and prayers are with them. They know that we mean it -- it's not just lip service. Last week a man (Kurt Busch) won the race, then after the race is over they give him an American flag and he drives around the track with 160,000 fans cheering him. That's about as good as it gets if you ask me."

Kenny Wallace, No. 23 Stacker 2 Dodge: "I can tell you that I'm obsessed with the war. I go to bed watching it, and I wake up watching it. I caught myself the last couple of days getting tired watching it. I can't stand any negativity -- I'm a very positive person. We lost an Apache Helicopter and that really bummed me out."

Todd Bodine, No. 54 National Guard Ford: "I had the privilege of meeting Staff Sgt. Michael McNaughton a few weeks ago at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He stepped on a mine and lost his leg while participating in Operation Enduring Freedom. It's meeting people like him that makes you appreciate things and realize our country is in capable hands with the great young men and women who are out there to support us and fight for our freedom. We owe it to them to support them 100 percent. That's the least we can do."

Bobby Labonte, No. 18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet: "To the U.S. Armed Services, I just want to thank everybody for what they're doing. I'd like for them to whip some butt and get back over here."

Jerry Nadeau, No. 01 U.S. Army Pontiac: "Obviously our hearts and minds are somewhere else. We've been on the television watching what's going on over there. We definitely need to support the president and the troops. We wouldn't have fun or go racing every weekend if it wasn't for our military. Hopefully we can get a good run this weekend."

Scott Riggs, No. 10 Nestle Nesquik Ford: "A lot of honor goes to those guys. Everybody over here is pulling for them and standing behind them. A lot of people say our job is tough having to drive these race cars, but having to go that far from home (is tougher). To put yourself on the line like that, takes a lot of guts and (I have) a lot of respect for those guys."

Michael Waltrip, No. 15 NAPA Chevrolet: "We say it every day. We're with them. We love them. We are thankful for them."

Lance Norick, No. 90 Express Personnel Services/Dr Pepper Dodge: "I am glad that I can be here at Texas Motor Speedway racing and having fun. But all my thanks go out to my friends and family that are defending our efforts overseas."

Jamie McMurray, No. 1 Yellow Freight Dodge: "Yes, I've been watching a lot about the war on television and to see some of the things they are doing to us is disgusting. I really don't know what to say. I don't know how to express my emotions to them. I'm just ready for them to get back over here."

Bobby Hamilton Jr., No. 25 U.S. Marines Ford: "There is not really anything you can say to our troops. They are taking care of business over there. You can watch TV all day long and feel proud of them because they are over there."

Hermie Sadler, No. 54 Toys R Us Chevrolet: "We would like to let everybody know that is overseas fighting for us that we are thinking about you and are proud of you. We are keeping an eye on what you are doing, and we hope you come home safe."

Ed Whitaker, co-owner No. 54 Toys R Us Chevrolet: "I would like to tell all the guys of the Armed Forces in Iraq that they are doing a great job, and we really appreciate that. We hope this is over as soon as possible."

Chris Bingham, No. 49 bgnracing.com/Ocean Potion Ford: "Yes, I appreciate what you guys are doing for us over there. Take care, (and) hopefully we will see you back home soon."

Tony Raines, No. 33 Outdoor Channel Chevrolet: "I am sure like everyone else, we are following what is going on over there. It is kind of hard to describe all that you feel, but I'm definitely in support of everybody that is involved in this and especially everybody that is involved in this overseas. I hope that things go well, that everybody stays safe and comes back home in good shape."

Matt Kenseth, No. 17 Alka-Seltzer Morning Relief Ford: "I appreciate that they are defending our freedom, obviously, and I hope everyone gets back safely."

Randy LaJoie, No. 7 Kleenex Chevrolet: "To all the men and women in our armed forces, I want to thank you. Our prayers are with you and you do a service to this country that is second to none. Keep up the good work, and we hope everybody comes home safely."

David Green, No. 37 Timber Wolf Pontiac: "We just want everyone to know we are thinking about you guys every day, every lap we make on the race track. It's been very inspiring to watch television and see how it is unfolding. We wish we could be over there lending some form of support. Without you guys and gals, doing this for us, we wouldn't be here doing what we do. God bless, and we are thinking about you."

Johnny Sauter, No. 21 PayDay Chevrolet: "We just want to let our military know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We want everybody to return home as soon as possible."

Morgan Shepherd: No. 0 Eagle Jet International Chevrolet: "I would just like to say how much I appreciate the people over there that are fighting for our country, keeping this country free. Remember that our country was built on God's name. I'm praying for you, and I pray that every man and woman that is there remains safe."

Scott Wimmer, No. 23 Stacker2/Stamina RX Chevrolet: "We just appreciate the men and women of the Armed Forces and what they are doing for everybody overseas and defending our freedom. They are the reason we are here racing, keeping us safe and making America proud."

Joe Nemechek, No. 25 UAW/Delphi Chevrolet: "I want to thank the military for doing a good job for us and I support them. I support everything we are doing and hopefully we will get this done quickly. I have to thank them for defending our freedom."