Posted on 07/01/2010 1:34:54 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
NASCAR and the military -- it's a bond you don't see anywhere else in the sports world. From pre-race entertainment to sponsorship, from flybys to honored guests at the track -- no one group is as closely partnered with NASCAR than the U.S. military.
But how did the marriage come to be? And why does it work so well?
The relationship is where it is today after some hard work, some controversy and some serious thinking outside the box. But one thing is for sure -- the bond between NASCAR and the military is as tight as it's ever been, and for those inside the sport, those serving our country, and those watching in the grandstands, it's a partnership in which all who are involved are very proud. Following the Korean War (1950-53) and the Vietnam War (1955-75), some would argue that patriotism was near an all-time low in America. NASCAR at that time was on the verge of exploding in popularity, but in the late '70s still was a predominantly Southeastern sport.
As hard as it is to believe, NASCAR and the military didn't have a partnership at that time. The two were as distant as possible -- until Humpy Wheeler had an idea.
Wheeler, president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway from 1976-2008, had a thought about his track's annual Memorial Day weekend race. It's a thought that makes one scratch their head as to why it took so long, but Wheeler's thought was a simple one: "Bring the military to the race."
...
For a couple of years, it was a tough sell. ..
But in 1980, Wheeler finally had an idea that would bring the military to NASCAR and create a partnership that would span decades.
(Excerpt) Read more at nascar.com ...
It might give ya tingly feeelings 8-]
Give it time, I’ll bet BO tries to kill these sponsorships in the name of deficit reduction.
Imagine the reception when he says, "Gentlemen recharge your batteries!"
Or prohibits motorsports altogether, in the name of ‘saving the planet’.
The article is inaccurate. The PBR (Pro Bull Riders) are to be commended for their support. Several are sponsored by the Army. Can’t do flyovers since their events are in covered arenas. But they’ve pointed out troops during events.
WTG @NASCAR @US Military.
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