Chase Elliott expressed his gratitude to NASCAR for its heartfelt tribute to fallen American soldiers during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, held annually on Memorial Day weekend. This race, the longest on the Cup Series schedule, aligns with the holiday to honor the nation’s military heroes through meaningful gestures and ceremonies.
Throughout the event, drivers display the names of fallen service members on their car windshields, while broadcasters share their stories during the telecast. This practice pays respect to those who sacrificed their lives for the United States and highlights the significance of Memorial Day, which is observed on the final Monday in May and also marks the unofficial start of summer nationwide.
How NASCAR Sustains Memorial Day Honors in Racing
Chase Elliott, driving for Hendrick Motorsports, praised NASCAR for upholding this important tradition of recognizing the sacrifices made by American troops. He emphasized the sport’s dedication to honoring service members, particularly during this prestigious race weekend hosted at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
“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.”
The Coca-Cola 600 is held simultaneously with the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, making this weekend one of the most celebrated events in American motorsports, often called the “crown jewel” weekend due to its significance and prestige.
Chase Elliott’s Personalized Tribute to PFC Richard J. Feehery
In this year’s race, Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet will honor PFC Richard J. Feehery, whose name is displayed prominently on the car’s windshield. Feehery, born in 1947 in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the Vietnam War. He died at age 20 in 1967, in Binh Duong province, Vietnam.
The tribute coincides with the special 100-year anniversary design from NAPA Auto Parts, which sponsors Elliott’s car, blending celebration with remembrance during the Coca-Cola 600.
“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.”
Chase Elliott’s 2024 Season and Competitive Outlook
While Chase Elliott has shown steady performance throughout the season, he has yet to secure a win that would guarantee his position in the playoffs. Most of his finishes have been within the top 20, with occasional top 10 results, demonstrating consistent competitiveness but leaving room for improvement in his quest for victory and championship contention.
This Memorial Day weekend, through his participation in the Coca-Cola 600 and his tribute to PFC Feehery, Elliott not only honors a fallen hero but also underscores the strong connection between NASCAR’s racing tradition and its deep respect for American service members.
