CONCORD, N.C. — There was a strong military presence at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday for the Coca-Cola 600 to celebrate the Memorial Day holiday.
Heavy artillery, vintage airplanes, combat helicopters, modern jets and thousands of troops participated in a pre-race show in the infield.
General Norton Schwartz, the Chief of Staff for the U.S. Air Force, met with Elliott Sadler's race team before the race. The four-star general also honored the families of two Air Force pilots who were killed in the Middle East.
The military show was the brainchild of former track president H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler. As howitzers blasted from one end of pit road, it was clear Sunday the tradition hasn't changed since the speedway shifted its pre-race focus for the 600 to the military in 1982.
Seven cars had military tributes where major sponsors are normally displayed. David Reutimann was in the Armed Forces Foundation Toyota; Kasey Kahne had the Armed Forces Tribute Ford; Sadler was in the U.S. Air Force Ford; Jeff Gordon had the DuPont Stars and Stripes Chevrolet; Ryan Newman was sponsored by the U.S. Army; Jimmie Johnson honored the Lowe's Memorial Day Tribute Chevrolet; and Dale Earnhardt Jr. was aboard the U.S. National Guard Honoring Our Soldiers Chevrolet
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