NASCAR Hall of Fame and Toyota Support Military Families This Holiday Season
NASCAR Hall of Fame Teams Up with toyota to Support military Families This Holiday Season
Charlotte, NC – The NASCAR Hall of Fame is continuing its longstanding tradition of honoring and supporting the U.S. military this holiday season with a special fundraiser in partnership with Toyota. The “Holidays for Heroes” initiative aims to provide financial assistance to both active-duty and veteran military families during the festive period.On December 14, 2024, Xfinity Series driver William sawalich, who races for Joe Gibbs Racing, presented a check to Veterans Bridge Home, a Charlotte-based non-profit institution dedicated to connecting military personnel, veterans, and their families with essential community resources. Veterans Bridge Home plays a vital role in assisting service members with employment, building social networks, and transitioning back to civilian life.
“NASCAR has always had a special tie with the military and our armed servicemen and women,” said winston Kelley, Executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.”We are honored that the NASCAR hall of fame and our guests can play a small role in giving back to military members who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
The “Holidays for heroes” initiative extends beyond NASCAR insiders and drivers, inviting the public to participate through the “Trim the Toyota” event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Visitors can write personalized messages honoring a service member or veteran, which will adorn a specially wrapped 2025 Toyota tundra displayed in the Grate Hall.
Toyota is also matching donations made by visitors, further amplifying the impact of the fundraiser.In addition, 500 tickets have been distributed to military families and guests, ensuring they can experience the excitement of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
A Legacy of Service: NASCAR’s Deep Ties to the Military
NASCAR’s commitment to the military goes beyond financial support. Several members of the NASCAR community have served in the armed forces themselves, embodying the values of service and sacrifice.
One notable example is NASCAR Hall of Famer Bud Moore, who was drafted at 18 in 1943 and served as a skilled machine gunner. Moore participated in the D-Day Invasion under the command of General George S. Patton and was awarded two Bronze Stars for bravery and five Purple Heart Medals for injuries sustained in battle.
Another NASCAR legend, Henry “Smokey” Yunick, a celebrated engine builder, served four years during World War II in the Army Air Corps, piloting a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber on over 50 missions across Europe.
Bill France Jr., son of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr.,also served in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer 3rd Class ordnance specialist during the mid-1950s. France Jr. leveraged his military connections to bring former service members into NASCAR, particularly those with mechanical expertise honed during their service.
These stories highlight the deep and enduring bond between NASCAR and the U.S. military, a partnership built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to supporting those who serve.
NASCAR Hall of Fame Honors Military Families This Holiday Season
Charlotte, NC – The NASCAR Hall of Fame is continuing its dedication too supporting the U.S. military this holiday season with a special fundraiser in partnership with Toyota. The “Holidays for Heroes” initiative aims to provide much-needed financial assistance to both active-duty and veteran military families during the festive period.
On December 14, 2024, Xfinity Series driver William Sawalich, who races for Joe Gibbs Racing, presented a check to veterans Bridge Home, a Charlotte-based non-profit organization dedicated to connecting military personnel, veterans, and their families with essential community resources.
“NASCAR has always had a special tie with the military and our armed servicemen and women,” said Winston Kelley, Executive Director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “we are honored that the NASCAR Hall of Fame and our guests can play a small role in giving back to military members who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
The “Holidays for Heroes” initiative extends beyond NASCAR insiders and drivers, inviting the public to participate through the “Trim the Toyota” event at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Visitors can write personalized messages honoring a service member or veteran,which will adorn a specially wrapped 2025 Toyota Tundra displayed in the great Hall. Toyota is also matching donations made by visitors, further amplifying the impact of the fundraiser. Additionally, 500 tickets have been distributed to military families and guests, ensuring they can experience the excitement of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.
NASCAR’s commitment to the military extends beyond financial support. Several members of the NASCAR community have served in the armed forces themselves, embodying the values of service and sacrifice. NASCAR Hall of Famer Bud Moore, served as a skilled machine gunner during World War II, participating in the D-day Invasion and earning two Bronze Stars and five Purple Heart Medals. Celebrated engine builder Henry ”Smokey” Yunick piloted a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber on over 50 missions across Europe during World War II. Bill France Jr., son of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., served in the U.S. Navy during the mid-1950s, later using his military connections to bring former service members into NASCAR.
These stories highlight the deep and enduring bond between NASCAR and the U.S. military, a partnership built on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to supporting those who serve.