FORT BENNING, GA - NASCAR veteran Ryan Newman, preparing for this weekend's Pep Boys Auto 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, stopped off at Fort Benning Wednesday for a round of appearances.
The driver of the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet landed at Lawson Army Airfield and rode in a Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle to the Warrior Transition Battalion to visit wounded Soldiers.
"I wanted to hear their stories, but they were just talking about racing," Newman said. "They love NASCAR and the U.S. Army car."
For two hours around lunchtime, Newman was greeted by a long line of fans at the Post Exchange, where he signed autographs and posed for pictures with Soldiers and families.
The 31-year-old hasn't won this season but ranks seventh in the Sprint Cup standings heading into Sunday night's race in Atlanta. He's closing in on a spot in the Chase, which gets under way Sept. 20 at New Hampshire.
Newman debuted on NASCAR's premier series in 2000 and has 14 career victories, including last year's Daytona 500.
"It's an honor to represent the U.S. Army," Newman said. "I'm just thankful for all the troops we have fighting for our freedom."
SPC Frederick George of the Mississippi Army National Guard was facing a fourth Iraq deployment before injuring his left ankle and landing at Fort Benning's Warrior Transition Battalion.
He got to ask Newman questions about drafting and his prospects for winning in Atlanta.
"I'm a big-time NASCAR fan," George said. "I pull for anyone who drives the Army car ... I appreciate him coming out here (and) supporting our military and what they do."
Lauri Salazar said she rushed over to the PX to catch the NASCAR star, but only as a favor for her husband, MAJ Reggie Salazar.
"He couldn't make it out here today," she said, "but he loves to watch (Newman) and always cheers for the Army car. That's his favorite driver."
"Every once in a while, I do kind things for him," she joked.
Shortly after collecting an autographed picture, SGT Andrew Boston of C Company, 1st Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment, said he's a Jeff Gordon fan but always throws his support behind any Chevy driver.
"I grew up with NASCAR and was always around dirt-track racing," he said.
"It's good of him to come do this and support all the troops and everything.
"This is the first time I got to meet somebody in something I really, really enjoy."
Later Wednesday, Newman observed Airborne training and took part in a shoot with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit at Poole Range.
"It was cool to see all the Soldiers, ride in the Stryker vehicle and meet the wounded troops," he said.
"It was great to be able to talk to the fans and hear some of their stories about what the Army does for all of us."
Social Sharing