FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Sept. 16, 2024) – Soldiers from across the 10th Mountain Division (LI) attended a NASCAR race Sunday at Watkins Glen International through the Troops to the Track program.
Soldiers stepped into the Watkins Glen International garage on a bright Sunday morning. The sound of the pit crews working and stock cars running filled the air as NASCAR fans bustled around the group.
The Troops to the Track program provided Soldiers with an opportunity to learn about the sport, connect with NASCAR professionals, and experience the event while being recognized for their service. Formed in 2010, Troops to the Track honors and pays tribute to the members of the U.S. armed forces. Since the program’s inception, NASCAR has hosted more than 3,000 service members from over 30 installations / ships around the country.
Dan Klenetsky, NASCAR senior director of public and government affairs, emphasized the importance of the Troops to the Track program.
“Troops to the Track is a season-long initiative where we honor and pay tribute to the men and women of the U.S. armed forces by hosting them to a VIP experience at a NASCAR race,” Klenetsky said. “We host service members from all branches of the military at events all around the country and try to tailor the day to have a meaningful and impactful day at the race. They get to meet industry leaders, drivers, and pit crew.”
Troops to the Track serves as a way to strengthen ties between Soldiers and their communities as a reminder to service members that they are appreciated.
Sgt. 1st Class Josue Nunez-Baez, a platoon sergeant assigned to 10th Brigade Support Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, spoke about Troops to the Track.
“It gives the Soldiers a new experience and an opportunity to do something different,” said Nunez-Baez. “It lets them know that the community supports them and makes them proud of what they’re doing, and it’s nice to see that support from civilians.”
NASCAR driver Austin Dillon also spoke about his support of the U.S. armed forces.
“Every weekend I get to do what I love because of the freedom that our military men and women have given us,” Dillon said. “We can go out and meet the heroes of our country and show what our country is all about. I think NASCAR does a pretty good job of showing our patriotism and appreciation for all of our service members.”
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