CONCORD, N.C. - More than 30 Fort Bragg Soldiers spent an evening enjoying the NASCAR Nationwide series Dollar General 300 Friday at the Lowes North Carolina Motor Speedway in Concord.
The Soldiers were invited to the event, courtesy of energy drink distributor Red Bull, which sponsored an entertainment tent complete with a buffet-style dinner, an assortment of Red Bull drinks and several DJs to set the mood for a fun night of racing.
Thirty-four Soldiers from various Fort Bragg units boarded a chartered bus and made the two and a half-hour journey to one of the sport's fastest tracks to attend the event. As they arrived, they were also able to watch some of NASCAR's hottest drivers on their qualifying laps for Saturday's NASCAR Sprint Cup's Banking 500.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart were among the drivers who were on the track for about an hour before the start of the Nationwide race.
The Soldiers said they enjoyed the opportunity and for some, it was their first time attending a NASCAR event.
"I love NASCAR, it's the best thing in the world," said Parkersburg, W. Va. native Sgt. Steven Robinson of the 3rd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery "Gun Devils."
"I think it's great that they allowed us to come out here because there are a lot of Soldiers that don't get an opportunity like this. We have a lot of Soldiers who, for them, this is the first race they've ever been to, so I think it's very generous of them. How much better can it get' It's going to be a good night."
Specialist Stephen Williams, who also attended the race is a native of nearby Lincolnton. Despite living in close proximity to the speedway, Friday marked Williams' first time attending a NASCAR race.
"I grew up about 30 to 45 minutes from here and never came here once," said Williams, who's assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. "I think it's awesome and I'm glad they let us come out here and enjoy this."
According to Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Heimm, who was one of the senior ranking Soldiers in attendance, the opportunity was great for all of the Soldiers.
"I think it's a great experience, supporting the Soldiers," said Heimm, who's assigned to Company C, 1st Bn., 325th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Abn. Div.
"I think the Soldiers really enjoy it. It's something that helps them out and lifts their morale. It's something that's good for them. It's a great morale booster for them. "For Red Bull to bring us out here shows their appreciation and the guys are enjoying it," said Heimm, a Tampa, Fla. native.
Brian Vickers, driver of the Red Bull #83 Toyota in the Sprint Cup Series said he was happy that his sponsor was able to do something for the Soldiers of Fort Bragg.
"It's huge," said Vickers, a Thomasville, N.C. native, during a telephone interview hours before the race. "I don't live in North Carolina anymore, I live in Florida, but when I do come back here, it's always something special.
"Growing up here in a very patriotic Family and knowing that Fort Bragg was so close, I think supporting the troops is one of the most important things you can do as an American citizen," he continued.
"Whatever your political beliefs are, no matter what, you should always support the men and women that are fighting for the freedoms of this country and they're doing it, not just for themselves, but for everyone else."
Vickers said one of his biggest pet peeves is when people do not support the troops.
"Red Bull goes out of its way, time and time again, to have the troops here this weekend and to have them up in the interview station is just very special for me and for everyone."
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