A PRIMER
THE BREAKDOWN
NASCAR has proudly honored a long-standing tradition of recognizing and supporting our nation’s service members, both on and off the track.
The NASCAR Salutes initiative serves as the annual month-long tribute to active-duty military, veterans, families, and the fallen. Throughout the entire month of May, NASCAR events will feature military appreciation-themed live entertainment, tributes, and fan experiences, all leading up to Memorial Day Weekend with the 600 Miles of Remembrance program during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
In this event, each of the 40 NASCAR Cup Series cars will each carry the name of a fallen service member on its windshield, ensuring that the legacy of those lost is honored on the track.
Additionally, NASCAR will provide critical investments to military and Veteran service organizations through NASCAR Impact and other league-wide initiatives and continue to partner with GOVX to offer discounts up to 50% off to the military community through the MilTix presented by GOVX program.
A HISTORY OF HONOR
For decades, NASCAR has gone above and beyond for our service members to ensure that each program and initiative is more than just ceremonial. Here’s the brief timeline of how the dedication has grown over the years.
1940s to 1950s: The Early Years
- NASCAR is founded. Many drivers and fans were returning Veterans of World War II.
- The National Anthem and flag displays become patriotic pre-game staples at races.
1960s to 1970s: Race Day Evolves
- Military flyovers and color guard presentations are integrated into major races.
- Drivers began to make informal dedications to those serving in the Vietnam War.
1980s to 1990s: Military Sponsorships and More
- U.S. military branches begin sponsoring teams and races.
- Military displays and recruitment booths start popping up at NASCAR events.
- Pre-race salutes to service members become more prevalent.
2001 to 2005: Increased Patriotism in the
Wake of 9/11
- Post 9/11 tributes include a moment of silence at all races, patriot car paint schemes, and American flag displays on every car.
- NASCAR fortifies their ties with the USO and other
military support organizations.
2006 to 2014: Expanding the Appreciation
- NASCAR continues to host military families and Veterans at events.
- NASCAR fortifies their ties with the USO and other military support organizations.
- Military-branded cars are introduced.
- Veterans Day promotions and new charitable partnerships are initiated.
2015: The NASCAR Salutes Initiative Launches
- NASCAR Salutes becomes the official tribute platform.
- Initiative includes driver visits to military bases, patriotic paint schemes, and fan engagement opportunities such as tribute cars and letter writing, and military members serving ceremonial roles at races (Grand Marshal, pace car riders, flag wavers).
2016: The 600 Miles of Remembrance is Established
- The event is held at the Coca-Cola 600 over the course of Memorial Day weekend.
- NASCAR hosts Gold Star Families, active-duty members, and Veterans in pre-race ceremonies.
2017-2024: The Push Forward
- Expanded partnerships with military non-profits such as Honor and Remember, Folds of Honor, and Hiring Our Heroes.
- Launch of the MilTix program, offering discounted NASCAR tickets to the military community.
- Increased broadcast tributes, driver testimonials, and social media campaigns.
2025-Present: A New Era
- NASCAR Salutes continues to scale up with more media coverage, corporate support,
and fan recognition.
- Mission 600 drivers train with troops, building stronger ties between the sport and the armed forces.
- GOVX becomes the Presenting Sponsor of the MilTix program.
If you’ve been out of the loop recently, we’re here to make sure you’re all caught up. As a major part of our official partnership with NASCAR, we’ve had the ongoing privilege of serving as the Presenting Sponsor and Verification Partner of the MilTix program. Right now, Active Duty service members and Veterans can save up to 50% off tickets at NASCAR tracks, nationwide.