Soldier will be a VIP at Martinsville on Sunday: Sgt. Ashley Ayers of the Virginia Army National Guard will be a VIP at Sundays Goodys Fast Pain Relief 500 at the Martinsville Speedway. Ayers, of the Carver community, was chosen to represent the local Guard units. Crown Royal Whisky, a sponsor of the #26 Ford driven by Jamie McMurray, will recognize Ayers as a VIP during the Goodys Fast Pain Relief 500. She will represent the 1173rd Transportation Co. and the 116th Infantry, both of which are based at the Martinsville Armory. Ayers said she feels honored, but she wishes all local Guard members had been chosen to be VIPs. Choosing a VIP from the National Guard was Crown Royals way of honoring Henry County-Martinsville residents in service to their country as hometown heroes, according to Guard Master Sgt. Stephen Gill. The Guard chose Ayers to be the VIP because she is a model soldier, said Gill, a noncommissioned officer in charge of recruiting and retention efforts. On Sunday, Ashley Ayers will get a tour of the speedways pit and garage areas, have lunch with Crown Royal representatives and attend driver introductions before watching the race. Although she will be able to watch the race from the pit, Ayers is considering joining some of her friends from the National Guard in the grandstands.(Martinsville Bulletin)(3-28-2009)
