This weekend Russ Friedman will roll into Richmond International Raceway as an everyday race fan “ and leave a hero. As the grand-prize winner of the Crown Royal”Your Name Here” contest, Friedman was awarded naming rights to the Sprint Cup Series race on Saturday, May 2. The race is officially titled”Crown Royal Presents The Russ Friedman 400.” However, when he accepted the prize during an elaborate ceremony earlier this year at Daytona International Speedway, the former Marine made it clear it would only be right if his fellow soldiers went along for the ride. In response, the makers of Crown Royal Canadian Whisky, along with the Jamie McMurray Foundation have been working to ensure Friedmans race honors all the brave soldiers who serve our country. Throughout the last few weeks, The Crown Royal Company and McMurray “ with Friedmans input “ have provided military personnel around the country with tickets to races, selected soldiers to serve as honorary pit crew members and made available giant”Thank you” cards for fans to sign and show their support for members of the military. One hundred NASCAR Day pins have been purchased for soldiers, the proceeds of which benefit the NASCAR Foundation and its associated charities. In addition, The Crown Royal Company and McMurray have created a replica racecar hood with the official Crown Royal The Russ Friedman 400 race logo for all the Cup Series drivers to sign prior to the race this weekend. After the race in Richmond, the cards, hood and pins will be sent to soldiers serving overseas on behalf of a grateful NASCAR nation. Friedman, a Huntington Station, N.Y., native was selected from a pool of nearly 5,000 entrants in the Crown Royal”Your Name Here” contest. His winning entry referenced his experience in Iraq receiving two Purple Hearts. Friedman enlisted in the Marines in 2001 and served two tours in Iraq, in 2003 and then again in 2004 when he was injured. In honor of Russ Friedman and in celebration of the race in Richmond, Governor Timothy M. Kaine of Virginia has issued a proclamation declaring the month of May 2009 Crown Royal 400 Month, urging all citizens to keep our soldiers in their prayers and thank them for their service to our country. Friedman will receive the royal treatment throughout the weekend. His name will be incorporated into the race broadcast and has been included on all the race tickets and merchandise. Some of his duties include serving as Grand Marshal, participating in pace-car laps, watching the race from the #26 pit box and delivering the trophy “ emblazoned with his name “ to the race winner in Victory Lane. Friedman will be joined by his fiancée April Willmott and several other close friends and family members.(Crown Royal PR)(5-2-2009)
