In just a few short weeks, racing fans from across the country will flock to Indianapolis for one of NASCAR’s biggest events of the summer. And despite being named the winner of the annual Crown Royal ‘Your Hero’s Name Here’ program, which renames the Brickyard 400 after a deserving hero, retired U.S. Navy Seal Jason Redman’s name won’t be displayed around the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway – for good reason. Redman instead asked that the race bear the name of the charity he and his wife, Erica, founded. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will officially be referred to as the ‘Crown Royal presents the Combat Wounded Coalition 400 at the Brickyard.’ During a special surprise event in Suffolk, Virginia, Redman was announced the winner of the annual program while completing his 100th skydiving jump. Redman witnessed the reveal of the official race logo, painted in the landing area at Skydive Suffolk, from midair as he approached the ground. After the logo unveiling, Redman was greeted by Erica, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles and Crown Royal Associate Brand Manager Dany Penn. Redman was then escorted to a nearby hangar for a party where he was able to celebrate the announcement with his closest friends, colleagues and family. Redman, of Chesapeake, Virginia, enlisted in the Navy following high school and served 10 years as an enlisted SEAL before enrolling at Old Dominion University. After graduation, Redman was commissioned as a Naval SEAL Officer. Throughout his career he served five deployments including two combat deployments.
This will mark the 10th time Crown Royal has renamed a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, and the first time a race will be named after a charity, through the whisky brand’s ‘Your Hero’s Name Here’ program. After receiving hundreds of entries during the nomination period, five heroes were chosen as finalists and adult fans had the opportunity to cast their votes for the person they felt was most deserving of the honor.
In addition to Redman, program finalists included: Piper Hill, retired Army Captain and founder of Healing4Heroes from Atlanta, Georgia; Michael Gallardo, retired Army Sergeant from San Antonio, Texas; Chris Mintz, former Army Infantryman and community leader from Roseburg, Oregon, and Leigh Ann Hester, Army National Guard Sergeant First Class and Police Officer from Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
As the ‘Your Hero’s Name Here’ winner, Redman will receive the ultimate VIP race weekend experience, including garage tours, driver introductions and Pace Car rides. He’ll cap off Race Day by delivering the trophy bearing his charity’s name to the winner in Victory Lane.(IMS)(7-7-2016)
