The Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation and Bulovas Restorations, in partnership with Sam Hunt Racing, have announced a special tribute car that will compete in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
The No. 24 Toyota GR Supra, driven by Harrison Burton, will honor the life and legacy of FDNY Firefighter Jesse Gerhard while also recognizing generations of sacrifice across the department. The paint scheme includes the names of FDNY firefighters, including members who died in the line of duty and those who died of illnesses related to their work in the rescue and recovery efforts following 9/11.
The effort was created to recognize Jesse Gerhard’s service, honor fallen heroes, and raise awareness of the Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation’s mission. The Foundation was established to continue Jesse’s commitment to helping others and supporting those in need.
Jesse Gerhard was the youngest son of Bruce and Lynn Gerhard and the brother of Casey Gerhard. Born and raised in Islip, New York, Jesse knew from the age of three that he wanted to become a firefighter. He joined the Islip Fire Department in 2010, later served as an FDNY EMT beginning in 2015, and achieved his lifelong goal of becoming an FDNY firefighter in 2018. He served with Engine Company 264 and later Ladder Company 134 in Far Rockaway – a neighborhood in Queens, New York. Jesse passed away on February 16, 2022, after suffering a medical episode following a house fire in Queens the day before. His legacy now continues through the Foundation established in his honor.
“Having Jesse’s name ride on an official NASCAR race car is an incredible honor, but even more meaningful is carrying the names of fallen heroes alongside him,” said Casey Gerhard, Jesse’s brother and founder of the Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation. “This tribute is a powerful way to ensure their legacy lives on and remind people of the sacrifice behind it.”
Bulovas Restorations helped make the partnership possible and has been recognized by the Foundation as a key partner in bringing the tribute to life.
Jesse’s parents, Bruce and Lynn Gerhard, will be in attendance at Talladega as the tribute car honoring their son takes the track.
“We are proud to support the Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation and help make this tribute possible,” said Rory Bulovas, founder of Bulovas Restorations. “This is an opportunity to honor Jesse, recognize the first responder community, and support a cause that continues to make a difference.”
Harrison Burton, a NASCAR Cup Series superspeedway race winner, is in his fourth full-time season of NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competition and first season with Sam Hunt Racing. He made the series playoffs in 2025 and brings that momentum to the No. 24 Toyota GR Supra at Talladega.
As part of the effort, more than 350 supporters also added their names to the car through a decklid campaign, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation.
A limited-edition 1:24 scale Lionel Racing diecast of the tribute car is also being produced, with proceeds benefiting the Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation. The diecast is available for purchase at jessegerhard.org.
Additional support came not only from Bulovas Restorations but also from a group of companies that wanted to help honor Jesse Gerhard and support the cause. Supporters include M.O.S. Energy Pouches, Setcom, Sullivan Papain Block McGrath Coffinas & Cannavo P.C., Opti-Coat, FireStationFurniture.com, Chica Chida PB Agave Spirits, New York Firefighters Heart & Lung Center, John McNamara Foundation, the 34.3 Foundation, Bender Extender, The RV Hunter, Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York, and Fireside RV Rentals.
Fans can watch the No. 24 Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation Toyota GR Supra in action during the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, April 25, with coverage airing live on The CW and available on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90).
— Sam Hunt Racing —