PHOENIX, Az. - As throngs of race fans swelled the Phoenix International Raceway to capacity Nov. 11 for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series-Checkers Auto Parts 500, a handful of individuals walking through the crowd clearly stood out.
They were in the unmistakable uniform of the U. S. Military, specifically, the Arizona National Guard, and they were on a mission to welcome back to Arizona, National Guard NASCAR driver, Casey Mears.
It used to go, "there's nothing more American than mom and apple pie." But as times change, so do the sayings and, in today's day and age, what could be more American than NASCAR and the National Guard?
"NASCAR and the National Guard share many of the same patriotic values," said Arizona Army National Guard Recruiting and Retention Commander Lt. Col. Keith Blodgett.
Blodgett explained that nearly three years ago, the National Guard Bureau, the administrative higher headquarters of the Army and Air National Guards, decided to partner with NASCAR to help raise awareness of the National Guard. It was a strategy built on solid numbers.
In terms of people watching, NASCAR pulled in more than 75 million viewers, second only to the National Football League, according to a 2006 Neilson Media Research ratings report.
"With so many people watching, the National Guard had a tremendous opportunity to connect with a fan base that shares many of the National Guard's values," said Blodgett.
And as NASCAR grows, so does its fan base, including the adjutant general of Arizona, Maj. Gen. David Rataczak.
"I became a fan about three years ago," said Rataczack. "And I've been hooked ever since."
Rataczack went on to say that he was especially impressed with the technology and engineering behind each of the 750 horsepower machines.
"Just look at everything that goes into the tire alone," said Rataczack, as he stood over a rack of used Goodyear's.
"There are more engineers in this sport than any other sport out there," Rataczack said.
But more than just a race fan, Rataczack said it only took him one race to see the value in the partnership between the National Guard and NASCAR.
"Look around, almost everyone we've passed has thanked the Soldiers they see for their service," said Rataczack.
Making their way to Mears' trailer, Rataczack introduced Mears to two very special Soldiers within the group, Spc. Lionel Blair, 2007 Arizona Army National Guard Soldier of the Year and Sgt. Frank Ledesma, the NCO.
In a move that caught the two Soldiers by surprise, Mears presented Ledesma and Blair with plaques recognizing their achievements.
"I was totally unprepared for that," said an excited Ledesma, who admitted to being at his first race but loving every minute of it.
"Bringing out special Soldiers to an event like this is just one way we can thank them for their contribution to the Arizona National Guard," said Blodgett.
Rataczack, Blodgett and the other Soldiers wished Mears good luck, said their goodbyes and made their way to the stands to watch the race.
Jimmie Johnson, the winner of the previous three races and overall Nextel Series points leader would take the race with Mears starting the day in the 11th position and finishing 13th.
"Any opportunity we have to connect with so many people is a good time for us to be able to tell the Arizona National Guard's story," said Blodgett. "And what a good story we have to tell."