SPEEDWAY, Ind. — Your eyes may hurt after just reading the name of today’s NASCAR race in Indy. It’s far too long, but it’s all about the ca$h. First, it was the simply the “Brickyard 400.” Then, it was the “Allstate 400 at The Brickyard.”
13 words in a name, as there is this year, is too long … about 10 words too many. Though the name is a run on, with three different sponsors in the official title, there is an excellent story behind part of it.
U.S. Marines Gunnery Sgt. Samuel Deeds, a diehard NASCAR fan from Erlanger, Ky., is the namesake of this year’s race as the winner of Crown Royal’s “Your Hero’s Name Here” program, which awards one deserving individual naming rights to the Sprint Cup Series race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
While deployed in Iraq, Deeds came across an improvised explosive device (IED) while setting up a vehicle checkpoint. Upon seeing fellow Marines approaching, he exposed himself to the device, risking his life to save others. He was severely injured and underwent more than 30 surgeries and procedures following the blast. Three years later, while still recovering, Deeds’ heroic instincts took charge once again when he saved the lives of three individuals caught in a rip tide off the coast of North Carolina.
“This is a huge honor,” Deeds, who has since retired from the Marines, said before the race. “I’ve been a fan of NASCAR forever, and to have it here at Indy is great. These days have been very good, very long, a lot of fun. … This is awesome. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my day. Hopefully we will have a good, clean day and a great, great day of racing.”
We can never do enough to support our troops, who sacrifice so much to protect this great country. IMS and Crown Royal are doing a great thing by including a nominated hero in the title each year. Most will still call it the “Brickyard 400” regardless, but it’s the least that can be done to recognize a noble hero. It’s just too bad only one person a year can be honored.
Before last May’s Indianapolis 500, the Speedway had runners in the tragic Boston Marathon with Indiana ties run the straightaway for a ceremonial finish. Touching move, IMS.
Video of this year’s ceremony to announce Deeds as the winner:
[Photo via GuysGab.com]