We think it is indeed fitting that “Veterans Track Day at the Beach” is scheduled Wednesday at the newly renovated Myrtle Beach Speedway in South Carolina — just one day before the Fourth of July. And we here at CV Products will be on hand all day to support the Wounded Warrior Project in an event that offers these injured vets the experience of a lifetime.
Jake Engle and the #2 Ford Fusion
What’s going to happen on Wednesday — thanks to Mooresville, NC’s own Jake Engle, a professional NASCAR driver in the Whelen All American Series — is that about 75 of these wounded warriors will have the opportunity to get down and dirty in a VIP zip around Myrtle Beach Speedway’s .563-mile racetrack. They’ll be passengers in a number of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars and NASCAR trucks.
And while they’re waiting for their clip around the short track, they can watch Engle test his Late Model, offering them a close-up on-the-concrete look at what happens on race day. That’ll be him behind the wheel of the #2 Ford Fusion.
“We’ll have about 75 wounded warriors at the track,” Engle told Andy Marquis of race22.com. “We’re renting the track and we’ll be having a good time out there. We’re letting them experience what we do at the track during the day.”
During this time, Wounded Warrior Project participants will meet Jake and his team, get a close up look at his car, explore the pits, ask questions, hang out and have fun with other military alumni and their families. Chick-fil-A, one of the supporters of the program along with CV Products, will provide lunch at 11:30 a.m.
These vets will receive access passes to see what happens trackside in NASCAR racing, and they’ll also be able to see the scheduled Wheels of Destruction Thrill Show, featuring death-defying stunts, crash and burns, free-style motocross racing and more.
The event is open to the public and Engle tells race22.com that his team is taking donations for the Wounded Warrior Project. In fact, Engle will make a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project just before his race the following night at Myrtle Beach Speedway. Thursday’s events include a “Salute to the Military,” complete with a fireworks show.
In addition to CV Product’s participation, Wednesday’s veteran venue is being supported by Chick-fil-A, and will run all day Wednesday until 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.
“What (these veterans) sacrificed allows us to do what we do every Saturday night,” Engle told race22.com. “I feel like it’s a great opportunity to give back with the sponsors I have and others who are involved. It gives us a chance to give back to them and show them the inside of the racing world.”
The Wounded Warrior Project got its start 11 years ago in Roanoke, Virginia, when John Melia started looking for ways to assist wounded veterans returning from Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. This non-profit organization continues to honor and empower wounded warriors.
CV Products is excited to be supporting Engle in his efforts to raise awareness about the Wounded Warrior Project and to give back to our nation’s warriors, who have played such an important roll in securing our way of life.
Too bad about the rain.. Really excited to see how you all supported this event.. Thanks from a vet who is not disabled…Great job by you guys and the Race Team…