U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will join military representatives from the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, to serve as grand marshals for the 66th running of the Coca-Cola 600 when NASCAR returns to America’s Home for Racing on the eve of Memorial Day.
Hegseth, who was sworn in as the nation’s top defense official in January, oversees the Department of Defense and serves as the principal defense policy maker and advisor to the President. Prior to his service in the Trump administration, Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard after graduating from Princeton University in 2003. He participated in a number of active-duty deployments during his time in service, including operations in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan. Hegseth also served in multiple staff positions in the National Guard and has authored several books.
“It’s an honor to return to the Coca-Cola 600 as the historic event’s grand marshal,” Hegseth said. “I’ll never forget attending in 2022—the overwhelming sense of patriotism, the unity of the crowd, and the deep respect shown to our men and women in uniform. This event is a powerful tribute to those who serve and sacrifice for our freedoms. I’m proud to be part of such a strong American tradition that celebrates our military in such an impactful way.”
Before the green flag drops on NASCAR’s toughest test of man and machine, Hegseth will also provide the annual State of Freedom address.
TICKETS:
A limited number of tickets are still available. Fans can purchase tickets online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling the ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).
-30-.
MEDIA INQUIRIES: [email protected]
