
SOLDIER HEROES
Standing Out
Each year, the U.S. Army and its NHRA partners honor some of the most courageous U.S. Army Soldiers by inviting them to enjoy a special day at the racetrack at select motorsports events.
Chosen for their exceptional bravery and service, U.S. Army Racing Soldier Heroes get a true racing experience during their day at the track. Heroes watch the competition from the pit, meet U.S. Army Racing teams, and get special recognition for exhibiting strength like no other in service of their country.
MEET THE HEROES
"My experience as a Soldier Hero at Bristol Motor Speedway was awesome. I was treated with respect and everyone was very kind to me. Getting to tour the pits with the Army team was just phenomenal. They showed me all the inner workings of the car and how everything went during a pit stop. Getting to sit in the pit row and watch the race was just awesome - I had a front row seat to all the action. I'm thankful for the experience the Army gave me for my service to my country and I hope all Soldiers get a chance to live an experience like this one day."
SSG Kevin Manning
Purple Heart Recipient
"Being honored as a Soldier Hero at the Carolinas Nationals was one experience I will never forget. The day started out with lunch with Tony Schumacher, where I was introduced and was able to tell my Army story to him and his crew. After Tony won the race I was escorted to the finish line and was one of the first to tell him congratulations. I got to ride on the back of an Army truck down the drag strip with Tony, waving at the fans. Once we arrived at Victory Lane, Tony and I went to the main stage together where he was presented with his trophy. The day was great and I felt that my service was appreciated by all those involved with that special day. Tony Schumacher is a great guy and appreciates the men and women he represents in the U.S. Army."
SFC Michael Gainey
Bronze Star with Valor Device Recipient
| SOLDIER - HONOR | EVENT - LOCATION | MOS |
|---|---|---|
| SSG Joshua Labbe Silver Star | O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Winternationals Pomona, CA February 14-17 | 11B Infantryman |
| NHRA Arizona Nationals Phoenix, AZ February 22-24 | ||
| Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals Gainesville, FL March 14-17 | ||
| SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals Las Vegas, NV April 5-7 | ||
| NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Charlotte, NC April 19-21 | ||
| O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA SpringNationals Houston, TX April 26-28 | ||
| Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Southern Nationals Commerce, GA May 3-5 | ||
| NHRA Kansas Nationals Topeka, KS May 17-19 | ||
| Toyota NHRA SummerNationals Englishtown, NJ May 30 - June 2 | ||
| Ford NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals Bristol, TN June 14-16 | ||
| NHRA New England Nationals Epping, NH June 20-23 | ||
| O'Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals Chicago, IL June 27-30 | ||
| Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals Norwalk, OH July 4-7 | ||
| Mopar Mile High NHRA Nationals Denver, CO July 19-21 | ||
| NHRA Sonoma Nationals Sonoma, CA July 26-28 | ||
| O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Northwest Nationals Seattle, WA August 2-4 | ||
| Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals Brainerd, MN August 15-18 | ||
| NHRA U.S. Nationals Indianapolis, IN August 28 - September 2 | ||
| NHRA Nationals Charlotte, NC September 13-15 | ||
| AAA Texas NHRA Fall Nationals Dallas, TX September 19-22 | ||
| AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals St. Louis, MO September 27-29 | ||
| Auto-Plus NHRA Nationals Reading, PA October 3-6 | ||
| NHRA Nationals Las Vegas, NV October 24-27 | ||
| Automobile Club of Southern California NHRA Finals Pomona, CA November 7-10 |












