NASCAR's top drivers lead efforts to Salute the Troops

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Six Sprint Cup drivers and two Nationwide Series drivers will lead all NASCAR fans in the USO Salute the Troops Memorial Day tribute to the armed forces on May 24-25 at Lowe's Motor Speedway to kick off a nationwide effort to raise funds for military families worldwide.

All will drive specially designed cars supporting branches of the military.

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• "Salute the Troops" gear

Distinguished members of the military on Tuesday kicked off the Salute the Troops tribute in grand style with a military color guard presentation and the presentation of the cars that will run in the Carquest Auto Parts 300 and the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day to show their support for America's armed forces. The USO Salute the Troops program hopes to raise funds for American military families in need through the effort.

"I love the fact that we are able to, through our Salute the Troops race weekend, show how much we care, show how much our troops mean to us and show our support," Gordon said. "I would like to do more because I think that is what Memorial Day is all about -- paying tribute to the men and women that fight so hard for us. They put their lives on the line for us to have the freedom to be able to do this every weekend and to be able to live in a country that has so many benefits."

The NASCAR team owners, sponsors, drivers and employees donated the space on their cars to collectively thank the armed forces.

Diecast models and officially licensed merchandise of the participating drivers will be available for sale through Motorsports Authentics.

"The USO is proud to be the beneficiary of the Salute the Troops campaign," said Edward A. Powell, USO president and CEO. "We thank Speedway Motorsports, Motorsports Authentics, the racing community and its fans for their continued support of our men and women in uniform and the USO. It is with great pleasure that the USO joins you in conveying our gratitude for their service and sacrifice"