Rep. Kissell Leads Fight to Preserve NASCAR-Military Partnership

Press Release

Today, Representative Larry Kissell (NC-08) helped lead a bipartisan effort to preserve the ongoing partnership between the United States military and NASCAR. Kissell joined colleagues from both sides of the aisle in opposing an amendment that would block Department of Defense funding for racing teams or any promotion of the military within NASCAR and other professional sports.

"The bond between the men and women who wear our country's uniform and auto racing is a bond that we should strengthen, not eliminate by zeroing out this important funding," said Kissell. "There is a mutual appreciation and respect that not only helps build our forces, but also supports our troops and their military families, providing them with no-cost access to races and other events. This funding has an outstanding return on investment for our forces and helps to lift our nation's morale. I've watched the Coca-Cola 600 live on Memorial Day on the ground with our troops in Kabul, Afghanistan, and words cannot describe how much this partnership means to our forces."

Retired Maj. Gen. Gus L. Hargett, Jr., President of the National Guard Association, thanked Kissell for his efforts to keep the bond between racing and military recruiting strong.

"The National Guard Association of the United States (NGAUS) as well as National Guard officers across the country appreciate Representative Kissell's efforts today to keep motorsports a part of our recruiting efforts," said Hargett, Jr. "Affiliations with NASCAR and IndyCar have helped the Army National Guard build the strongest and most ready force in its history."

Kissell also highlighted the many research ties and advances reached between the auto racing industry and the military. From suspension and mechanical advances on vehicles to efforts to protect drivers and troops in tanks and humvees, there have been many advances made between the partnership.

"The motorsports industry has continued to work closely with our Armed Forces to help share research and find ways to protect our military and military vehicles from many of the similar impact-related injuries we seen shared between drivers and soldiers," added Kissell. "As a Co-Chair of the House Invisible Wounds Caucus, I'll continue to support the bonds that help protect our men and women in combat, and ensure their safe delivery home."

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