NASCAR drivers will carry the names of 40 fallen heroes on Sunday, May 24, 2026 during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, with each name displayed on their cars. (David Jensen, Getty Images via TNS)
NASCAR drivers will carry the names of 40 fallen heroes on Sunday during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in North Carolina, with each name displayed on their cars.
Across 600 miles of racing, the track will transform into a rolling tribute of remembrance ahead of Memorial Day on Monday. Viewers at home can watch the race at 6 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime, or listen on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Six additional service members will be recognized across two pace cars and four Grand Marshal vehicles, extending the tribute to pre-race and ceremonial roles.
“NASCAR is proud to continue honoring our fallen heroes. It’s an important initiative that recognizes the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” said Jess Smith, vice president of Brand at NASCAR.
The service members being honored represent generations of Americans who served in World War II, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and more recent military operations. They died in combat, training exercises, active-duty service and post-service, in locations including Europe, Asia and the United States.
As part of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the auto racing organization also will introduce the NASCAR Heroes Pass, Smith said.
Through May 31, fans will be able to nominate a veteran or active-duty service member who “embodies the spirit of NASCAR,” the organization’s website says. A total of 250 recipients will be selected to receive the pass, which includes two tickets to one eligible NASCAR race per year, and is valid for 20 years.
