NASCAR Honors USS The Sullivans At Daytona

The Mayport-based Destroyer Sailors were selected to represent The Sullivans as part of the Navy's Fleet honoree program, getting an up close and personal look at the Navy No. 88 "Accelerate Your Life" Chevy Monte Carlo, driven by Brad Keselowski of JR Motorsports.

The Sullivans name was decaled on the hood of the No. 88 car and the Sailors enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of the garage, car inspection stations, and the No. 88 hauler, with a bonus look inside of the ESPN Dish Tech Center, where host Tim Brewer gave a personal tour.

Before the race, they met with driver Brad Keselowski, taking photographs and getting autographs from the rising star of JR Motorsports.

Later, at track side, they met team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr., then moved to the Navy No. 88 car's pit where they had the opportunity to talk with and learn from the pit crew, sit up on the pit box with crew Chief Tony Eury Sr. and enjoy the view of the track from pit row.

"Meeting with Dale Jr. and Brad Keselowski was a once in a lifetime experience," said Chief Engineman Tim Dozier. "Being an honorary crew member for the Navy 88 car was an exceptional experience that will never be forgotten".

Ship Serviceman 3rd Class Allen Reiner said, "My experience at Daytona for the Winn-Dixie 250 was definitely unforgettable. Being in the pit and feeling the adrenaline you get from the pit crew, drivers, and fans are definitely one of a kind and you can only experience that at a NASCAR race. It was fitting for the 4th of July weekend as well, hearing all of the horsepower around the track definitely was the sound of America."

The evening came to an end as fireworks lit up the sky and the field of cars crossed the finish line. Keselowski led the most laps and placed fifth in a green/white checkered finish and moved to second in the points standings for the NASCAR Nationwide Series.