Farragut Gets All-Access To NASCAR

Farragut's own crew included Senior Chief Gas Turbine System Technician (SW) Bruce Robbins, Chief Gas Turbine System Technician Mechanical (SW/AW) Gentry Stewart, Intelligence Specialist 1st Class (SW/FMF) Matthew Leigh, Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Victor Thomas, Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SW) Thane Sheets, Gunner's Mate 3rd Class (SW) Thomas Bilancione, Gas Turbine System Technician Mechanical 3rd Class (SW) Citrine White and Sonar Technician Surface 3rd Class Hoff.

During the three-day trip, Farragut's Sailors met with teenagers at the Millington Central High School, describing life in the Navy and their various rates, leaving what is sure to be a lasting impression. The following day, the crew stopped in on Beale Street to indulge in some of the world's best barbeque as well as entertainment from the scores of Elvis impersonators. While the food was excellent and entertainment was memorable, the real show began the following day at the Memphis Motorsports Park. After receiving their Pit Row passes, Farragut's crew eagerly toured the huge car haulers and cars that lined the track.

According to Hoff, "Pit row is one of the coolest and busiest places to be. The haulers for the cars were just massive!"

The highlight of the day occurred when Brad Keselowski, the number 88 U.S. Navy Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS driver for JR Motorsports, greeted and spoke with Farragut's Sailors. His candid and respectful manner was noted by Farragut's crew, showing great admiration in their service and dedication.

In between swapping commemorative coins and autographs with Keselowski, the crew spoke of life onboard and the Partnership of the Americas 2008 deployment from which Farragut had just returned. Shortly thereafter, Keselowski presented the Navy Motorsports car with the newly placed USS Farragut (DDG 99) decal on the front of the hood. Following the National Anthem, the Sailors took their positions alongside the pit crew and watched as 43 cars overwhelmed the cheering of the crowd with their engines and began the race.

"We even got to listen in on headphones to the driver, the spotters, and the crew chief. It was all very exciting. Being right there when they do the pit stops is just very surreal because it happens so fast! I couldn't imagine changing 4 tires in 17 seconds!" recalled Hoff.

While the Sailors expected to be in the shadows of the NASCAR crews, they turned out to be celebrities themselves, receiving countless thanks and praises throughout the day from the fans. Only through the support and coordination of Navy Motorsports and the Fleet Honoree Program was Farragut able to partake in this national salute to the US Navy, contribute to Navy Recruiting, and participate in an unforgettable experience for its Sailors.