Dale Earnhardt, Jr. swerves toward the wall following a crash on the last lap of the Coke Zero 400. Earnhardt managed to finish the race in 15th place. (Mike Morones/Military Times)
Spc. Kenneth Knauss, a soldier with HHC Company, 53rd STB of the Florida National Guard, counts off a race fan’s pull-ups at the National Guard’s display on the midway at Daytona International Speedway on July 7. (Mike Morones/Military Times)
Soldiers with the Florida National Guard salute Vietnam veterans and Medal of Honor recipients James Taylor (right), Robert Patterson (second from right) and Michael Fitzmaurice (center). Standing at far right is Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam veteran Jack Jacobs. (Mike Morones/Military Times)
Fans line up at the National Guard display on the Midway at Daytona International Speedway for free giveaways and to get their picture taken with one of the #88 cars driven by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. In doing so, their contact information is collected and prospective soldiers are contacted later by a recruiter. (Mike Morones/Military Times)
Dale Earnhardt, Jr’s photo adorns giveaway items at the National Guard display at Daytona International Speedway on July 7. (Mike Morones/Military Times)
A race fan thanks Florida National Guard soldier Sgt. 1st Class Doyle Graham for his service at Daytona International Speedway on July 7. (Mike Morones/Military Times)
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. signs autographs at the National Guard camper on the infield at Daytona International Speedway on July 7. (Mike Morones/Military Times)
Fans reach out to Dale Earnhardt, Jr. during driver introductions before the start of the Coke Zero 400 on July 7. (Mike Morones/Military Times)
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. gets ready to compete in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7. Earnhardt finished in 15th place. (Mike Morones/Military Times)
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. races in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7. Qualifying in the 24th position, Earnhardt finished in 15th place and was caught up in a wreck just as the race ended. (Mike Morones/Military Times)
Crew members with the National Guard race team change out tires and refuel the #88 Chevrolet during a pit stop during the Coke Zero 400. (Mike Morones/Military Times)
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. fan Devin Waterman of Cape Coral, Fla., watches the closing laps of the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7. (Mike Morones/Military Times)
A1C Mason Bengston watches the Coke Zero 400 from an open pit box at Daytona International Speedway. (Mike Morones/Military Times)
