2011 WPFG Car at NASCAR Race in Richmond
On Saturday night, September 11, 2010, the Air Guard 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Race in Richmond, Virginia featured the Budweiser #9 Ford Fusion car of Kasey Kahne that was
co-branded the “2011 World Police & Fire Games” car by Anheuser-Busch. The hood and rear quarter panels were decorated with the 2011 WPFG Logo and the rear spoiler of the car was emblazoned with the 2011 World Police & Fire Games website, www.2011wpfg.org. ABC TV provided coverage of the race and pre-race coverage was provided by the SPEED network.
Anheuser-Busch is a Founding Partner and Official Sponsor of the 2011 World Police & Fire Games to be held in New York. They hosted a contingent of ten FDNY firefighters and NYPD police officers who traveled to Richmond International Raceway to represent New York City and the 2011 World Police & Fire Games at the race. It was a busy weekend as the contingent from NYC attended many NASCAR Sprint Cup Race events and marked the 9-year anniversary of 9/11.
On Friday night, September 10, the group from NYC visited Henrico County Fire Station 21 for a barbeque dinner. They were greeted by members of the Henrico County Fire Department, the Henrico County Police Department as well as the Virginia State Police. Kasey Kahne stopped by to visit with all of those gathered and to answer questions and sign autographs. The visit was covered by the SPEED network for their pre-race coverage on Saturday. After leaving the firehouse, the group went into downtown Richmond where they were hosted by Halligan’s, a local watering hole complete with its own fire truck and lots of firefighter memorabilia. Outside on the street there was a parking lot with a large mural done in chalk commemorating 9/11. Visitors could add their own special messages to the mural which many of the NYC contingent did. The owner of Halligan’s said that he was honored to have the group from FDNY and NYPD as his guests on the eve of 9/11.
On Saturday morning, September 11, the group once again returned to Station 21 for a special ceremony. Upon arriving at the firehouse, everyone was treated to breakfast courtesy of the Station 21 firefighters. Just before 8:45 AM, the group from NYC as well as the Henrico County firefighters assembled at the flagpole outside for a 9/11 remembrance ceremony. Along with all of the NYC firefighters and police officers on duty back in New York, FDNY Battalion Chief Mike Donlon read specially prepared words from the FDNY Department Orders to mark the tragic occasion of the planes hitting the towers as well as when the towers fell. It was a somber scene as the firefighters and police officers paid respect to their fallen brethren. After the ceremony and a few hearty handshakes and hugs, the NYC contingent left for the racetrack and the day’s race events.
Once at Richmond International Raceway, the group received their credentials for the day. They were immediately whisked off to pit road inside the racetrack where they were treated to a ride in one of the official pace cars for the race. Next up was a tour of the garage area where the mechanics and
crews were busy preparing the race cars for the main event that night. It was here that the group got their first glimpse of the Budweiser #9 Ford Fusion car adorned with the 2011 World Police & Fire Games logos. After touring the garage area, it was back to pit road to visit with some of Kasey Kahne’s pit crew. The group had many questions for the members of Kasey’s pit crew as for most of them, this was their first NASCAR event. After visiting the pits it was off to the Anheuser-Busch suite for some light lunch before the pre-race festivities.
Upon returning trackside, the group attended the pre-race Driver’s Meeting where they had a chance to see and say hello to some of the drivers and owners. Afterwards the group moved to Kasey Kahne’s hauler where FDNY Captain Joe Brosi, Chief Operating Officer of the Games, and NYPD Captain Bill Brooks, Vice President of the Games, presented Kasey with some special memorabilia marking the 9/11 anniversary. The presentation was filmed and aired on the SPEED network as part of their “Race Day” segment. After the presentation it was back out to pit road where the group took part in the driver introductions and greeted the drivers as they stepped off of the stage on the way to their cars. The group then joined Kasey’s pit crew at the car for the singing of God Bless America and The Star Spangled Banner.
The group was escorted to the back of Kasey’s pit box for the start of the race where they watched the first 55 laps of the race until a caution on the track brought Kasey into the pits. The group was treated to watching the pit crew do what they do best, getting Kasey back out onto the track in seconds. The first-time NASCAR fans were overwhelmed at how easy the pit crew made their job look and how fast they completed the pit stop. It was then back up to the Anheuser-Busch suite to watch the rest of the race. Everyone in attendance agreed that it was a very exciting trip and one that they would remember for a long time. Thanks to Anheuser-Busch for providing such a memorable experience and for their continuing support of the 2011 World Police & Fire Games!