CONCORD, N.C. — Start your engines! The longest race of the NASCAR season is less than 24 hours away. Fans are getting ready for the 65th running of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The 600 mile race has attracted NASCAR fans from all over the country and even across seas. The event is sold out and while everyone waits for the big race, some are focused on its meaning this memorial day weekend.
Christopher Spaulding serves in the U.S. Navy. This week he is his second time at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He drove 15 hours from New Hampshire expecting to be solo until he was surprised by his friend and former brother in arms.
“We were still having a fun time. But they showed up last night, and it kind of like, took it to, like, the next level,” Spaulding said about being surprised by his friend Garrett Griffin.
Spaulding served with Griffin on a submarine for 10 years, and now the two use the Coca-Cola 600 as a chance to catch up and reflect.
As veterans they say they’re feeling the love from track staff, and have even been given access to the Xfinity Race which took place ahead of the Coca-Cola 600, despite not having tickets.
“A security guard was kind enough to let us in being veterans. So he let us in to turn four, and we watched from the fence area,” Spaulding said.
His friend is thankful to Charlotte Motor Speedway for being so accommodating to those who served.
“The track did a lot for us too, to get us here on like a little bit discounted price,” Griffin said.
The two Navy veterans are ready for drivers to start the 600 mile race on Sunday at 6 P.M. and family, friends, and cold drinks will keep them going until the checkered flag is waved.