Brad Keselowski, driver of the No. 2 for Team Penske, visited Richmond, Va. on 9/11 to share his gratitude to service members and first responders in the greater Richmond region. As part of his day, he visited the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center, hosted a luncheon for veterans and first responders, and toured the Hanover Fire-EMS, Station 10’s 9/11 memorial. Keselowski visited RVA in advance of the NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend at Richmond Raceway (Richmond) on Sept. 20-21.
“It was a memorable day thanking veterans and first responders across the greater Richmond region in remembrance of 9/11,” said Richmond President Dennis Bickmeier. “We are surrounded by local heroes that sacrifice their bodies and lives on a daily basis to keep us safe. Thanks to Brad Keselowski and Team Penske for joining us to give thanks to those who serve in our community.”
“When you think about the incredible sacrifices that servicemen, servicewomen, and first responders are willing to make for our freedoms, you realize it is what they do that makes it possible for us to run race cars and raise families in a safe community. I am very thankful and grateful for the freedoms they provide,” said Keselowski. “Thanks to Richmond Raceway for the opportunity to visit with veterans and first responders in Richmond. I look forward to coming back to race under the lights in the NASCAR Playoffs on Sept. 21.”
Keselowski’s day began with a visit to the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center (VAMC) to visit with veterans who have sacrificed their bodies in service to our country. He, along with Bickmeier, visited with patients in treatment at the Spinal Cord Injury & Disorders Center of Excellence to encourage and brighten their day. Veterans shared how they got their injuries and how watching NASCAR has helped their recovery. The most touching moment of the day came when a veteran shared that Keselowski’s visit was his motivation to get out of bed for the day.
Since 1946, the Richmond VAMC has been improving the health of the men and women who have proudly served our nation. Services are available to more than 200,000 veterans coming from 52 cities and counties covering 22,515 miles of central and southern Virginia and parts of northern North Carolina. To learn more about the VAMC, visit richmond.va.gov.
Following the visit to the VAMC, Keselowski received a tour of the FanGrounds, Richmond’s modernized infield, along with local media. Keselowski took a keen interest in the history of America’s Premier Short Track showcased on the Garage Walk of Honor in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series garages. He also took in the sights of the fan-friendly neighborhoods and Victory Lane in the FanGrounds.
The track, Team Penske, and Keselowski partnered to host a luncheon to show gratitude to service members and first responders in the TORQUE Club at Richmond. Members of Henrico County Firehouse #1, which serves the track, and police and emergency personnel who support Richmond’s race weekends were all in attendance. Local service members and first responders, along with the Richmond Fan Advisory Board and local Keselowski fans also attended the luncheon. Bickmeier and Keselowski shared their gratitude to those in attendance as part of a keynote speech followed by a meet and greet session.
Before leaving America’s Premier Short Track, Keselowski visited the Richmond Ticket Office to encourage the Ticket Sales team as they support fans purchasing tickets for the upcoming NASCAR Playoffs Race Weekend. As Keselowski toured the office, Rob Garella, Ticket Sales Account Executive, completed selling a package. When a sale occurs, the Ticket Sales team traditionally takes a moment to ring a gong to celebrate. Keselowski asked if he could be a part of the experience, so he gave Garella, who’s favorite driver is Keselowski, a moment to remember as they rang the gong.
For the last stop of the day, Keselowski toured the Hanover Fire-EMS, Station 10 in Hanover, Va. The visit with firefighters included time at the 9/11 Memorial Garden, which includes a monument to New York City firefighters and others who died that day. J.T. Williams, Battalion Chief 1, C-Shift, shared the significance of the memorial and presented Keselowski with a helmet shield for the fire station. To learn more about the Chickahominy Volunteer Fire Department, visit cvfd10.org.
Keselowski, the 2012 Monster Energy Series champion, has won five times at Richmond, four in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and once in the Monster Energy Series. He earned the checkered flag in 2014’s Federated Auto Parts 400 race at America’s Premier Short Track. This season he is sixth in points with three victories headed into the NASCAR Playoffs.
Keselowski will return to compete in the NASCAR Playoffs in the Federated Auto Parts 400 Monster Energy Series Playoffs race “under the lights” on Saturday, Sept. 21. For more information on Keselowski, visit bradracing.com. To learn more about Team Penske, visit teampenske.com.
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