In the pits- MB2

Vice President Cheney visits the U.S. Army team

Joe Nemechek had a special appointment before the green flag dropped for the July 1 Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Prior to the summer classic at the World Center of Racing, Vice President Dick Cheney paid a visit to the U.S. Army team.

Cheney, who arrived at Daytona Beach International Airport in Air Force Two, was making his first trip to a NASCAR event.

“It’s a great day to visit Daytona,” Mr. Cheney said to the crowd of nearly 165,000 spectators. “I’m honored to be with all of you, and I bring greetings to you from the president. On Independence Day weekend, we are reminded how fortunate we are to live in freedom, and to call this nation our home. We’re grateful above all to the men and women who defend us.”

“I was really fired up that the vice president of the United States was at the Fourth of July weekend race,” said Nemechek. “Having him there helped remind us all why the holiday is important and how lucky we are to be Americans.”

Nemechek says he will add his visit with the vice president to the growing list of memories he has established as driver of the U.S. Army Chevrolet.

“It was an honor to meet the vice president and Mrs. Cheney,” said Nemechek. “He came into our hauler and I think he was impressed with what it takes to run a race team. It was special—you’re sitting there having a pleasant conversation about racing with the vice president of the United States. Another huge thrill that I have been honored with as the driver of the U.S. Army Chevrolet.”

Cheney also spoke at the NEXTEL Cup driver and crew chief meeting, reminding the group what it means to be an American and thanking them for their support.

“You’ve got, obviously, a huge following among the men and women of the United States military,” he remarked. “It means a great deal to them that you’re willing to spend time demonstrating your support for them. I know some of you have been to Walter Reed in Bethesda, spent some time with the folks who have come back wounded from their service to the nation. And I know on behalf of the president and myself, we greatly appreciate it.”

Photo caption: Vice President Cheney visits with the U.S. Army race team at Daytona International Speedway during the Independence Day weekend