By Rhonda Beck

Memorial Day weekend is always a special time to honor the United States military and their families. But race tracks, drivers and various motorsports organizations recognize the importance of those who serve throughout the year.

In April, Christopher Collins, from Macon, Ga., was the NCO of the color guard participating in the opening ceremonies for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Education Lottery 200 at Rockingham Speedway. Collins is currently stationed in Fayetteville, N.C. at Fort Bragg and is part of the 528 Special Operations support unit fort battalion support brigade of the color guard.  Rockingham was his first truck race but he had done the same thing in Charlotte a few years ago.

“I’ve always had a fondness for racing. I started watching NASCAR about four or five years ago, but I’m big into truck racing, watched a little of the dirt track racing, like the drag strip, and like motorcycle racing.  So yea, I’d say racing is in my blood,” said Collins, who has also had the chance to ride in a pace car. “It’s amazing once you get up in the turns, how the g-forces force you toward the wall and you’ve got to fight it to stay on the track. I got to experience what it feels like for the wheels to grip the track.  I have a lot of respect for those guys who get out and do this.  You never know—racing is one of those things—the guy you think is going to win may come up short. It’s very exciting.” Read On!