Army will be the winner of Eldora race

Military-themed charities to benefit from Stewart’s annual race at Eldora.

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By Greg Billing, Staff Writer Updated 8:12 AM Tuesday, June 2, 2009

ROSSBURG — Holding hometown advantage as owner of Eldora Speedway and as the Prelude to the Dream defending champion, Tony Stewart should enjoy vocal fan support for the charity racing event on Wednesday, June 3.

Ryan Newman’s support, though, will be worldwide.

With the Prelude benefiting four military-themed charities this year, Newman should have cheering sections stationed all over the world as driver of the U.S. Army-sponsored No. 39 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

“It’s definitely special. I’ve said all year it’s an honor representing the U.S. Army and the soldiers driving the race car,” said Newman, who drives for Stewart-Haas Racing. “But to do this for the injured soldiers and the fallen soldiers, the heroes that have made a difference, is equally as important.

“I commend Tony and his group of people to make the decision to do what we are doing.”

The first four Preludes raised more than $2 million for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. Stewart — who stressed that the VJGC isn’t being forgotten and still receives support from NASCAR and drivers’ foundations — wants to raise $1 million for the Wounded Warrior Project, Fallen Heroes Fund, Operation Homefront and Fisher House.

Proceeds from the HBO pay-per-view telecast also will benefit the charities. The broadcast is available to the Armed Forces Network, enabling servicemen and servicewomen overseas the chance to watch for free.

“We get a lot of (perks) as drivers,” Newman said. “One of the things we have to do and remember sometimes is to give back. If we can make them smile it’s a good day.”

Also on Wednesday, the Ripsaw MS2 Unmanned Ground Vehicle — used for surveillance, finding Improvised Explosive Devices and defending troops — will take a lap around Eldora.

“The Army has a strong, long-standing presence in motorsports and we’re grateful to our partner Tony Stewart for hosting this event, as well as to Army driver Ryan Newman,” said Col. David Lee, Director of Marketing, U.S. Army Accessions Command.

Contact this reporter at  (937) 225-2400, ext. 6991 or  gbilling@DaytonDailyNews.com.