The Brickyard 400 Race Namesake To Be Determined By The Fans (#nascar #crownheroes)

Every year, Crown Royal honors a hero with naming rights to the Brickyard 400, one of #NASCAR's biggest races, as part of the "Your Hero's Name Here" Program.

With Indianapolis crowned as the racing capital of the world, Indianapolis Motor Speedway has the ability to make a dream come true for one lucky hero at NASCAR’s most popular summer race.

Adult consumers can go to CrownRoyalHeroes.com to vote for the hero they think is most deserving of naming rights to the race. Voting runs through June 9th and the grand prize winner will be announced shortly after. 

Each of the five finalists have truly inspiring stories featuring determination, generosity and courage! They will be flown to Indianapolis to attend the race, and the grand prize winner will be provided with a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience, which will include delivering the trophy bearing his or her moniker to the race winner in Victory Lane!

Click Here To Read Their Motivating Stories

Remember to Vote Daily And Encourage Your Friends To Do So Too.

Help make a hero's’ dream come true.

* Must be 21 or older to vote. One vote per day. For complete details, see Official Rules.

Please Drink Responsibly.

 

 

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1. Crown Royal’s #NASCAR Your Hero's Name Here 400
2. Nominate Your Hero for the 2016 Crown Royal “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400
3. Christmas Ornament Produces #NASCAR Memories

Crown Royal’s 2016 “Your Hero’s Name Here” program

Honoring People Who Make A Difference Every Day #CrownHeroes

 

As the cars begin to roll into the Phoenix International Raceway, this event marks the second official weekend for the search of the 2016 Brickyard 400 race namesake. Crown Royal recently kicked off their “Your Hero’s Name Here” program, which honors a deserving American hero by re-naming the July NASCAR race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in his or her honor.

Concluding a weeklong celebration of heroes, individuals across the country were recognized as inaugural nominees for the program. Each individual was given access to a special experience – receiving tickets to award shows, professional football games and the upcoming Phoenix NASCAR race.

With the help from Phoenix-based charity ‘Packages From Home’  a group of local heroes will be in attendance who serve as working dog handlers at Luke Air Force Base and are some of the first program nominees. 

Packages From Home's mission is to send care and comfort packages to deployed American military heroes who are stationed in active duty theaters around the world, as well as to facilitate activities that elevate morale of all veterans

Celebrating the 10th year, Crown Royal has honored individuals who go above and beyond while giving back to their communities – from firefighters and military personnel, to police officers and first responders, by offering them an once-in-a-lifetime experience during race weekend.

Consumers twenty-one (21) and older, please take a moment and visit CrownRoyalHeroes.com to nominate your own heroes for a chance to have the Brickyard 400 renamed in their honor. Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 28 and five finalists will be chosen with a chance to win naming rights to the 2016 Brickyard 400.

The grand prize winner of Crown Royal’s “Your Hero’s Name Here Program” will receive naming rights to the Brickyard 400®. Held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 24, 2016, the race represents the ultimate celebration of heroes and the winner will be provided with an once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience.

Learn about the Packages From Home organization

Click Here to Nominate a Hero

Must be 21 or older to vote. 1 vote per day.

Please Drink Responsibly.

Crown Royal 'Your Hero's Name Here' Finalists Named

Vote through June 7 to name Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway 

 

Click Here To Vote For A Deserving Hero

 

Since NASCAR began running the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1994, a select group of race winners including Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson have been brave enough to face the challenge and made their mark as kings of the historic track. This year, another name will join their ranks without ever finishing a lap... but don't think for a second this person isn't well versed in bravery.

As the grand prize winner of Crown Royal's annual "Your Hero's Name Here" program, a deserving hero's name will be etched in history with naming rights to the NASCAR race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26, 2015.  This race will mark the ninth time Crown Royal has awarded race naming rights to an adult fan. The program focuses on all of the unsung heroes who make a difference in their communities, from firefighters and police officers to first responders and local volunteers. Every year five heroic finalists are nominated and through consumer voting, one winner is chosen to have their name cemented in sports history.

Beginning this week, adult consumers can go to CrownRoyalHeroes.com to vote for the hero they think is most deserving of naming rights to the race. Voting runs through June 7 and the grand prize winner will be announced early that month. See below for their names and bios or click here to read.

All five finalists will be flown to Indianapolis to attend the race, and the grand prize winner will be provided with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, which will include delivering the trophy bearing his or her moniker to the race winner in Victory Lane!

Jeff Kyle -- Retired U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant

Jeff Kyle, 37, of Lorena, Texas is a retired U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant who served for eight years from 2000-2008 in the infantry and reserves. While serving with the 3rd Marine Division, Kyle received the Navy Achievement Medal for leading the first Marine detachment to transport a nuclear submarine through hostile waters. During his time in the military, Kyle was deployed to Iraq twice, Africa and several other locations overseas. When Kyle retired from the Marine Corps in 2008 he says, "My military career didn't start until I left because now I am able to truly serve my country through helping my fellow brothers." As one of the founders of Texas Elite Tactical Academy, Kyle trains individuals about firearms safety through his passion to educate those in a safe environment. As a board member for the Guardian For Heroes Foundation, Kyle helps to oversee the organization's mission -- to provide free, in-home fitness equipment, facilitation of donated health club memberships, individualized programs, personal training, as well as life coaching and comprehensive support to in-need veterans with disabilities. In addition, Kyle plays a large role as a board member of American Valor, the foundation which runs the memorial benefit to honor his brother, CPO and U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. Nominated by the person he considers one of his heroes, former 2014 "Your Hero's Name Here" race namesake John Wayne Walding, Kyle continues to dedicate his efforts to champion for military veterans and their families.

Margy Bons -- Community Leader

Margy Bons, 59, of Phoenix, Ariz. is the CEO and Founder of the Military Assistance Mission (MAM). In 2005, her oldest son Michael was serving his country in Iraq when he was killed in an ambush by a suicide borne vehicle filled with IEDs. In an effort to honor her son and continue what he started, Bons created an organization with a name that contains Michael's initials. Formed in 2012, MAM's mission is to provide financial and moral aid to Arizona service members, wounded warriors and their families. MAM offers a number of programs to meet their needs including paying for items like rent, utilities and car payments and offering classes on resume writing. Last year alone the organization was able to help over 7,000 Arizona families. "There are so many true heroes out there. I get to support them every day, so I am very honored and humbled to be considered a hero," said Bons. When Bons is not working at her organization, she can be found riding her motorcycle or enjoying her newfound hobby of target shooting.

Brendan Marrocco -- Retired Army Sergeant

Brendan Marrocco, 28, of Staten Island, N.Y. is a retired Army Sergeant who was deployed in 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. On Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009, Marrocco's vehicle was hit with an Explosive Fired Projectile (EFP). This attack left Marrocco a quadruple amputee and the first ever U.S. soldier to survive such injuries sustained in the war. He credits his lieutenant and medic for his survival and looks up to them as his personal heroes. A determined individual, Marrocco set a goal for himself to greet his fellow soldiers returning from Iraq just four months after his injury. "It was a huge goal for me and it was an once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will cherish forever," said Marrocco. In December 2012, Marrocco underwent transplant surgery and was the first bilateral arm transplant recipient at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Since the surgery, he continues to receive intensive arm therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. An avid race fan and car enthusiast, Marrocco went to the Daytona, Bristol, Richmond and Dover races last year and would have gone to more if not for touring Afghanistan for Operation Proper Exit. Marrocco has yet to attend the "Your Hero's Name Here" 400 in Indianapolis and is excited for the opportunity to take the trip in July and see his favorite driver and friend, Brad Keselowski.

Hector Manley -- Community Leader

Hector Manley, 26, of Bonita Springs, Fla. lost both legs at age 11 in a tragic accident when a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck his birth country, El Salvador in 2001. Soon after, Manley was adopted and brought to the United States where he has flourished as a community leader, volunteer and teacher. In 2012, Manley became the first double amputee to kayak the entire length of the Mississippi River. This summer adventure took Manley 93 days and, through a partnership with Rotary Clubs, he was able to raise $70,000 dollars for the Wheelchair Foundation. As a result, in 2013 he and a group of others were able to distribute over 450 wheelchairs to people in need in El Salvador and Honduras. Manley continues to raise money for charities through events including Tough Mudder races. "If I could describe myself in one word it would be driven. I look at the challenges in front of me and put a plan in place so that nothing seems impossible," said Manley. Introduced to NASCAR at age 13, Manley has been a fan ever since and a follower of his favorite driver, Tony Stewart.

Benjamin Parker -- Retired Army Staff Sergeant

Benjamin Parker, 28, of Cincinnati, Ohio is a retired Army Staff Sergeant who was deployed to Afghanistan twice as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team Leader. Safely disarming more than 300 IEDs and saving countless lives during his tours of duty, Parker received two bronze stars for his bravery. "I don't consider what I did heroic. I was just doing my job," said Parker.  "I am deeply honored and humbled to be a finalist." After his second tour, Parker returned home and was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Devastated to have to end his army career, Parker decided to pursue another passion. Against all odds, he received his pilot's license and now works as an aircraft mechanic. Born in Indianapolis, Parker is an avid NASCAR fan who used to set alarms and call his dad from a satellite phone overseas so they could watch races together. Parker looks forward to returning to the "Your Hero's Name Here" 400 as a finalist to watch his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Source

Re-Name the Brickyard 400 After Your Hero!

Important Dates:
NOMINATIONS: January 26-April 30 |
MEET THE FINALISTS: May 14-18 |
VOTE FOR THE WINNER: May 21-June 28 |
RACE DAY: July 29, 2012

What makes someone a true hero?

Crown Royal looking for the great ones out there. The givers, the sharers, the helpers and the sacrificers—whoever has touched the lives of the people around them for the better.

This year, they are looking far and wide for heroes of all types, from firefighters to friends, from police officers to parents.

Click Here To Nominate Your Hero!

Nominate your hometown hero for the chance to win their name in lights on the Crown Royal Presents the "Your Hero's Name Here" 400 at the Brickyard.

The Winning Hero will receive:

★ Naming rights to the race—we're talking on the race logo, on the track infield, on the TV broadcast. Everywhere!

★ Trip to the Brickyard for winner and guest

★ Once in a lifetime VIP track experience

NASCAR Race Mom attended the 2011 “Matthew and Daniel Hansen Brothers 400.” I can tell you that it was awesome!

Crown Royal® Kicks Off Nationwide Call for Heroes

Whisky Brand to Honor an American Hero with Naming Rights
to the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. Feb. 7, 2012 – There are certain people who go above and beyond to change people’s lives. From protecting our country to serving as leaders in the community, Crown Royal is looking to pay tribute to those who are making a difference. The whisky brand is encouraging adult fans to nominate their personal heroes (21 or older) for naming rights to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here”TM 400 at the Brickyard.

The race, to be held on July 29, 2012 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, represents the ultimate celebration of heroes and will mark the sixth time Crown Royal has awarded race naming rights to an adult fan. For the past two years, Crown Royal accepted nominations for military and service members exclusively. Not only has the 2012 race moved to the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but the annual program—now called “Your Hero’s Name Here”—has been expanded to accept entries for all of the unsung heroes who make a difference in their communities, from firefighters and police officers, to first responders and local volunteers.

“The expansion of the nomination category gives adult fans the opportunity to honor all men and women who truly make a difference in their day-to-day lives,” said Yvonne Briese, VP Marketing, DIAGEO North American whisky. “We’ve been given the opportunity to shine a spotlight on those who unselfishly commit themselves to giving back, and we look forward to seeing one of our heroes kiss the bricks in Indianapolis this summer.”

To nominate a hero for consideration for naming rights to the race, fans are encouraged to visit the Crown Royal Facebook page (Facebook.com/CrownRoyal), where they will be asked to describe a heroic act by the nominee in 100 words or less. Nominations will be accepted until April 30, 2012 and the five finalists will be announced in May. Once the finalists are announced, fans will be provided the chance to cast a vote and determine the winner. The winner will be revealed in a special ceremony leading up to the race.

As part of the prize package, the grand-prize winner will travel to Indianapolis for the race, where he or she will be provided an once-in-a-lifetime experience, which includes waving the green flag to signal the start of the race and delivering the trophy bearing his or her moniker to the race winner in Victory Lane.

The race is the culminating event of the Crown Royal Heroes ProjectTM, an ongoing commitment to recognize everyday heroes and give back to their communities. As part of the project, special commemorative CAMO Crown Royal bag stuffing events were held across the country throughout the fall, resulting in thousands of Crown Royal care packages being sent to American troops overseas, with the help of Packages from Home. The Project benefits the brand’s two national charity partners, Honoring Heroes and Operation Patriot Foundation.

Crown Royal’s ongoing effort to identify deserving individuals kicked off this weekend in Indianapolis, along with various military bases across the country and will continue throughout the entry period. Former NFL standout Warrick Dunn made a special appearance around the big game to call attention to the program and encourage adult fans to nominate their heroes. Dunn has partnered with the whisky brand to honor his own hero – his late mother – a former police officer who was killed during an off-duty security shift 19 years ago.

About Crown Royal
Crown Royal Canadian whisky is the number one selling Canadian whisky brand in the US by value and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal Canadian whisky's smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information visit www.crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all fans to please enjoy responsibly.

About Diageo
Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE).

For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

About Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been the worldwide leader in motorsports entertainment since it opened in 1909. The facility has hosted the Indianapolis 500, the world’s largest single-day annual sporting event, since 1911 and also is the site of the Crown Royal Presents the “Your Hero’s Name Here” 400 at the Brickyard and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP. The NASCAR Nationwide Series and GRAND-AM Road Racing also will make their IMS debut with races in 2012.

IMS is the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and is the only venue to stage annual races in the IZOD IndyCar Series, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, GRAND-AM Road Racing and MotoGP.

About Operation Patriot Foundation
The mission of Operation Patriot Foundation, Inc., is to pay tribute to those who protect us daily - fire fighters, law enforcement, emergency responders and our active and veteran military forces, and to raise money for organizations representing these men and women who protect us. Our intentions are simple. To pay tribute to and help those who risk their lives for us daily and provide support to these people and their families through fund raising and ceremony in their honor. Operation Patriot Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information, please visit www.operationpatriot.org.

About Honoring Heroes
Honoring Heroes, also known as The American First Responder Institute of Heraldry, has created nationally recognized awards for valor and heroism in the service of the First Responders' life saving mission. No federal, state or local funds are required because the First Responder Institute prioritizes using locally donated dollars to honor local first responders. Prior to the work of the Institute, there was only one nationally recognized award for First Responders; the Medal of Valor. We have created complimentary awards for heroism and exceptional service "above and beyond the call of duty." Awards are also given for direct participation in significant events, for improving security of the homeland and for exemplary service. For more information, please visit www.honoringheroes.com.

About Packages From Home
Packages From Home is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to send care and comfort packages to deployed American military heroes who are stationed in active duty theaters around the world, as well as to facilitate activities that elevate morale of all veterans. Packages From Home was founded in 2004 by Kathleen Lewis and has sent over 130,000 individual care packages and thousands of pounds of bulk mailing to deployed military troops overseas since its inception. You can make a donation and learn more about Packages From Home by calling 602.253.0284 or by visiting us at www.packagesfromhome.org.