Catchfence

In recognition of the Secretary of the Army establishing 2009 as the Year of the NCO (Noncommissioned Officer), Ryan Newman’s No. 39 Impala SS will pay tribute to NCOs in Saturday night’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race — Chevy Rock & Roll 400 — at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway.

The hood on Newman’s U.S. Army/Haas Automation Chevy will showcase the Year of the NCO logo along with the three-stripe Sergeant Insignia.

Considered the backbone of the U.S. Army, noncommissioned officers have played a vital role for more than 200 years.

“Honoring the NCO is a special tribute and it will be a privilege to represent this group of Army personnel,” said Newman. “This is one of many incredible experiences I’ve been associated with this season as the driver of the U.S. Army car. To put the NCO Chevy in Victory Lane would make it an even better celebration.”

The U.S. Army plans to honor local Virginia Noncommissioned Officers in a pre-race ceremony conducted on the Chevy Stage at 3 p.m. Saturday; honoring one Soldier with the highest recruiting achievement issued by the Army — the Glen E. Morrell Award. The ceremony will be conducted by Command Sergeant Major Dennis King from Fort Monroe, Va.

- DMF Communication for U.S. Army Racing, Press Release