Thursday

Heath Calhoun, Winner of Crown Royal’s “Your Name Here” Contest, to Carry U.S. Flag at Opening Ceremonies of Paralympic Games

Filed under Press Releases, Sprint Cup Series

Athlete’s Name Graces Crown Royal Presents The Heath Calhoun
400 NASCAR Race at Richmond International Raceway

Richmond, VA (March 11, 2010)—Last month it was announced that Heath Calhoun, a retired member of the U.S. Army who lost both of his legs in an explosion in Iraq, will have his name on the May 1 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway. Today, the United States Olympic Committee announced Calhoun will carry the flag for the U.S. Paralympic Team at tomorrow’s opening ceremonies of the Paralympic Games in Vancouver, Canada.

Calhoun endured nine months of rehabilitation at Walter Reed Army Medical Center before becoming involved in Paralympic sports. He trained for alpine skiing in Aspen, Colorado. Currently residing in Tennessee, Calhoun received a Purple Heart and the George C. Lang Award for Courage.

The announcement that he will carry the flag for the U.S. Paralympic Team comes less than a month after Calhoun was announced as the winner of the annual Crown Royal^® “Your Name Here” 400 program. He was chosen from a group of five military finalists who were all nominated by their friends, family and fellow soldiers for their ability to demonstrate the core values of the military in performing a selfless act that makes them a hero.  Heath’s nomination detailed his determination and ability to inspire others to live their lives to the fullest despite their injuries.

Calhoun will be joined by 1,300 athletes from 44 countries in the Paralympic Games in Vancouver. To stay up to date on Calhoun’s performance, visit http://www.vancouver2010.com/paralympic-games/.

The Crown Royal Presents The Heath Calhoun 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race will run “under the lights” at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, May 1. Heath will serve as Grand Marshal and give the signal for drivers to start their engines as NASCAR’s hottest stars battle it out around America’s Premier Short Track. Tickets start at $40 and can be purchased by logging on to www.rir.com or calling 866-455-RACE (7223).

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About Richmond International Raceway:

Richmond International Raceway, known as America’s Premier Short Track, offers great night racing action and a commitment to the fan experience. One of the most popular facilities among drivers and fans in all of motorsports, Richmond International Raceway annually hosts all of its major events, two NASCAR Doubleheader weekends featuring the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series, under the lights on a ¾-mile D-Shaped oval. The unique layout traditionally produces exciting side-by-side racing, yet drivers reach high enough speeds for a superspeedway feel. Combined with first-class amenities and a focus on the fans, guests at Richmond International Raceway can expect to experience what “Racing Perfection” truly is. For tickets to events at Richmond International Raceway, call 866-455-RACE or visit www.rir.com online.

- Richmond International Raceway, Press Release