Daytona Beach, FL - A retired US Army Colonel, a former prisoner of war and Daytona Beach Shores resident is slated to be the honorary pace truck driver for the last July race at the World Center of Racing.
Yesterday (June 4th), the staff at Daytona International Speedway announced that retired US Army Colonel Hal Kushner, a Daytona Beach Shores resident, will serve as the Honorary Pace Truck Driver for the 61st Annual Coke Zero Sugar 400.
Kushner, who has been an ophthalmologist in the area since 1977, served as a flight surgeon with the 1st Squadron, 9th US Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam.
During his service, he was captured by the Viet Cong following a helicopter crash on November 30th, 1967.
He was held in captivity in brutal conditions until his release on March 16th, 1973.
"It was a bump in the road of my life, I'll tell you that," said Kushner. "But I always look forward, I don't look backward."
Kushner also said he's fortunate to have made it through that experience with only a few scars and nothing more.
He was also given a few different military awards which include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He was also inducted into the Army Aviation Hall of Fame.
Come July 6th, Kushner will lead the stars of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series around the Daytona International Speedway in a Chevrolet Silverado, prior to the start of the 160-lap race.
And one NASCAR driver was even on hand to give him a few tips.
Kurt Busch, the 2017 Daytona 500 Champion and the driver of the No. 1 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Chip Ganassi Racing, was at the World Center of Racing to help Kushner practice for his big day on July 6th.
“I’m really honored, Hal, to be standing here with you and to hear your story,” Busch said. “That this is a big lifetime achievement moment, yes, it’s special to be here at Daytona. I couldn’t agree more with Daytona on who they chose."
Kushner and Busch took to the track in a Chevrolet Impala for a few test runs, with Busch taking the first lap.
According to Kushner, he hit around 110 mph on his test run, while Busch hit almost 130 mph.
"I hope I have a passenger like Kurt when I do it," said Kushner.
Busch's appearance also served a couple of different purposes. Not only did it promote the mid-season NASCAR classic, but it also helped showcase the Veteran Tickets Foundation, also known as Vet Tix, which provides free tickets to various events for military personnel.
That includes those currently serving and veterans.
Busch is involved with Vet Tix on a season-long initiative, the KB100 Ticket Giveaway, which offers 100 tickets for veterans for each race on the Monster Energy Cup Series Schedule.
Following the festivities, members of the media were taken on a drive around the track, courtesy of Kurt Busch.
That included WNDB's Motorsports Director, Terry Sabiston, and Riggs, the host of the "Morning Hog" on WNDB's sister station, 95.7 The Hog.
And while the experience was mostly about taking a ride, Riggs felt that it was the perfect time for an interview, and the perfect time to call "shotgun."
Riggs' questions included what he wanted to do in Daytona besides racing, what song playlist would influence him to drive fast, what 80's band he would join and if he were to remake the movie "Talladega Nights" what role would he play.
In response, Busch said he wanted to go to the beach, he would choose artists like Sammy Hagar and Metallica, he would play drums for Journey and he would play Will Ferrell's crew chief.
After the lap, they wished Busch luck and sent him on his way with a free 95.7 The Hog t-shirt so he had his "racing and his rock and roll" covered, according to Riggs.
The Coke Zero Sugar 400 is slated for July 6th at the Daytona International Speedway. This is also the last time the 400 will be run in July at Daytona after NASCAR announced a new August date for the 2020 season.
