Matthew and Daniel Hansen: Two most worthy reasons to care about NASCAR, even if you don’t

I was born and raised in Carmel, Indiana. While I was growing up, I thought you couldn’t live in a more boring place. I used to tell people that the state really only had three things: the best basketball in America, lots and lots of corn, and THE RACE – once a year.

Of course, now that I live in the South, I miss a lot of the subtleties of the Midwest. But I will always remember the buzz of excitement that swept through Hoosier-Land during the month of May.

I would not consider myself a “die-hard” racing fan. While I definitely enjoy NASCAR, if it is competing head to head against basketball or football, I hardly ever watch it.

Recently, I have discovered that it is the perfect sport for Sunday afternoons. I will turn on the race, watch the first 20 or so laps, fall asleep, and wake up for the finish. Really, it gives me the best of everything: exciting racing, entertaining accidents, and a nice, refreshing nap.

So when I was approached a few weeks ago with the opportunity of going to the Crown Royal “Your Name Here” 400, I was intrigued, but not necessarily ultra-psyched. That is, until I researched the event a little more.

You’re probably thinking, “That is the lamest name for a race ever.” I admit, I was confused at first as well. But since 2007, Crown Royal has sponsored one of the coolest ideas in all of sports. For the past four years, the company has held an annual essay contest during Daytona Speedweeks. The winner of the contest gets the race named after him.

But for the past two years, Crown Royal has chosen to focus the contest only on military service members in order to directly honor heroism. No matter how you feel about the current wars that our country is fighting, I’m sure you will agree that the men that are fighting for our freedom and against terrorism are a few of the only legitimate heroes that we have left in this country.

This year, the winners of the contest were extra special: United States Marines Matthew and Daniel Hansen.
In the past, the race has only been named after the contest winner, but this year’s race will not only recognize Matthew, but also his identical twin brother and fellow Marine, Daniel, who was killed in action on February 14, 2009.

Matthew and Daniel were both originally from San Marcos, California. In 2002, Matthew joined the USMC and later served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His brother Daniel entered the Corps at the same time and was selected to protect President Bush at Camp David in 2004. Later that same year, he protected Lieutenant General Richard C. Zilmer in Iraq. Tragically, Daniel was killed by a roadside bomb while he was supporting combat operations in the Farah province of Afghanistan.

Again, in a sports world that throws around terms like “hero,” “legend,” and “greatness” so easily, the sacrifices of both Matthew and Daniel Hansen seem to put everything into perspective.

In order to honor these men, Lt. General Zilmer and Major General Ray Fox, the USMC Commanding General of Training and Education Command in Quantico, VA., will be present at the race in Richmond on Saturday Night.

Matthew will be the Grand Marshal of the race. He will ride in the pace car and watch the race from Matt Kenseth’s (the driver for Crown Royal) pit box before delivering the trophy, named after him, to the race winner in Victory Lane.

Rodney Atkins will also be at the race, giving a live concert in conjunction with Crown Royal in order to honor all American soldiers. Ticket holders will be able to view the concert from the frontstretch before the race, and the concert will also be streamed live on NASCAR.com.

Unbelievably, I have been asked to come and cover the event for MSF. While there, I will be participating in a variety of events. On Saturday morning, I will take part in a scavenger hunt with several other bloggers for the chance to travel to Las Vegas and race against Matt Kenseth on a real NASCAR track. If I win, I will also be given a sizable gift that I can donate to the charity of my choice.

The race itself should be fantastic. Richmond International Raceway is known as America’s Premier Short Track. Not only is it one of the faster and more fan-friendly short tracks on the circuit, but it will also be raced under the lights in Prime Time.

Before and during the scavenger hunt, I will be able to talk to both Matt Kenseth and Rodney Atkins. However, as you can probably guess, I am most excited and honored to be able to meet Matthew Hansen.

Interestingly enough, I don’t drink alcohol, and I’m not a fan of country music, but I couldn’t possibly support any more wholeheartedly what Crown Royal and Rodney Adkins have come together to do this weekend.

Maybe you’re like me and you watch NASCAR, but you aren’t exactly a rabid fan. Or maybe you don’t even like racing at all. Regardless, the Crown Royal “Matthew and Daniel Hansen” 400 is must-see television this weekend.

I feel so honored to be able to take part in this event, and as such, I would appreciate your input on a few things: If anyone has any questions or comments for Matt Kenseth, Rodney Atkins, or especially Matthew Hansen, please don’t hesitate to send them to me on Twitter @The_Dr_Twitch.

Maybe you want to know what Kenseth’s favorite track is. Or maybe you just want to tell Matthew Hansen “thank you” for everything that him and his brother have done for our nation. I would be honored to pass along any and all information to him.

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