CONCORD, N.C. -- Devin Alston was in for a touching surprise when Chase Elliott dialed him up earlier this week.
The No. 9 Hauler driver was shocked when Elliott stated one of Alston’s friends from the Marines would be honored during Sunday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway.
Elliott revealed to Alston that U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Jasper F. Heilig’s name will adorn the passenger-side door of Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE for the event.
“It’s pretty cool,” Alston said. “I’m sure he will be thrilled to be part of the team for that. That’s pretty cool.”
Heilig and Alston served in the Marines together and became close through their services. Heilig was with the Marines for 15 years with three combat deployments. He retired in September 2013.
He currently works for the Semper Fi Fund as a Veteran to Veteran lead and helps other military members as they return to civilian life and to their communities.
“I’m looking forward to supporting him and everybody who’s served in all forms of military,” Elliott said.
Along with Heilig’s name on the No. 9 machine, primary sponsor NAPA AUTO PARTS has joined forces with the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF) for the ninth year in a row to raise awareness and support for United States service members who suffer from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress.
NAPA AUTO PARTS also will recognize the frontline heroes who risk their lives daily combating the coronavirus pandemic. For each purchase at a NAPA AUTO PARTS location in July, donations will be made to both IFHF and the American Red Cross.
To watch Elliott surprise Alston, check out the video above. Fans can see Heilig’s name on Elliott’s No. 9 Chevy this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. The race will be at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN.