07-25-2007 | TruckSeries.com Report
Last years pre-race ceremonies for the Power Stroke Diesel 200 presented by Ford and International at O'Reilly Raceway Park paid tribute to the 67 men and women from Indiana who lost their lives in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Before the race, Ford Power Stroke Diesel trucks lined the front stretch, each carrying a flag to represent two Hoosiers who died in defending our freedom. The salute to our fallen heroes was so moving that International Truck and Engine is expanding on last year's theme. This year, Ford Power Stroke Diesel trucks will parade down the front stretch with flags from all 50 states and the 4 US territories representing all the men and women who serve our country. As part of International Truck and Engine's salute to our troops, David Starr's International MaxxForce Diesel F-150 and Rick Crawford's Power Stroke Diesel by International F-150 will carry US Army logo's on the quarter panels of their Ford pickups at O'Reilly Raceway Park in the Ford Power Stroke Diesel 200 presented by Ford and International. "I admire our troops for what they do for us every day. Putting it on the line so we can enjoy the freedoms we have in the United States. Running the Army logo is just a small thank you," said David Starr. Teammate Rick Crawford offered the following; "From the USS George Washington to Baghdad I've been honored to visit with our troops overseas. Everyone knows what a special place our men and women in uniform hold in my heart. Having the Army on board this weekend is a privilege."