HOW TO WATCH
WHAT: Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Hamilton native Staff Sgt. Robert Massarelli will be honored on the No. 30 car of driver Josh Wise.
WHEN: 6 p.m. Sunday on FOX
For Pat and Mary Massarelli, NASCAR races have never been a must-see television event.
But that will change Sunday when the Hamilton residents tune in for the Coca-Cola 600 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
That’s because their son, Robert, who died while serving his country, will be part of what is known as the 600 Miles of Remembrance.
All 40 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars will bear the name of a fallen service member on their windshields during Sunday’s race. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Massarelli’s name will appear on the No. 30 TMG Motorsports Chevrolet driven by Josh Wise.
“We appreciate that NASCAR is recognizing Bob and the other fallen soldiers,” Mary Massarelli told the Journal-News.
Staff Sgt. Massarelli, 32, died in June 2012 in an accident involving two convoys traveling in opposite directions while he was deployed in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
“Every time someone remembers their son or daughter, even in a small way, it feels like a hug from above,” Mary Massarelli said. “As difficult and heart wrenching as Bob’s death has been, we have been blessed with caring and support from family, friends and community.”
Staff Sgt. Massarelli was assigned to the Army’s 96th Transportation Company out of Fort Hood Texas. He received many awards for his dedication and service, including four Army Commendation medals and two Army Achievement medals.
From 2004 until his death in 2012, Staff Sgt. Massarelli completed three tours in Iraq before his tour in Afghanistan.
“There is something about that camaraderie that drew him back in that you don’t see in civilian live,” Mary Massarelli said. “There is a different mentality, and I think he was drawn to that.”
Dave Fuge, crew chief of the No. 30 TMG Motorsports Chevrolet, knows the Massarelli family and said he is glad to see Robert get honored.
“It is easy to forget the sacrifices of the military and their families that allow us in America to enjoy the freedom we have today,” Fuge said. “When you are remembering fallen soldiers, especially on (Memorial Day weekend), we give thanks to all who have served and sacrificed. It is especially meaningful when you have an extended family member, that for me includes Bobby Massarelli, that has given his life for our freedom.”
Chief Operating Officer for NASCAR, Brent Dewar, said displaying the names of soldiers helps to make sure they are not forgotten.
“Each of the names proudly displayed on these race cars tells a story of honor and sacrifice,” Dewar said. “As the NASCAR industry reflects on Memorial Day Weekend, we’re proud to honor these and all fallen service members in a way that helps ensure their stories and lives are never forgotten.”
Wise also said it is an honor to be able to pay tribute to fallen soldiers.
“It’s a true honor to have Staff Sgt Massarelli riding along with us this week,” the NASCAR driver said. “It brings pause and is humbling when I think about the sacrifice that he and his family made, so that we can live free and be here enjoying a sport like NASCAR.”
“I hope he and his family enjoy the ride this week,” he said.
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