A Military Leader Takes the Wheel at Richmond
On a warm August afternoon in Richmond, Virginia, the roar of engines gave way to a different kind of ceremony as General Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, climbed into the pace car for the Cook Out 400. The event, held at Richmond International Raceway on August 15, 2026, merged the excitement of NASCAR with a tribute to the state’s Army National Guard members.
Nordhaus used the high‑profile platform to meet with Virginia Army National Guard recruits, offering words of encouragement and highlighting the Guard’s commitment to community service. He also took the opportunity to enlist and reenlist approximately 40 Guardsmen, turning the racing weekend into a spontaneous recruitment rally that resonated with fans and participants alike.
In his remarks, Nordhaus thanked the drivers, crew members, and spectators for their ongoing support of the National Guard, emphasizing the shared values of discipline, teamwork, and excellence that both the military and motorsports embody. The ceremony underscored the Guard’s deep ties to the local community and its role beyond traditional defense duties.