Indy event naming rights go to Alabama firefighter

When local firefighters saved Troy native Curtiss Shaver's life during a tragic farming accident, Shaver knew he'd found his calling.

Though the accident claimed the lower part of his left leg, Shaver persevered and began a lifelong career as a firefighter and certified EMT with the goal of giving back to his community. In a special event today at Troy Fire Station No. 1, a ceremonial Yard of Bricks was revealed to recognize Shaver as winner of Crown Royal's "Your Hero's Name Here" program.

NASCAR drivers to chase victory at the Curtiss Shaver 400 next week

Photo by: Ashley Dickerson, ASP Inc.

The national contest renames the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) on July 29th after a deserving American hero. In an effort to bring a little piece of the famed track (more commonly known as The Brickyard) to Troy, Alabama, Crown Royal orchestrated a special ceremony that resulted in the laying of a replica "Yard of Bricks" in Troy's downtown area. The final engraved brick bearing the race logo was personally laid by Shaver, culminating the ceremony.

The official race title to be used throughout the national television broadcast and incorporated into race memorabilia as well as the race winner's trophy will be the Crown Royal Presents the Curtiss Shaver 400 at the Brickyard powered by Big MachineRecords.com. Various events and celebrations will take place leading up to and throughout race weekend to honor Shaver, during which Crown Royal would like to remind everyone to please drink responsibly.

"I'm a huge NASCAR fan, so having my name as a race title is absolutely unbelievable" said Shaver. "I'm honored that I was nominated for this incredible contest and humbled that so many people voted for my story. I'm looking forward to representing emergency personnel everywhere who risk their lives for others on a daily basis."

In addition to being a firefighter and certified EMT, Shaver is a husband and father of three. His career in the field began as a volunteer, less than two years after his farming accident. This sense of hard work and dedication were major components of his contest nomination, submitted by fellow Fire Lieutenant Brandy Cox.

As part of the grand-prize package, Shaver will ride in the pre-race pace car, deliver the trophy bearing his name to the race winner in Victory Lane, and kiss the bricks following the race. Through a partnership with IMS, country music artists from Big Machine Label Group including The Band Perry, The Mavericks, Justin Moore and Greg Bates will play special concerts at the track to honor Shaver throughout the race weekend.

"We feel privileged to host the 'Your Hero's Name Here' race on July 29 for the first time in Indianapolis Motor Speedway history" said Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and CEO Jeff Belskus. "Our entire staff is thrilled to help Crown Royal provide Curtiss with the royal treatment and recognize all heroes attending this year's race."