More Dedicated Than a NASCAR Team

DALLAS (March 12, 2000) -- NASCAR teams spend more than 34 weekends on the road each year and Jerry Nadeau will log more than 13,000 miles in his No. 25 MichaelHoligan.com Chevrolet during a season. But that doesn't compare to the United States Coast Guard's dedication to protecting our country around the clock 365 days a year.

To express its gratitude for the Coast Guard's efforts, MichaelHoligan.com is partnering with other champion NASCAR drivers and teams to salute the United States Armed Services with a "Tribute to Freedom in the Millennium." For the first time, all five branches of the Armed Forces will come together to support recruitment efforts for the Armed Services. This special program features five military-themed race cars that will be driven in the May 28 Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway at Charlotte, N.C. The No. 25 MichaelHoligan.com Chevrolet will proudly sport the colors of the Coast Guard for this tribute.

"There are hundreds of thousands of NASCAR fans that have military backgrounds," said Michael Holigan, President of MichaelHoligan.com. "We wouldn't be involved in this sport if we couldn't give something back to the fans. Supporting the Coast Guard is our way of supporting the military and the fans at the same time. It's a way to give something back to them." The Coast Guard's motto "Semper Paratus" (Always Ready) translates well to the NASCAR community. While the No. 25 Hendrick Motorsports team is poised for action behind pit wall during each race, the Coast Guard is ready for action in peacetime and during war.

"NASCAR and the military are very much alike," Holigan explained. "Both are hard-working organizations that never take time off. They are constantly working to perfect their operations. I like being a part of any group that works hard for the benefit of others. With NASCAR, it's giving the fans racing excitement and entertainment each weekend. The Coast Guard gives all of us peace of mind by protecting our waterways."

With operations that include search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, aids to navigation maintenance, ice-breaking and environmental protection, the Coast Guard is one of the most versatile and productive agencies in government. Just this year, the Coast Guard has prevented more than 70,000 pounds of cocaine and 40,000 pounds of marijuana from entering the United States.

Nadeau couldn't be more pleased about carrying the Coast Guard colors on his car.

"Their jobs are very crucial and we don't always appreciate them until they are helping us," Nadeau explained. "That's one of the reasons why I'm excited about this tribute. It's a way for NASCAR and NASCAR fans to say 'Thanks' to them. The Coast Guard is always on call -- we've seen them in action a lot this year."

"I understand how much time, effort and dedication it takes to be in the Coast Guard," Holigan concluded. "Their pride comes from knowing that they've saved someone in a search and rescue mission or kept our country free from one more shipment of drugs. Sponsoring the No. 25 car on behalf of the Coast Guard is just one small way to say thank you for all they do for us."