TALLADEGA, AL – A staple at Talladega Superspeedway, the patriotic Freedom Trophy will be presented to the winner of the April 29 GEICO 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race by United States Navy Commanding Officer at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Captain Christopher T. Martin.
This distinctive piece of hardware, introduced in the spring of 2014, features five-sided silver aluminum panels centered around a waterjet cut star. Each panel is engraved with a military member and logo from one of our nation’s five military branches. It has been presented to Talladega Superspeedway winners in NASCAR’s premier series by members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard.
Born and raised in Tennessee, Captain Martin enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1984, where he served as an Aviation Electronics Technician, Air Warfare qualified. He then attended Auburn University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management. Upon graduation, he commenced his flight training, earning his “Wings of Gold” in July 1995.
Upon completion of further training, Captain Martin reported to the “Bluetails” of VAW-121 in 1996, where he deployed onboard the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) for her maiden voyage around the world. After successful tours with VAW-120 and VAW-124, he reported to the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, completing Joint Professional Military Education Phase Two and earning a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in 2008.
After serving as an interagency representative for U.S. Southern Command in Washington, D.C., Captain Martin reported to the Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL to serve as a military faculty member in the Leadership and Warfighting Department in 2014. His decorations include a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Strike/Flight Air Medal, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and various unit, campaign and service awards.
In addition to presenting the Freedom Trophy to the winner in Gatorade Victory Lane, Captain Martin will be recognized in the official drivers meeting the morning of the GEICO 500, as well as be introduced to the fans as part of the pre-race festivities.
Talladega Superspeedway is proud to offer excellent savings to members of the military, as well as first responders and their families through its Military & First Responders Appreciation ticket programs. For more information or questions about Military & First Responders Appreciation tickets, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com/military.
For more information on the highly-anticipated weekend, featuring the General Tire 200 for the ARCA Racing Series, the Sparks Energy 300 for the NASCAR Xfinity Series and GEICO 500, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 855-518-RACE (7223).
About Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega Superspeedway is NASCAR’s Most Competitive (record 88 lead changes in 188 laps), highest banked (33 degrees), and longest track (2.66-miles), as well as the most fun and fan-friendly. Talladega offers something for everyone, including hundreds of acres of free camping, amazing kids’ tickets and college student prices, along with special offers for military members and first responders. The historic venue, built in 1969, is deemed NASCAR’s “Party Capital” thanks to the track’s infamous infield, which features the traditional Saturday Night Concert and the world-renowned Talladega Blvd, home of Friday night’s “Big One on the Blvd” party. It’s the site of the most comfortable seats in motorsports, large ISM Vision HD video boards lining the frontstretch and endless pre-race activities for fans on race day, including special kids’ VIP opportunities. Talladega’s Spring 2018 tripleheader race weekend is set for April 27-29. The weekend kicks off on Friday, April 27, with the General Tire 200 ARCA Racing Series Presented by Menards event, while the Sparks Energy 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race is set for Saturday, April 28. The weekend concludes with the GEICO 500 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, April 29. For more information, go to talladegasuperspeedway.com or call the Talladega Ticket Office at 855-518-RACE (7223).
