Photo by Spc. Darrell Lavoie, Warrior Transition Brigade Soldiers get an up-close look at Mark Martin’s #8 Army NASCAR Sept. 18 during NASCAR’s day-long tribute to troops and their Families at Walter Reed. See Pages 9 and 10.

ìEvery time I come here, itís a pretty overwhelming experience,î said Greg Biffle during his visit. Sunday, he would claim his second victory in as many weeks, crossing the checkered flag first at the Dover (Del.) International Speedway in the AAAís Camping World RV 400. The week before, he won the Sylvania 300 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This Sunday, the driverís take to the track at the Kansas Speedway in Colemanís Camping World RV 400. But Sept. 18 at Walter Reed, it was all about honoring those who serve the nation in uniforms and their Families.

The rainbow of high-powered cars were on display in front of Abrams Hall for people to come by and get an up-close glimpse at the glistening machines, usually seen blazing around an asphalt oval at speeds of more than 180 miles per hour. People gazed at the machines, looked in the cockpits and asked teamsí pit crew members questions as drivers and other NASCAR officials visited patients in the hospital.

ìThis is my fifth year in a row coming,î Biffle said. ìTo see the dedication that these men and women have that have served our country and continue to serve our country, it makes you feel pretty small.

ìCompared to what they have done and what they do for us... itís a pretty grounding experience, I think, for all of us,î he added.

Kyle Busch was another driver who made the visit to Walter Reed last week. His No. 18 car was on display at the hospital. He said it was an honor to visit the men and women who allow drivers to perform on Sundays.

ìItís a great event that we are able to come out here and see them and put some smiles on their faces,î he said. ìAnd see that they are not only ready to get back at it, but they are disappointed they are not where they want to be.î

Staff Sgt. Claudia House-De Alba, injured in Iraq, was able to get a look under the hood and inside Buschís car along with Mark Martinís Army-sponsored car.

ìItís pretty cool because you only get to see them when they are on TV, so itís nice to see them in person and see how the driver can get out of the car after really bad crashes,î House-De-Alba said.

Following the tour of the hospital, Biffle, Busch, and other drivers including Ryan Newman and Scott Riggs signed autographs before a dinner.

ìInstead of playing with GI Joeís when I was growing up, I was playing with catalytic convertors and torque wrenches,î said Kevin C. Miller Jr., a member of the New York Army National Guard out of Troy, N.Y., who sustained a severe leg injury while serving in Afghanistan this past July. ìMy father taught me about racing ever since I was little and Iím a single father, too, so I teach my son about cars as well.î (Editorís note: Some of the information in this article came from the Associated Press)