Ft. Worth (WBAP/KLIF News) – Texas Motor Speedway has delivered hundreds of tickets to Fort Worth and Dallas police for the resumption of the Firestone 600. The Indy car race started in June but was suspended due to rain.
“We know a lot of them because they’ve been working security at the speedway for years and years,” says TMS President Eddie Gossage. “Sometimes, you’ve gotta do the right thing just because it’s the right thing.”
Officers and a guest will receive free admission to he race on August 27. Officer Matt Pearce will serve as grand marshal, giving the command for drivers to start their engines.
“It’s a huge deal for everyone,” he says. “Being able to be around my coworkers and knowing the support I have from them, it’s mind-changing.”
Each car will carry a decal reading, “Back the Blue.”
Drivers will also wear a hat from a local department or national agency on the grid before the race. Drivers will then autograph the hat and return them to each agency.
Indianapolis 500 winner Alexander Rossi delivered tickets to the departments with Gossage on Wednesday.
“With scenarios like the past four or five months, it becomes apparent how much you take for granted,” Rossi says. “This is the real world and people are choosing to do things to make our lives better. This is a very small thing that we’re doing, but it’s a huge honor.”
(Copyright 2016 WBAP/KLIF News. All rights reserved)
