Every year at O’Reilly Raceway Park thousands of people gather for the NHRA U.S. Nationals in Clermont.
Some call it the Super Bowl of Drag Racing. One race team brought in a super star to inspire their team this year.
Labor Day weekend is weekend is full of excitement, drag racing and hot rod competition.
“This is a tremendous sport that’s gaining in popularity,” James Megellas said.
The races are so popular, fans travel from across the country for the big weekend.
For a few days, teams battle it out for a top spot and bragging rights.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel James Megellas should know about battles and war, “War is the most brutal form of human endeavor.”
The 91-year-old World War II veteran is the most decorated officer in the history of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division.
“The true nature of war, which is the war, which I fought in and everyone since,” Ret. Lt. Col. Megellas said.
Megellas is a guest of The Wiely X Pro Stock Team. The team’s owner is a veteran. They also produce and manufacture ballistic eye protection for U.S. Troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I figured we bring Jim “Maggie” Megellas in to inspire the race team and get some performance going in that direction,” Myles Freeman with Wiley X Inc. said.
Lt. Col. Megellas has more than 20 medals to prove his battles. He has earned two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and the Distinguished Service Cross.
He’s also a Master Parachutist.
“He’s been there, he’s lived it, he know’s what they are going through. He understands they need the support from our loved ones at home,” Freeman said.
“It is fought by young men and women who are on the cutting edge of the battlefield who will determine whether or not we loose,” Lt. Col. Megellas explained.
Retired Lt. Colonel James Megellas plans to make his second trip to Afghanistan to meet with U.S. soldiers next month.
