NASCAR Salutes: Kurt Busch trains with U.S. Marine Corps

By Chase Wilhelm | Published: May 9, 2018 21

Chase Wilhelm | NASCAR Digital Media

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Chase Wilhelm | NASCAR Digital Media

As part of Charlotte Motor Speedway's 'Mission 600' initiative, Kurt Busch experienced a day in the life of a RECON Marine at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. It was part of a five-stop series, giving some of NASCAR's top drivers interactive, educational visits ahead of the Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race (May 19) and Coca-Cola 600 (May 27). Check out a few behind-the-scenes looks from Busch's visit.

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Chase Wilhelm | NASCAR Digital Media

Before participating in a virtual-reality suspended parachute drop, Busch gets a quick lesson on how the program operates.

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Chase Wilhelm | NASCAR Digital Media

Busch gets a glimpse of the equipment the Marine Corps uses on a daily basis.

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A student of the Marine Corps for a day.

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Busch gets strapped into the virtual-reality parachute drop.

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Smiling from ear-to-ear, Busch readies for his virtual-reality experience.

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A member of the Marine Corps puts virtual-reality goggles in place before Busch is lifted from the ground.

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Chase Wilhelm | NASCAR Digital Media

Busch is airborne to begin his virtual-reality parachute dive.

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Chase Wilhelm | NASCAR Digital Media

With a swift pull of the tether, Busch releases his virtual parachute under direction from his marine instructors.

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An American hero meets his NASCAR hero.

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Moments like this are what it's all about.

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Getting ready for the next mission.

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Busch straps on his helmet for the next stage of his experience.

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Chase Wilhelm | NASCAR Digital Media

“What an experience to be out here at Camp Lejeune with the Marines,” Busch said. “It’s a privilege to be here to experience what our top trained professionals do to protect our freedoms, and to experience it with them right alongside them. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other.'

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Busch receives some final instructions before heading out to ride on a rubberized water combat craft.

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Busch looks on as frogmen arise from the water as part of another military exercise.

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Busch (far left) and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver and NBC Sports' Parker Klingerman poses with frogmen at Camp Lejeune.

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'It was a rookie adrenaline feel where it's all so new, you don't know what's around the next corner. ... I definitely felt like a rookie today in many areas. Just to have their safety and their comfort and their guidance, that's what it's about to be a military member,' Busch said.

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After completing a live recon mission, Busch signs an autograph for a member of the Marine Corps.

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Busch signed hats for every Marine Corp member on hand for the special event.

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The Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune presents Busch with a special flag signed by members of their battalion.