Blake Shelton is teaming up with Jimmie Johnson to honor our nation’s veterans.
Before the Indy 500 race last weekend, where Blake was the grand marshal, he was tasked with the special honor of helping former NASCAR driver and longtime friend Jimmie decorate the helmet he wore during the Indy 500, which marked Jimmie’s first time competing in the race.
Designated the “Helmet of Heroes,” it features symbols that honor their family members who’ve served in the U.S. armed forces. Blake’s late father, Richard Shelton, served in the Korean War and then became part of the honor guard. His brother Richie was a member of the Army before he died in a car accident at the age of 24 in 1990.
After Jimmie wore the helmet during the race, Blake and Jimmie signed it. The helmet will be given away as part of a contest raising money for the American Legion, a nonprofit that supports veterans. A $48 donation to the American Legion equals one entry into a drawing for the Helmet of Heroes. The winner will be announced on September 13.
“What an honor, especially with the American Legion involved and it’s [Jimmie’s] first Indy 500. There’s so much that this helmet represents,” Blake said, adding that it’s a “big deal” for him to have input on the Helmet of Heroes.
The helmet will be on display at the IndyCar Series races and other events in the American Legion mobile unit until the end of racing season.
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