Jessica Lynch, Johnny Damon will be at Daytona

[Cocoa]

http://www.whowon.com/Results.asp?TrackID=449&StoryID=143292

DAYTONA BEACH Fla. -- Two of the most popular and well known figures in America - American war hero Jessica Lynch and World Series champion Johnny Damon - will participate in pre-race ceremonies for the 47th annual Daytona 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 20 (FOX, 1 p.m.).

"The Daytona 500 is a premier sporting event that continues to attract an unprecedented list of special guests," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig. "We're thrilled to welcome Jessica Lynch and Johnny Damon to the pre-race festivities for NASCAR's signature event."

Lynch is a U.S. Army Private who was a Prisoner of War and later rescued during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Damon delivered a career year in 2004 for the World Series champion Boston Red Sox batting .304 with 20 home runs and 94 RBI. Damon is a graduate of Dr. Phillips High School in nearby Orlando, Fla. He is entering his fourth season with the Red Sox as centerfielder and his eleventh season overall in Major League Baseball.

Lynch and Damon will be introduced on the pre race stage, participate in driver introductions and ride in one of the Chevrolet pace cars that lead the 43-car field before the start of the "The Great American Race."

[ewagner]

1. Very, very disappointed in Jessica

She tried real hard to avoid the phony "hero" image the pentagon tried to place on her but now she seems to be drinking the kool-aid...

so sad.

I was so proud of her for refuting the pentagon lies about her capture.....

[joeybee12]

2. In her defense this seems like essentially a press release, still, she

should just fade away from the public eye if she really wants to refute what was said about her.

[JDeaver9]

3. I live in Daytona!!!

you know who else will be here for the weekend of the 500?? Hannity and Colmes. Yuk!! My son is the chef for Daytona Nascar circuit. He and his friends have been thinking of a way to get Hannity sick from food poisoning without hurting anyone else. Haven't come up with anything so far. Too funny!

[joeybee12]

4. Welcome to DU!

If I think of anything to help out your son, I'll let you know!

[HuckleB]

5. Uh, if you say so.

:shrug:

[jakefrep]

6. Pvt. Lynch

NASCAR will just use Lynch as a prop in some ultra-"patriotic" stage show. The nationalist goobers eat that stuff up.

[Lugnut]

7. That sure beats last year's pre-race

Our illustrious "leader" showed up to stink up the joint.