By Seth Eggert, Staff Writer
Part-Time NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series driver, and United States Navy Reservist Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Iwuji has partnered with USAA to honor and remember fellow military service veterans.
Iwuji is working with USAA’s #HonotThroughAction campaign. To celebrate Veteran’s Day, USAA has issued the ‘V Challenge.’ The challenge for race fans is to draw a ‘V’ in the palm of their hand with the initials of a veteran(s) they would like to thank and honor. Then take a photo and post it to social media to show their appreciation.
USAA’s campaign was explained by Iwuji.
“What USAA is doing is calling on all Americans out there to honor and celebrate service members and veterans, people who have been in their life, whether they’re in their life right now or have been in their life before.
“What we’re doing here is having people draw the ‘V’ symbol and the initial of that vet on their hand. Then take a picture of it and post it on social media with the hashtag #HonorThroughAction, and hopefully challenge others, friends and family to do so too. What it does is really show all the vets out there just how much they are part of our society.”
The 32-year-old first partnered with USAA in 2018. As part of that partnership, Iwuji attended the Army-Navy College Football game. A former Safety on the Navy team, the game was a disappointment as his home team lost to Army.
“I’ve been a partner with USSA for around a year or so. Last year we did a full campaign. And then you know, we were at the Army-Navy game standing with them, and even though Navy, my home team, didn’t come out with the victory, it was all good. USAA has been a part of the Army-Navy game for a while and I’m looking forward to this year, Navy coming out on top, beating Army.”
The Carrollton, TX native last competed in the Sugarlands Shine 250 at Talladega Superspeedway. Iwuji started 32nd and finished 19th for Reaume Brothers Racing. His best finish this season was 17th at Texas Motor Speedway in the Spring.
Iwuji is optimistic about his racing future while remaining focused on improving his race craft.
“We’re looking at 2020, that’s what we’re getting ready for right now. Next year the goal is that, run the races, but I’m just going especially get myself ready to eventually get up to the Xfinity Series level. I want to gain more experience. I want to get better, continue to work on my skills, get laps, seat time, and get better.”
While Iwuji is partnered with USAA, he is not the only military veteran competing in NASCAR. Taylor Canfield, a retired U.S. Navy Seal competes in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. Josh White, a retired U.S. Marine Corp veteran has competed in the ARCA Menards Series and Truck Series.