By Dan Scanlan
The Florida Times-Union
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville firefighter Pat Copeman is going to the Daytona 500. But the 2012 Firefighter of the Year is there for more than just the race.
He is one of five finalists in Crown Royal’s “Your Hero’s Name Here” contest and gets the Daytona 500 as his prize for now. He could also have the 2013 Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway named in his honor if fans vote for him as their favorite in the months to come on Crown Royal’s Facebook page. Copeman learned he was going to be a NASCAR VIP from country music star Justin Moore, who will introduce him and another Florida finalist at a Sunday concert before the race.
“I was very shocked, honored and humbled,” Copeman said. “… I have been to the 500 and the Brickyard 400 before, but not in the capacity that I will be this weekend, up close and personal.”
Full story: Jacksonville firefighter gets hero’s treatment at Daytona 500