The spirit of the FDNY took center stage at the Talladega Superspeedway this past weekend. The Johnny Mac Foundation Board President Jennifer McNamara and Board Member Missy Mirabelli traveled to Alabama to support the Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation during a powerful NASCAR tribute.
As part of our mission to honor the legacy of first responders, the Foundation was a proud sponsor of Car 24, which carried a deeply moving tribute to the FDNY brotherhood.
A Racing Memorial: The Story of Car 24
The highlight of the weekend was the unveiling of Car 24, a vehicle transformed into a moving monument. The car was completely wrapped with the names of every FDNY member who has died in the line of duty or from 9/11-related illnesses.
Seeing those names—thousands of individuals who dedicated their lives to the safety of others—racing around the track was a profound reminder of the cost of service. The Johnny Mac Foundation logo was featured prominently on the back deck of the car, symbolizing our ongoing commitment to “Whatever it takes” for our first responder families.
Honoring John McNamara and Jesse Gerhard
For the Foundation family, this event was deeply personal. Featured on the back deck, alongside our logo, was the name of FDNY Firefighter John F. McNamara. John’s legacy of advocacy for sick first responders continues to drive everything we do, and seeing his name honored at such a massive venue was a moment of immense pride.
We were also honored to stand with the Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation. Jesse, an FDNY firefighter from Islip who tragically passed away in the line of duty in 2022, is remembered through his foundation’s work in the community. Partnering with them for this NASCAR event allowed us to amplify the message of remembrance and support for all fallen heroes.
Continuing the Mission
Events like the Talladega NASCAR Race are more than just sports; they are opportunities to ensure that the sacrifices made by FDNY members are never forgotten. We are grateful to the teams, the sponsors like Bulovas Restorations, and the Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation for making this tribute possible.
The Johnny Mac Foundation remains dedicated to supporting the families of our heroes and building a community that honors their service every single day.
