Daytona Beach Shores resident to pace field prior to the start of the Coke Zero Sugar 400.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Hal Kushner, an area resident who served in Vietnam and was held as a prisoner of war for 5 ½ years, will be the Honorary Pace Truck driver for the 61st annual Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday, July 6 at Daytona International Speedway.

Kushner, who has been an ophthalmologist in the Daytona Beach area since 1977, served as a flight surgeon with the 1st Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam. He was captured by the Viet Cong shortly after his helicopter crashed on Nov. 30, 1967 and was held in captivity in brutal conditions until his release on March 16, 1973.

His many military awards include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He was inducted into the Army Aviation Hall of Fame in 2001.

Kushner will lead the stars of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series around the 2.5-mile tri-oval in a Chevrolet Silverado prior to the start of the 160-lap, 400-mile race. He will also participate in the pre-race ceremonies and attend the drivers meeting.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to host U.S. Army Col. Hal Kushner at the Coke Zero Sugar 400,” Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile said. “Hal is an American hero. He has made many sacrifices on behalf of his country to preserve the freedoms that we all enjoy today. We look forward to recognizing one of our area residents on this Independence Day holiday weekend.”

The July Fourth weekend has always been a very special time to me,” Kushner said. “I’m looking forward to driving the pace truck and celebrating our country’s birthday with NASCAR fans.

Tickets for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 Weekend on July 4-6 and all Daytona International Speedway events can be purchased online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube and Snapchat, and by downloading Daytona International Speedway’s mobile app, for the latest Speedway news throughout the season.