CARY, N.C. -- The Pantry Inc.'s Kangaroo Express convenience store chain has announced it is the retail partner for the Red Bull Global Rallycross races in Charlotte, N.C., and Daytona, Fla., as part of its fourth annual Salute Our Troops campaign.
The collaboration will help drive support for troops and their families by recognizing active-duty service men and women at Red Bull Global Rallycross events, leading charity motorcycle "ROO Rides" as they drive patriotism through local communities and provide guests a chance to show their pride for U.S. armed forces with Red Bull Energy Drinks in new-limited edition 16-ounce camouflage cans, exclusive in the southeast at Kangaroo Express stores this summer.
The Salute Our Troops campaign empowers communities to shine a spotlight of praise and gratitude on the military by enlisting donations for military support organizations at more than 1,530 Kangaroo Express convenience stores from the week before Independence Day through Labor Day (June 25 to Sept. 2).
For the first time, the summer-long initiative introduces Salute Our Troops ROO Rides, motorcycle charity rides that will stop at Kangaroo Express locations, local military support organizations, community parks, memorials and other places. Many of the ROO Rides will be led by the Salute Our Troops Red Bull Global Rallycross pace car, a Hyundai Veloster decked out in patriotic pride replicating an official Rallycross car, ready to give wings to those following in the charity motorcycle ride.
Red Bull Global Rallycross events offer a viewing experience for fans at the track and watching broadcasts. Events are designed to produce the fastest and most exciting racing in all of motorsports, without lengthy breaks.
More than 200 service men and women and their families will experience the excitement this summer as Kangaroo Express works with Salute Our Troops cause partners to host more than 100 troops each at the race on July 26 at the Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway and at the race on Aug. 23 at Daytona International Speedway, including complimentary tickets.
"Kangaroo Express will ride right along with Red Bull Global Rallycross this summer as retail partner at races across the Southeast," said Colin Dyne, CEO, Red Bull Global Rallycross. "Our troops and their families make sacrifies for our freedoms everyday. It's an honor to have Kangaroo Express and its proven Salute Our Troops campaign join one of the most exciting events in motorsports."
One of the core principals of Red Bull Global Rallycross is the ability for fans to rub elbows with some of the biggest names in the sport. With a completely open paddock, fans are free to walk through, interacting with drivers and watching mechanics at work.
As of May 1, 2014, The Pantry, Cary, N.C., operated 1,534 convenience stores in 13 states, mostly under the Kangaroo Express banner.