By In Homeland Security Staff
In partnership with NASCAR, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, tapped legendary drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. (two-time Daytona 500 Winner) and Kyle Busch (2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion) to be featured in two public service announcements and other promotional materials aimed at raising fan awareness of potential security threats inside and outside International Speedway during the Daytona 500 in Florida.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. image and video courtesy of The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and NASCAR, “If You See Something, Say SomethingTM” campaign.
The event which is expected to draw well over 100,000 fans, comes on the heels of securing Super Bowl 50, which drew 71,088 in-stadium spectators at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The newest iteration of the long-running, “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign replaces previous PSAs that featured Jeff Gordon and Matt Kenseth in 2011. At that time, DHS and NASCAR first entered into partnership to build situational awareness in and around the event and aid security officials in identifying potential threats. According to DHS:
“Fans using their smart phones will also see messaging that highlights the individual role of everyday citizens to protect their neighbors and the communities they call home, by recognizing and reporting suspicious activity when using mobile applications.” —DHS Press Office, Feb. 20, 2016.
During the weekend, each PSA will be broadcast throughout the raceway venue – culminating with the final race February 21.
Kyle Busch image and video courtesy of The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and NASCAR, “If You See Something, Say SomethingTM” campaign.
The campaign, which has been hailed as an effective method for integrating public awareness to spot and report suspicious activity, originated with New York Cities Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and according to DHS, is licensed for nationwide-use as part of the department’s promotional efforts to thwart security threats in highly populated venues. According to DHS Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, “We will continue to work with our partners to expand this important public awareness campaign to ensure the safety and security of our communities.”
According to DHS, sports fans nationwide can expect to see greater expansion of security awareness campaigns to include partnership with “numerous sports teams and leagues” including the NFL, MLB, and NCAA.
For more information visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s campaign page
All images and videos courtesy of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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