Four Charlotte, NC, veterans received refurbished vehicles thanks to the National Auto Body Council (NABC) Recycled Rides program, vehicle donor GEICO, repair partner Maaco and the Petty Family Foundation, represented by Richard and Kyle Petty.

The Oct. 5 presentation was part of the annual NASCAR Bank of America 400 weekend and took place in the Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Zone.

The Petty Family Foundation is a nonprofit organization started by NASCAR’s winningest driver, Richard Petty, and his son and NASCAR race winner, Kyle Petty, which allows their family to stay involved with their community by providing financial support to various causes and charities.

The recipients were all nominated by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and Veterans Bridge Home, an advocate for service members, veterans and their families in the Carolinas to create stronger communities one veteran at a time.

Jakori Johnson is a decorated U.S. Army veteran who served from 2016-2018, but since leaving the military, he has had several episodes of homelessness, due to job insecurity and instability. Through his persistence and determination, he has been permanently housed through the Department of Veterans Affairs, HUD/VASH program since February 2024, and works full time as an energy technician, working towards his goal of opening his own HVAC business. Johnson received a 2016 KIA Optima LX that will help him get work and medical appointments and give back to others.

“Honestly this just means everything to me and I’m just so appreciative,” said Jakori Johnson. “It’s truly life changing, and it helps me to secure financial stability even more than I’ve been able to do without the vehicle.”

Raymond Rios is a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1975 to 1979. Rios received a 2019 Nissan Rogue S to relieve the transportation obstacles he has had to overcome to attend medical appointments, and help him give back and serve his community despite his limitations.

DeCarlo Johnson, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, served from 2008 to 2012. He has been working hard to provide for himself and his daughter. He enrolled in school to get his CDL and is currently training behind the wheel. Due to a lack of transportation, he has not been able to visit his daughter. He received a 2021 Nissan Rogue SL to continue working towards his goal of stability and economic self-sufficiency.

“First of all, this will greatly improve my mobility, and it will allow my life with my daughter to become a little more fluid because I will be able to take her and pick her up from school,” said DeCarlo Johnson. “I am extremely, extremely grateful as a veteran in my community because we have the notion that we don’t need to ask for help. It makes a difference when you have different organizations that will listen to you and communicate on your behalf with you being their main priority. The NABC, to reinvest in us like this, is very heartfelt.”

Cantius Baptist is a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from 1985 to 1993. After facing serious health challenges, he found himself teetering on the edge of homelessness. Through determination and a proactive spirit, Baptist worked to rebuild his life. Today, he has stable housing and is focused on providing for his family. While housing has brought a sense of security, a lack of transportation remained the issue that prevents him and his family from fully moving forward. He received a 2018 Hyundai Tucson SE.

All four vehicles were refurbished by techs from Maaco locations in Gastonia, Graham and Mooresville, NC. Maaco, a part of Driven Brands, is a Level One partner of the NABC.

“We’re glad to be a part of this gifting today for these veterans who have given so much and we’re glad to give back to them,” said Matt Billing, regional operations coach, Maaco. “Thanks to all the technicians who helped get these vehicles refurbished. They take pride in it. It was an honor to be able to do this for these veterans.”

GEICO is also a Level One partner of the NABC and has donated more than 1,000 vehicles to people and organizations through NABC Recycled Rides, making it the program’s largest car donor partner.

Additional partners in this presentation included NASCAR Racing Experience, Copart, Enterprise, Advanced Remarketing Services and Cars for Charity.