Laps for Heroes Returns: Honoring Service, Driving Impact in 2026
Purple Heart Homes is proud to continue its partnership with Dale Ogburn Motorsports for the 2026 Carolina Crate Modified Series, building on the momentum of a powerful first year and expanding the impact of the Laps for Heroes campaign.
Now in its second year, Laps for Heroes continues to turn every lap into something more - a tribute to fallen service members and a commitment to Veterans in need at home.
To donate and be part of the mission, please visit Laps for Heroes.
Racing with Purpose in 2026
Already several races into the 2026 season, Dale is once again taking the track with a mission that goes far beyond competition.
On April 11 at Hickory Motor Speedway, Dale captured a meaningful win while racing in honor of SSG Bobby Franklin, who was killed in action on August 20, 2003, in Baghdad, Iraq. A member of the 210th Military Police Company based in Murphy, North Carolina, SSG Franklin made the ultimate sacrifice at just 38 years old.
Moments like these define the heart of the campaign, where racing becomes remembrance, and performance becomes purpose.
How Laps for Heroes Makes an Impact
Throughout the 2026 season:
- $1 is donated for every lap Dale leads, in honor of a fallen service member whose name is displayed on his car
- $250 is donated for every race win, celebrating America’s 250th birthday
Each race is an opportunity to honor those who gave everything, while helping ensure Veterans today have a safe place to call home.
Join the Mission: Honor a Hero
Laps for Heroes is more than a campaign, it’s an invitation.
Supporters now have the opportunity to honor a fallen service member in a powerful and visible way.
With a $250 matched donation, you will receive access to submit the name of a fallen hero to be featured on Dale’s car during the 2026 season.
It’s a meaningful way to ensure their legacy lives on, lap after lap.
A Continued Commitment to Veterans
“Partnering with Purple Heart Homes continues to be one of the most meaningful parts of what we do,” said Dale Ogburn. “This campaign allows us to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while also making a real difference for Veterans and their families. It’s bigger than racing.”
John Gallina, Co-Founder and CEO of Purple Heart Homes, added:
“The values of the racing community and the military are closely aligned—service, sacrifice, and commitment. Dale embodies those values, and through this partnership, we’re able to turn that shared purpose into real impact for Veterans across the country.”
