Photo by Tim Hipps About 650 high-school students from Central Florida greet U.S. Army NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ryan Newman at a NASCAR Army Educational Program panel discussion Feb. 13 at Daytona International Speedway. DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - U.S. Army Racing driver Ryan Newman and Purple Heart recipient Sgt. 1st Class Samuel Potter met with about 650 high-school students in a tent adjacent to Daytona International Speedway Friday to discuss the NASCAR Army Educational Program.

They were joined for the panel discussion by Army recruiter Sgt. 1st Class William Wagoner; television broadcaster Matt Yocum, a NASCAR pit reporter for FOX ; and Alba Colon, General Motors' program manager for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

"Kids are our future," Newman said. "These kids here that are 16 to 18 years old are getting ready to make some huge decisions in their life, and being part of the Army or being a part of anything that makes their dreams come true is what we want to talk to them about. It's definitely special. We're trying to make a difference and make an impact.

"Basically, we want to tell them what our dreams were and how we made them come true so they can set their path for their lives. Chase your dreams, and if that's the U.S. Army, then that's great. We'd love to call you a hero in the future.

"We're not forcing anybody to do anything, we just want people to be able to know that the U.S. Army is a great place to be if you want to further your education and be a part of what it is to fight for our freedom."

Potter, 42, a native of Pensacola, Fla., who works at an Army recruiting station in Orlando, will serve as an honorary member of the U.S. Army Racing Team during Sunday's 51st running of Daytona 500.

"I don't know if I'm going to go over the wall," he said with a laugh. "But I'm going to be out there representing Ryan Newman and the U.S. Army."

Potter was awarded the Purple Heart after sustaining shrapnel injuries in his face, neck and upper arm when his truck contacted an improvised explosive device in Iraq on Aug. 7, 2004.

He also received a Bronze Star for meritorious service for his instrumental role in establishing guidelines to bolster security for his company's convoys in Iraq, where he proposed new rules for gun crews and convoy commanders. He suggested changes in weapon systems and tactics that became standard training for crews to help improve protection for convoy personnel.

"It's all about finding your passion, because really, a job is a job. But if you have something that pays for your living that you're passionate about, that's like hitting the lottery."

Newman expressed gratitude for being a member of the Army Strong Racing Team.