Despite the small community’s name, not everyone from the Richmond suburb of Mechanicsville, Virginia ends up on a skilled trades path. But Kenneth Clodfelter did, and his life, service and skills were recognized in a fitting setting nearly 25 years after his death.

As part of NASCAR’s annual 600 Miles of Remembrance effort, the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 race saw Clodfelter’s name ride on the No. 6 BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang of RFK Racing. Each stock car in that Memorial Day weekend Cup Series competition carries a fallen U.S. service member’s name to commemorate them and their sacrifices.

Enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1997 after graduating high school, Clodfelter attended Hull Maintenance Technician school. Aboard the USS Cole (DDG-67), he put his training to use doing metalwork and welding among other important responsibilities. In 1999 when he wasn’t serving on the guided missile destroyer, he worked on pit road when NASCAR visited Richmond Raceway.

In October 2000, terrorists attacked the USS Cole while it was refueling along the coast of Yemen. The bombing took 17 sailors’ lives, including Clodfelter’s. Thirty-nine sailors were injured.

‍

‍

Kenneth’s brother Joe and son Noah were among the family in attendance at the Coca-Cola 600 to not only enjoy the day’s festivities and excitement, but also to join in the tribute to Kenneth. They toured the garage and hauler areas, attended the drivers meeting, and stood by the No. 6 car on pit road for the poignant pre-race festivities. They also got to witness a top five finish by the car bearing Kenneth’s name, driven by RFK’s Brad Keselowski.

Speaking of how he thought his brother would view the day’s tributes, Joe Clodfelter said, “He would say it’s a little bit overkill, a little unexpected, but he would fit right in with the crowd and the noise and all the festivities.

“This is a little overwhelming, very unexpected, but I’d like to thank NASCAR, BlueForge Alliance and BuildSubmarines.com,” Joe added.