Jimmie Johnson Unveils "Helmet of Heroes" Tribute at DAYTONA 500 Honoring Fallen Firefighters

Partnership with Pye-Barker Fire & Safety and Carvana to host Fire Hero Families, with post-race auction benefiting the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson is partnering with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, and Carvana to reveal an all-new "Helmet of Heroes" honoring America's fallen firefighters at the DAYTONA 500 this weekend. The tribute reflects Johnson's lifelong respect for firefighters, inspired by his upbringing in the fire-prone community of El Cajon, California.

Why it matters

The Helmet of Heroes program honors the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which was created by the U.S. Congress to honor fallen firefighters, support their families, and reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries. Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, a leading fire protection and life safety provider, has an ongoing partnership with the NFFF as part of its community impact efforts.

The details

As part of the Helmet of Heroes DAYTONA 500 initiative, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety and LEGACY MC will host two NFFF representatives during race weekend - Jessica Seaburg and Marisa Harris Boykin, who both lost their fathers in the line of duty as children. Following the race, Johnson's specially designed DAYTONA 500 Helmet of Heroes will be auctioned by the Foundation, with proceeds benefiting the NFFF's mission and programs.

  • The Helmet of Heroes tribute will take place at the DAYTONA 500 this weekend (February 17, 2026).
  • The post-race auction of Johnson's Helmet of Heroes will immediately follow the DAYTONA 500.

The players

Jimmie Johnson

A seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee who is partnering on the Helmet of Heroes tribute.

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety

The nation's largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety, and security services provider, with an ongoing partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)

A foundation created by the U.S. Congress to honor fallen firefighters, support their families, and reduce line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

Jessica Seaburg

A peer supporter for Fire Hero Families and co-founder of the Children of the Legends Facebook group, who lost her father Kevin Seaburg in the line of duty.

Marisa Harris Boykin

A peer supporter for Fire Hero Families and co-founder of the Children of the Legends Facebook group, who lost her father Clifford Harris in the line of duty.

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What they’re saying

“Growing up in El Cajon, I saw firsthand how much firefighters mean to their communities. I've always said that if racing hadn't worked out, I would have wanted to be a firefighter. The courage, selflessness, and commitment it takes to do that job is something I deeply respect. The Helmet of Heroes is about honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice and standing with the families who continue to carry their legacy every day.”

— Jimmie Johnson

“Our business was founded on protecting lives, property, and communities, and our team members across the nation take that mission to heart. Partnering with organizations like the NFFF and programs like Helmet of Heroes helps us extend our commitment, supporting initiatives that truly save lives and recognize those who make our communities stronger.”

— Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker Fire & Safety

“To see fallen firefighters honored on a stage as big as the DAYTONA 500 means a great deal to the families we serve. This tribute keeps the memories of our nation's Fire Heroes alive, highlights the ongoing need to support their loved ones, and inspires us to deliver on our mission. We're grateful to Jimmie Johnson, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety and all the partners for coming together to make this happen.”

— Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

What’s next

Following the race, Johnson's specially designed DAYTONA 500 Helmet of Heroes will be auctioned by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, with proceeds benefiting the Foundation's mission and programs.

The takeaway

This Helmet of Heroes tribute at the DAYTONA 500 demonstrates the power of sports to honor service, remember sacrifice, and support the families of fallen heroes. By partnering with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, Jimmie Johnson and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB are using their platform to keep the legacies of America's bravest alive and provide meaningful assistance to those they left behind.