LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Luke Air Force Base Airmen were treated to a visit April 16 by NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick, car No. 29, and a free lunch by Famous Dave's barbeque. 

About 1,000 base Airmen attended the the Salute to Military Families event where 2,000 free tickets were handed out to Saturday's race at Phoenix International Raceway in Avondale. 

"I think events like this are great morale boosters," said Megan Ross, 56th Force Support Squadron marketing assistant. "People think it's really fun to do something exciting in these tough economic times especially when it's free." 

For some Airmen this may be the only way they will see a NASCAR race. 

"I think events like this are outstanding," said Staff Sgt. Ryan Cobb, 56th Communications Squadron airfield systems technician. "The salary that most Airmen get makes it difficult to go and see things like NASCAR where the tickets may cost up to $60 a piece, so it's really good that services does things like this." 

NASCAR representatives are equally excited about bringing their form of entertainment to the Airmen. 

"I don't think there's enough thanks for everything the military does," Mr. Harvick said. "It's a real honor to be here."