Coalition forces inspire Nadeau.

The incentives are there every week, but for United States Army NASCAR driver Jerry Nadeau the inspiration to do well has reached another level.

The reason is obvious for the feisty and competitive Nadeau, who feels a special kinship to the U.S. troops engaged in the war with Iraq.

"I had the honour to visit the troops in Afghanistan and Kuwait earlier this year and next to the birth of my daughter (Natalie, born Feb. 17), it was the most incredible experience I had ever encountered," said the 32-year-old Nadeau. "I think about all of our troops fighting for freedom, especially the soldiers I met during the visit. I am so proud of them and want them to be proud of us."

Nadeau and the inspired U.S. Army team will take the added incentive to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area for Sunday's Samsung/Radio Shack 500 Winston Cup race at the 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway.

"The odds have to be in our favour - hopefully we used up all of the bad luck," said Nadeau, driver of the U.S. Army No. 01 Pontiac Grand Prix. "If someone didn't see any of the first six races and just looked at the finishes, he or she would think we have been way off. The reality is we've been a good team - we just can't seem to shake the misfortunes.

"Last week (in Bristol) I was running fourth and got hit from behind, two weeks ago in Darlington, I was running third when the oil pressure fitting broke. It's been like that since the beginning of the season. We're going to keep on fighting and work ourselves out of this situation. I'm looking forward to Texas because I've always liked the 1.5-mile tracks."

As Nadeau prepares for the Texas weekend, which includes a Wednesday stopover at Kentucky Speedway for a test session, he will continue to keep a close eye on the events in Iraq.

"I am glued to the television as the majority of Americans are," commented Nadeau. "Going over there really had an effect on me - I felt really close to the troops - I ate with them, slept in the tents, drove a tank and fired weapons. I support them and stand behind them 100 percent. It was just an awesome experience to see all of the equipment and the high morale of the soldiers. I am deeply honoured to be driving the U.S. Army car."