WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. -- Usually you can catch NASCAR driver Alex Bowman racing around a track at top speeds. This year he took the wheel of Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s number 88 Chevrolet, but Thursday he traded that Camaro in for a U.S. Coast Guard life boat in Wrightsville Beach.

• Bowman in city for NASCAR's "Salute to our Military"
• Event allows them to visit regional military bases
• Race is May 27 in Charlotte

The team was in the Port City as a part of NASCAR’s "Salute to our Military." Mission 600 is a series of interactive educational visits for some of NASCAR’s top drivers and allows them to visit regional military bases.

“It gives you a really big appreciation for what these guys do and everything they do to protect our country,” said Alex Bowman.

The team also unveiled a new patriotic look for the Coca-Cola 600.

The race is Sunday, May 27 in Charlotte.