Martha Nemechek, mother of U.S. Army driver Joe Nemechek, knows what the perfect Mother's Day gift would be.
 
Ever since Joe starting racing motorcycles at the age of 13, Martha has seen her son win many times. But what she hasn't seen in person is Joe winning a Cup race.
 
"I've been there for his Busch wins, but I have never been at the track when he has won a Cup race," said Martha. "That is my personal goal to be in Victory Lane when he wins a Cup race."
 
With Mother's Day on Sunday, Martha is hoping to get her wish when Nemechek and his U.S. Army Chevrolet challenge the daunting 1.366-mile oval Saturday night at Darlington Raceway.
 
"A victory in Darlington would be the ultimate Mother's Day present," said Martha. "If it happens, that would be super special. But if it doesn't, that's okay too because I know that Joey gave it his best -- he's never given anything less ever since he started to compete in racing." 
 
Martha will be among a group of mothers attending the race. The mothers will escort their sons across the stage during pre-race introductions, and will also give the famous starting command that will be altered to, "Sons and drivers, start your engines."
 
"That is so nice of the track to include the mothers," said Martha. "It will be a proud moment to walk across the stage with my son."
 
It is safe to say that Martha is the most recognized mother in the Cup garage.
When she attends a race her attire includes desert camouflage fatigues, a drill sergeant hat and combat boots. All in support of her son's primary sponsor -- the U.S. Army. 
 
The lettering and patches on her uniform include -- G.I. Joe's Mom, That's My Boy and a special patch in honor of her son John, who died five days after being involved in an accident in the 1997 NASCAR Craftsman Truck race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
 
"When I first saw my Mom come to the race with her fatigues I said to myself, 'Holy Moly -- what do we have here," ' said Nemechek. "But it's cool. She is a special Mom and I wouldn't be where I am without her lifelong support. A win Saturday night and having Mom in Victory Lane would be pretty neat for the Nemechek family and the Army race team."

Good seats remain for race events at Darlington on Friday, May 6. This very full day of race action begins with qualifying for both the NASCAR Busch and NEXTEL Cup Series. The NASCAR Busch Series will follow up their qualifying efforts on Friday evening in the Diamond Hill Plywood 200. Race time is 8 p.m.

The Dodge Charger 500 weekend officially begins at Darlington Raceway on Thursday, May 5, with practice for the NASCAR Busch and NEXTEL Cup series. The first practice session begins at 4 p.m. and the final session ends at 8:30 p.m. Admission is only $10 per person.

To be placed on the Dodge Charger 500 waiting list, or to purchase reserved RV parking, tickets for Thursday and Friday, or infield admission tickets for Saturday, call the Raceway ticket hotline toll-free at 866.459.RACE.