Rodney Atkins was a big part of a special NASCAR race this past weekend .

Crown Royal had naming rights to the race in Richmond, Va., and the company decided to have a contest to name the race. The winning title: the Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400, named after U.S. Marine twin brothers Matthew and Daniel Hansen. What made it even more powerful is that Daniel was killed in action two years ago.

Rodney did a pre-race concert and he spent much of the day with surviving twin brother Matthew and is family.

“I think the spirituality, the faith is what gives them peace of mind. They have very close families,” Rodney told Country Weekly.com. “You just talk to them, they're regular folks with an extraordinary sacrifice.”

This was no day of grieving, though, Rodney added.

“They're here to celebrate his life. You can feel it when you talk to them. It's got a really good vibe. We're not gonna let it be a sad day.”