Even NASCAR drivers think astronauts are heroes!

On Thursday, one of the sport's top drivers, Carl Edwards, made a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Edwards was all smiles as he met met up with NASA astronaut Jerry Ross who holds the record for launching into space seven times, five of them on board space shuttle Atlantis.

"He's basically lived every kid's dream by going into space and being a part of something like this," said Edwards said.  "Driving 200 mph in a race car is one thing, but this is a whole other level." 

But Ross, a former pilot, can respect what drivers such as Edwards must deal with.

"I can't believe these guys do this weekly, with 30 other guys out on the track, bumper to bumper," said Ross.

Edwards even got a look at some NASA technology used to make race cars safer, such as new lightweight, flame resistant material.

As the meeting wrapped up, Edwards invited Ross to join him on race day in the pit near his crew as he burns rubber for the checkered flag.

"He's got an open invitation to sit in the pit box with the crew, whatever he wants to do," Edwards said. "That would be really cool."

Edwards is traveling across the country to promote the upcoming Daytona 500, the Great American Race.

Daytona International Speedway news and resources