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NASCAR WCUP: Christmas Bells and Wedding Bells for Nadeau

17 December 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- NASCAR Winston Cup competitor Jerry Nadeau decided decorating a tree and exchanging gifts weren't the only ways to celebrate the holidays this year. The driver of the No. 25 Michael Holigan Chevrolet added a special memory, exchanging wedding vows with long-time girlfriend Jada Blanchard Dec. 11 in the Bahamas.

"Jada has been an important part of my life for a long time," said the 29-year-old Danbury, Conn., native. "I can't imagine any better way to celebrate this special time of year than with family, friends and my new bride."

Blanchard, a Spartanburg, S.C., native, is studying to be a dental hygienist. When not in class or traveling with her new husband, Blanchard enjoys decorating the couple's home on Lake Norman and spending time with their Shih Tzu, Willie.

Nadeau's parents and new sister and brother in-law were on-hand for the island wedding, but returned stateside after the ceremony so the couple could enjoy a short honeymoon.

After the honeymoon and the holidays, Nadeau will be busy with numerous sponsor appearances, test sessions and media interviews leading up to his debut with Hendrick Motorsports in the Feb. 20 Daytona 500.

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