LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
In light of the Air Force Recruiting Services' decision to renew sponsorship of Richard Petty Motorsports' No. 43 car, NASCAR driver A.J. Allmendinger visited Randolph and Lackland to see what the Airmen do for a living.
Already six races into the 2011 Sprint Cup Series season, Allmendinger's pitstop in San Antonio was part of the AFRS' Dip into the Blue program, a chance to learn about the Air Force's different missions and way of life.
"I'm an only child and never been a part of a military family," the five-year NASCAR driver said.
"Sometimes, you just let yourself focus on your own little box: racing has been my life. It's because of the military I get to live in my small box."
His first year sponsored by the Air Force, Allmendinger said he felt the need to keep pace with the military despite a tight racing schedule.
"Even though I've probably seen only about five percent of the Air Force now, I now more of what it's all about," Allmendinger said. "It's important to me to be here and to see it in person."
His tour included visits to Randolph's high school and the AFRS headquarters, and a trip to Lackland for a meeting with Col. William H. Mott V, 37th Training Wing commander, lunch with basic military trainees, a military working dog demonstration and a trek through the Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training course at the Lackland Training Annex.
The most impressive thing about the visit, Allmendinger said, was seeing all "the different departments" and "the depth and number of jobs and career paths" in the Air Force.
"You only hear about jet and fighter planes," he said. "But every job is important. The Air Force is enormous, like one big, well-oiled machine."
The No. 43 Ford Fusion will feature the Air Force paint scheme in two of 36 races this season, one in Charlotte on Memorial Day weekend, and the other in Daytona on Independence Day weekend.
"Two great races; two great celebrations," Allmendinger said, adding that he's also lucky to have the Paralyzed Veterans of America as sponsors as well.
"It's pretty cool to have the Air Force and the military on the car during those races. Now, we just have to go win one."
Allmendinger races the Samsung Mobile 500 at the Texas Motor Speedway April 9..