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Rain fails to dampen Air Force-NASCAR relationship at Pocono

  • Published
  • By Dale Eckroth
  • Headquarters Air Force Recruiting Service
POCONO RACEWAY, Pa. --  The Air Force and NASCAR have long enjoyed a proud relationship that continues to grow with each race.

Thousands of race fans flooded the track grounds Aug. 1 to watch their favorite drivers complete practice runs in preparation for the Pennsylvania 500. However, heavy rain flooded the track, forcing officials to postpone the race until the following day.

In between heavy down pours, light showers and peaks of sun, those who braved the elements on the original scheduled race day were treated to military pomp and circumstance at its finest.

Overseeing the pre-race "Salute to the Armed Forces" festivities was Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Norton Schwartz, who was also the race grand marshal.

Approximately 100 young men and women gathered in front of the winner's circle to raise their right hand as General Schwartz administered their oath of enlistment into the delayed entry program. Applause and cheers erupted in the stands as they accepted the call into the Air Force.

Fans also cheered during the drivers' introduction as Reed Sorenson, driver of the Air Force sponsored No. 43 car, shook hands with General Schwartz and the other military and civilian dignitaries including Gen. Robert Kehler, commander, Air Force Space Command.

The Pennsylvania 500 was the Air Force's fifth and final race of the season featuring the Air Force paint scheme. Mr. Sorenson finished the race in 35th position. The Air Force is also an associate sponsor for the Richard Petty Motorsports team in 33 other NASCAR races.

"The Pocono Raceway is one of the most military friendly tracks in the country," said Tech. Sgt. Rick Jones, NCO in charge of the Air Force Recruiting Service NASCAR program. "There's a patriotic atmosphere for the men and women in uniform. Also, track officials go all out to ensure the Air Force is showcased through media, onsite recruiting booths and a variety of awareness activities including the delayed entry program ceremony."

In addition to numerous military displays and presentations, other pre-race activities included a KC-135 flyover from the 97th Air Mobility Wing at Altus Air Force Base, Okla., and music by the Air National Guard's Band of the Mid-Atlantic.
After parading the last NASCAR driver down the straightaway in front of the grandstands, military humvees returned with servicemembers waving American flags and displaying flags from all 50 states. As they drove past the stands, the crowds gave a standing ovation.

The Pocono Raceway's relationship with the military began in 1984, and since then recognizing all branches of the armed forces has been an annual part of the racing event.

"We feel the men and women who volunteer to serve our country and keep us free and safe deserve all the recognition we can possibly give them," said Mr. Bob Pallo, Pocono Raceway vice president.

In front of thousand of race fans, Lt. Col. Kevin O'Meara, 314th Recruiting Squadron commander, returned the honor to Mr. Pallo by presenting him with the Air Force Recruiting Salutes plaque. The recognition was given to Mr. Pallo for his outstanding support and dedication to the Air Force recruiting mission.

"In the eyes of the fans, the pre-race 'Salute to the Armed Services' for the Pocono 500 held in June and the Pennsylvania 500 held in August are as much a military appreciation as they are NASCAR motor sports events," Mr. Pallo said. "The fan appreciation is unbelievable when it comes to recognizing the military."

Sergeant Jones said NASCAR has become a great tool for Air Force recruiting and awareness.

"We're putting recruits in the Air Force as a direct result of each race. Our return on investment is our future Airmen," he said.

As the NASCAR program NCOIC, Sergeant Jones ensured local recruiters have marketing visibility at each track for recruiting and Air Force awareness events. He pointed out that research provided by GSD&M Idea City, Air Force's contracted advertising agency, shows NASCAR is the most viewed sporting event in the nation.

According to track officials, with 60 million people living within a 200-mile radius, the Pocono Raceway has the highest population density of any NASCAR Sprint Cup track. Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, it's approximately 90 miles from New York City and Philadelphia, which are the No. 1 and 4 TV markets in the nation.

"We don't feel we are doing or can ever do enough for the fine men and women who serve in our military," Mr. Pallo said. "We're always looking at new and better ways to educate the public and to do more to honor our service men and women."

Judging by the outpouring of support from racing fans and Pocono Raceway officials, the Air Force-NASCAR relationship will indeed continue to grow for years to come, no matter how bad the weather becomes.

"All I can say is, God bless them all for volunteering to serve our country," Mr. Pallo said.