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NASCAR driver gets flight of his life

Airman 1st Class Dominique Robinson ensures the proper fit of an oxygen mask on Reed Sorenson, driver of Air Force sponsored #43 NASCAR, Jan. 22 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. Mr. Sorenson and his crew chief Mike Shiplett were at the base for incentive rides in an F-15 Eagle. Airman Robinson is a life support technician from the 95th Fighter Squadron at Tyndall. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Scott Reed)

NASCAR driver gets flight of his life

Reed Sorenson, driver of Air Force sponsored #43 NASCAR, gives the thumbs up during his incentive ride in an F-15 Eagle from the 95th Fighter Squadron Jan. 23 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. Mr. Sorenson and his crew chief Mike Shiplett were at the base for the flights and to gain a better understanding of the Air Force and its global mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Scott Reed)

NASCAR driver gets flight of his life

Mike Shiplett, foreground, and Reed Sorenson, background, receive incentive rides in F-15 Eagles from the 95th Fighter Squadron Jan. 23 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. Mr. Sorenson, driver of Air Force sponsored #43 NASCAR, and his crew chief were at the base for the flights and to gain a better understanding of the Air Force and its global mission. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Scott Reed)

NASCAR driver gets flight of his life

Published Jan. 28, 2009
By Capt. Amy Bartholomew
Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- As part of the Air Force's new partnership with Richard Petty Motorsports, NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson got the ride of his life in an F-15 Eagle Jan. 23 at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla.

The incentive flight piloted by Tyndall's Capt. Dustin Ripley of the 95th Fighter Squadron was part of an effort by Air Force Recruiting Service to prepare Mr. Sorenson for the 2009 NASCAR season and educate him on what it really means to be an Airman.

"Taking a ride in an Air Force jet is unlike any training I've done for NASCAR," said Mr. Sorenson. "I have great respect for the Air Force, and I'm honored to represent them in the No. 43 car."

The incentive flight was followed this week by a two-day visit to San Antonio, Texas, where Mr. Sorenson met with Air Force trainees going through Basic Military Training and attended a graduation.

"We wanted Reed to learn about the Air Force firsthand, and there is no better way to do that than flying with an Air Force unit," said Col. Tim Hanson, the AFRS Strategic Communications Division director. "Reed and his crew chief, Mike Shiplett, met dozens of Airmen and talked about the similarities of launching a fighter mission or preparing a winning race car. Both take dedicated professionals and lots of teamwork. We are confident the experience helped give Reed and Mike a better understanding and appreciation for the Airmen they will represent on the track."

While at Tyndall, Mr. Sorenson and his crew chief were filmed for a series of webisodes in which the NASCAR men compare notes with Air Force pilots. The series, "Switching Seats," is set to debut on airforce.com in March 2009. This campaign, in addition to sponsorship agreements and all Air Force national advertising, is handled by Austin-based GSD&M Idea City.

In November 2008, the Air Force announced both a primary and associate sponsorship with Richard Petty Motorsports, formerly known as Gillett Evernham Motorsports, for the No. 43 car driven by Mr. Sorenson. As a primary sponsor, the car will feature the Air Force paint scheme in four of 38 NASCAR races this season.