NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Nextel Cup’s next stop is the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and Sunday will mark the Air Force’s sixth year participating in the growing sport of NASCAR racing.
After recruiting one of the most versatile and accomplished drivers in NASCAR, Kenny Schrader, the Wood Brothers Racing No. 21 NASCAR team is geared to break new boundaries in 2006.
Mr. Schrader got his first taste of Air Force flying Thursday in an F-16 with the Thunderbirds while visiting Nellis and meeting Airmen.
“I’m not quite sure what to expect, but I’m looking forward to the experience,” said Mr. Schrader prior to his flight.
Representing the Air Force for the first time, Mr. Schrader said he wants to take in as much knowledge of flying a jet and bring it back to the track.
“I’m really proud of flying the Air Force colors this year,” said Mr. Schrader. “I have so much respect for the guys and gals who are protecting our freedom. So to be just a small part of that by representing them on the race track means a lot to me.
Before the incentive flight, Mr. Schrader was available along with Jon Wood, No. 47 Busch series driver, for autographs at the Officers’ Club.
Flyovers from Nellis are scheduled for both races this weekend, including a two-ship from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron on Saturday prior to the Sam’s Town 300 and a Thunderbird flyover prior to Sunday’s UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400.
In addition, Nellis senior leaders recruiters will have a presence at the races, and a mass swear-in of new Air Force enlistees is scheduled for Sunday.
Also joining the Air Force NASCAR team and controlling the pits in 2006 is David Hyder, formerly of Bam Racing and now crew chief to Schrader with Wood Brothers Racing.
“The team is working real well together and having David Hyder as crew chief helps a lot because we were together last year,” said Mr. Schrader. “A top-ten Daytona was a great way to start the season as well.
A big change for the Wood Brothers Racing team is switching to a Ford Fusion from a Ford Taurus.
Schrader will have to adjust from a Dodge perspective to a Ford viewpoint now that he is with the new team.“
There is not much difference between the bodies in the NASCAR race car configuration because of some of the common templates, but I would have to say from everything I’ve seen of the ‘06 Fusion, it would be my car of choice,” said Mr. Schrader.