Air Force and NASCAR together again, with a new driver Published March 9, 2007 By Senior Airman Travis Edwards Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- NASCAR is coming to Las Vegas Motor Speedway March 10 and 11. For the past seven years, Nellis has been actively involved in NASCAR, providing flyovers featuring state-of-the-art fighters as the National Anthem ends. This year, F-15E Strike Eagles from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron will open the race on Saturday. The Thunderbirds will fly over the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday. Racing the Air Force car this year is Jon Wood, a 13-year veteran of the sport and native of Stuart, Va. "I love being able to drive the Air Force car," Jon said. "I get a sense of pride being able to represent and show my support for the military and the Air Force." The UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will mark Jon's first official Nextel Cup start in the No. 21 Air Force Ford Fusion. Mr. Wood was able to visit Nellis Thursday to sign autographs and mingle with troops and their families while taking a tour of Nellis. "You guys have cooler toys," Jon said while talking about the F-22s, F-15s and F-16s surrounding him. Jon also spoke about why he likes racing. He said he is competition driven, and although racing in NASCAR is a team effort, he loves being the one in the driver's seat controlling all 750 horsepower.
