War On Terror News

Schumacher loses tight race to teammate

U.S. Army Accessions Command

06.26.2011 Story by Sgt. 1st Class Scott Turner  NORWALK, Ohio - U.S. Army Top Fuel pilot Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher dropped a close quarterfinal round race to his Don Schumacher Racing teammate Spencer Massey here Sunday, June 26, in the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsport Park.

Massey's slight advantage at the starting line (.048-seconds to Schumacher's .062-seconds) proved to be the difference in the outcome as each driver posted identical 1,000-foot passes of 3.926-seconds.

Newman's Car in Richmond Will Pay Tribute to U.S. Army Medical Personnel

U.S. Army Accessions Command

04.26.2011 Story by Sgt. 1st Class Scott Turner RICHMOND, Va. -- Ryan Newman's U.S. Army Chevrolet for Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway, April 30, will pay tribute to the U.S. Army Medical Department and the men and women who comprise the specialized Army Health Care Team.

Newman's No. 39 Chevrolet will display Army Medicine on the hood and rear-quarter panels during the Crown Royal Presents Matthew & Daniel Hansen 400 short track event. The AMEDD logo will also be included on the hood.

A rendering of Ryan Newman's No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet that will pay tribute to Army medical personnel in Saturday night's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Richmond International Raceway in Virginia, April 30.  Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Scott Turner

"Showcasing Army Medicine on U.S. Army Chevrolet presents an excellent opportunity to not only recognize and honor the dedicated men and women of the Army Health Care Team but to raise awareness of the more than 80 medical career specialties available in the U.S. Army," said Col. Derik Crotts, Director of Strategic Marketing, Communications and Outreach, U.S. Army Accessions Command.

The U.S. Army Health Care Team is made up of six corps, each with a specific function.

Newman Finishes 5th in California; Moves to Second in Driver Points

U.S. Army Accessions Command

03.28.2011 Story by Sgt. 1st Class Scott Turner FONTANA, Calif. - The torrid early-season pace continues for Ryan Newman, who posted a fifth-place finish in the Auto Club 400 Sprint Cup race March 27.

Driving the U.S. Army Partnership for Youth Success Chevrolet, Newman claimed his fourth straight top-10 result and his third top-five in the first-five races of the 2011 campaign.

The fifth-place finish at Auto Club Speedway lifted Newman from fourth to second in the driver point standings. He trails leader Carl Edwards by nine points.

"It's been an amazing start and the script is playing out the way we were hoping it would during the offseason," said Newman. "We were off a bit in the beginning of today's race, but we made a few adjustments and the U.S. Army Chevrolet kept on getting better and better. The only bad news for us is that we didn't win the race."

US Army Racing Team report-Jeff Byrd 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

U.S. Army Accessions Command

03.21.2011 Story by Chris Dirato FORT KNOX, Ky. - U.S. Army driver Ryan Newman continued his torrid pace in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, finishing 10th in Sunday's Jeff Byrd 500 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

It was the third straight top-10 for Newman, who posted fifth-place results at the past two Cup races in Phoenix and Las Vegas, respectively. The South Bend, Ind., native moved up in the driver point standings and is currently tied for third with Tony Stewart - his Stewart-Haas Racing teammate. Newman and Stewart are 12 points behind leader Kurt Busch.

The next Cup race for Newman is

NASCAR drivers, PRN host radio show at Bragg

Headquarters, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

03.14.2011 Story by Staff Sgt. Susan Wilt FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Every NASCAR fan loves to hear the words “Gentlemen start your engines,” on race day because it’s followed up by the loud roar of 42 stock car engines firing up and their favorite driver getting behind the wheel and stepping on the gas to try and win.

NASCAR driver Ryan Newman (right) and former racer Kyle Petty (left) sign autographs and take pictures with the fans after the Performance Racing Network show at Sports USA, Mondaym March 14. The show was to promote the "Let the troops race" program at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend race.  Photo by Staff Sgt. Shelman Spencer

In the week following the race there’s always a slew of radio shows and television shows that re-cap the race and start revving up for the next one. If someone is a NASCAR fan then being part of one of those shows is a big deal.

Monday, approximately 50 service members and their family members came out to Sports USA on Fort Bragg to be part of “Fast Talk Radio” on the Performance Racing Network and visit with NASCAR drivers; Ryan Newman, driver of the #39 U.S. Army Chevrolet car in the Sprint Cup series, and Kyle Petty, retired NASCAR driver, son of racing legend Richard Petty, and co-host of the show.

Jared of Subway Gives National Guard 300 NASCAR Tickets

Arizona National Guard Public Affairs

Jared, of the Subway commercials, shakes hands with Command Sgt. Maj. Max Butler, the Command Sergeant Major of the Arizona National Guard.  Photo by Sgt. Edward Balaban

02.25.2011 Story by Sgt. Kelly Anne Beck PHOENIX—Jared Fogle, of the famous Subway commercials, donated 300 tickets to Arizona National Guard troops for the Subway Fresh Fit 500 NASCAR race at Papago Park Military Reservation, Feb. 25.

More than 100 National Guard soldiers attended the event and were given a free lunch catered by Subway while having the opportunity to speak with Jared, take pictures with him and get his autograph.

Put a Hero's Face on Ryan Newman's No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet

U.S. Army Racing set to create picture perfect Veterans Day
By U.S. Army Accessions Command

Sep 17, 2010  FORT KNOX, Ky. - The U.S. Army and Stewart-Haas Racing are planning a special paint scheme for Ryan Newman's No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet which gives veterans the opportunity to put their faces on the Soldiers' car running in the Kobalt Tools 500 Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway on Nov. 14.

Army Racing driver Ryan Newman rounds a corner at Martinsville Speedway in the Army Chevrolet Impala during a NASCAR race. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Cameras in Action

Veterans, along with their families, friends and loved ones, can go online and submit photos of the men and women who

Air Guard 400 race to determine NASCAR's top 12

by Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke
National Guard Bureau

9/10/2010 - ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) -- Better known for its airpower than its horsepower, the Air National Guard will sponsor the Air Guard 400 at Richmond International Speedway Sept. 11.

The 400-mile NASCAR race will include the Air National Guard-sponsored #26 car driven by Jeff Green and owned by Latitude 43 Motorsports.  (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Kurt Skoglund)

Richmond Track Announces Plans for ‘Air Guard 400’

National Guard Bureau
By Army Staff Sgt. Andrew H. Owen

08.05.2010  RICHMOND, Va., -- Track President Bill Fritz and Air Force Master Sgt. Matt Leas jumped from an airplane and parachuted onto the pit road here at Richmond International Raceway today to announce the name of this year's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.

The Air Guard 400 will be held here on the second day of the "One Last Race to Make the Chase" NASCAR doubleheader weekend Sept. 10-11.

"The Air Guard is a great organization that allows Americans to serve our country and their community," said Fritz. "Many of our first responders are also members of the Air Guard, and we're proud to bring them on as a new partner at Richmond International Raceway."

Jumping out of a "perfectly good airplane" was a symbolic way to show the partnership that has been formed between the Air Guard and the raceway, said Fritz.

"Jumping out of an airplane is probably easier than what they have to do every day in war across the world, fighting for our freedom," he said.

Guard’s NASCAR Drivers Meet Scouts at Jamboree

National Guard Bureau
Story by Sgt. Darron Salzer

07.30.2010  FORT A.P. HILL, Va., - With little urging by Sgt. Ken Weichert, thousands of Boy Scouts from around the country cheered as NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Jeff Gordon walked onto the stage here at the 2010 National Scout Jamboree July 29.

“It’s awesome to be a part of this and an honor to be here … as we represent the men and women of the National Guard every week out there on the race track,” said Jeff Gordon, driver of the No. 24 National Guard-sponsored NASCAR racecar. “To get to see what you have been doing here the last few days, and the excitement you guys have, it’s incredible.”

Dale Earnhardt, Jr., told the Scouts that he had no idea what to expect at the jamboree. “I went on YouTube to figure out what we were getting in to, and this is pretty cool what you are doing.

North Dakota Soldier at Daytona NASCAR Race With Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Florida National Guard Public Affairs Office

07.01.2010  DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — As most NASCAR paint schemes are used as advertising platforms, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s partnership with the National Guard gives him a unique opportunity to dedicate his paint scheme for NASCAR’s July 3 race to eight National Guard soldiers and eight missions in which they served.

The “8 Soldiers, 8 missions” paint scheme was unveiled by Earnhardt and the eight soldiers June 30 at an event in Daytona Beach that honored their sacrifice and selfless service for others, by serving in domestic and oversea missions for their country.

“We take a lot of pride representing these eight soldiers and the entire (National) Guard, and their sacrifices,” Earnhardt said.

Air Guard Signs Five-race Contract With NASCAR

National Guard Bureau

Story by Sgt. Darron Salzer

06.15.2010  ARLINGTON, Va. – The Air National Guard is following in the tire tracks of several military branches by sponsoring a NASCAR team for five races this season.

The first race for the Air National Guard car, owned by Bill Jenkins and his Latitude 43 Motorsports team, will be held this weekend – the Toyota/Save Mart 350 in Sonoma, Calif.

Jenkins, a new owner in NASCAR, was looking for a sponsorship, when he decided to do a tribute to the military.

When he found out the Air Guard had the lowest awareness rating in the military, he decided to wrap his car with the Air Guard logo for the Bristol Motor Speedway race in March, said Air Force Capt. Rondal Perry, division chief of marketing for the Air National Guard.

“With the Air Guard

4TROOPS - Music Video

A loyal reader writes....

"I had to send you a link to this music group, and here's why.

Today (Sunday 3/21/10) NASCAR is at my favorite track, Bristol Motor Speedway in East TN. NASCAR's fan base is largely patriotic by nature, and Bristol takes their tributes to the military very seriously.

So the pre-race festivities for today included two acts, one being Lee Greenwood singing "God Bless the USA." I've heard him sing that live twice, but I tear up to even hear it recorded. I love that song so much.

But a group called 4Troops did a song too, and I had never heard of them. They did a fabulous job, and I cried from the start of this song, all the way through Lee Greenwood. :)

Just thought you might like this!"

I liked it so much I had to share it with all of our readers!  So here they are, 4TROOPS!! ~MsMarti

New York Army National Guard Sergeant May Get Race Named in His Honor

New York National Guard

02.09.2010  LATHAM, N.Y. -- New York Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Brian Speach, a Clifton Park resident, is one of five military members vying for the chance to have a NASCAR race named after them.

Speach, a 43-year old combat veteran, is a participant in a contest being sponsored by Crown Royal Canadian Whiskey--the "Your Name Here Military 400"-- in which the winner will have a 400 mile race at the Richmond International Raceway, May 1, 2010.

If he wins, the race would be "The Brian Speach 400 Sponsored by Crown Royal."

He's a massive NASCAR fan, so the opportunity to have a race carry his name is tremendous, Speach said.

NASCAR-Operation Homefront to Receive $200,000 Donation from Miller Lite

Miller Lite to Make $200,000 Donation to Operation Homefront;

Urges Consumers to Join in the Effort

 

Kurt Busch Top-10 Finishes During the Chase Will Add to Donation for Military Families As Part of 10-Week Veterans Day Program

CHICAGO, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Operation Homefront, an organization that helps troops in-need, will no doubt be rooting for Kurt Busch and his #2 Miller Lite Dodge to perform well during the remainder of the 2009 NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup. That's because Miller Lite today announced the brand is donating $200,000 to Operation Homefront, an amount that could increase by $50,000 should Busch "taste greatness" in five targeted races during the Chase.

It is all part of a Miller Lite Veterans Day promotion that also encourages consumers to contribute to Operation Homefront. The multi-faceted program starts with the $200,000 donation but extends to

NASCAR: 4 Dover Nationwide Race Tickets to Benefit Wounded Marines

Tickets Awarded to Warriors selected by a Senior NCO based on NASCAR following and his appraisal of their worthiness.  The Generous Reader who donated these tickets and all other responsible individuals who made this possible are thanked by War On Terror News for their Active Support of Our Troops.  The Editor and Staff of WOTN continue to point out that our role was limited to middleman and nothing more than putting a Patriotic Citizen in contact with Worthy Warriors.

Freedom Award: AeroDyn

AeroDyn Wind Tunnel LLC

AeroDyn Wind Tunnel, a recipient of the 2009 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award in the Small Business category, specializes in wind tunnel testing for automotive racing. Located in Mooresville, North Carolina, 5 of AeroDyn Wind Tunnel’s 21 employees have served or are serving in the military. Employer support of the military is a company policy, detailed in AeroDyn Wind Tunnel’s “Commitment to Guardsmen, Reservists and their Families” section of their employee handbook. The company offers outstanding support to its activated National Guard and Reserve employees and their families by providing differential pay during deployment; continued employee and enrolled family members’ medical and life insurance benefits during active duty. The company also provides ongoing support and contact via video, phone calls and emails between the deployed employee and their family. Prior to the deployment of an employee, AeroDyn Wind Tunnel closes its 24-hour business for an entire night so that all employees and their spouses could attend a farewell boat cruise. AeroDyn Wind Tunnel actively recruits National Guardsmen and Reservists because of their values, education, training, leadership skills and teamwork. The company has received multiple ESGR state awards including two Patriot Awards, an Above and Beyond Award and the 2008 Pro Patria Award.

Newman Hopes to give Army a B-day Gift

 

 

Artist's rendering of the 2009 Army birthday car.  Photo credit courtesy of Motorsports Designs, Inc.

 

 

Hot streak, Army birthday, home track have Newman pumped

Jun 10, 2009, By David Ferroni

BROOKLYN, Mich. (Army News Service, June 9, 2009) -- How sweet would it be for Ryan Newman to capture a win at his home track on the day his primary sponsor celebrates its 234th birthday?

"Very sweet and very special," said Newman, whose recent hot streak has catapulted him to fourth place in the NASCAR Sprint Cup driver point standings. "We've been on a nice roll lately, but victory has eluded us and that's our ultimate goal."

NASCAR Proves Its Values, Again

When it comes to NASCAR, I'm a latecomer.  Same with appeciation for Country Music.  They're both in my heritage and ingrained in my family.  But I'm only recently understanding why: We share patriotism and liberty.  Tony Stewart wins my heart and mind with this one: Donations to Non-Profits. 

"The night will directly benefit four charities:
• Wounded Warrior Project
• Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund
• Operation Homefront
• Fisher House" 

I rout for the #88 team and Hendrick Team, but Stewart has a Hendrick motor this year and he's routing for the Troops, so he gets a shout out and deep gratitude.  More needs to be said about this, but time does not allow me to say it properly.  I hope MsMarti will elaborate in a way more objective than I could manage.

Prelude To A Dream Features Ripsaw

 

NASCAR crew learns what drives basic training success

Sorenson visits Lackland

Air Force-sponsored NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson shoots an M-16 rifle at the 342nd Training Squadron proficiency range at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Jan. 29. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Scott Reed)

NASCAR Ramblings

What does a NASCAR insider value most?

"But the e-mails I truly feel honored to read come from Maj. Bill Young, active duty in the United States Army stationed in Afghanistan. He's always giving me words of encouragement and telling me not to let the "knuckle bumps" beat me up on Track Smack." Raygan Swan, NASCAR

It's always good to see the gratitude of a NASCAR and Ms Swan for Our Troops, but things are ramping up for a new NASCAR season and her favorite penpal is looking forward to finally seeing a whole race, even if he had to find a new driver.  Not surprisingly, he chose Ryan Newman, the new driver of the Army Car.

So how did Ryan Newman spend his time getting ready for the season?

"Lying on his stomach behind a sandbag on Range 37, Ryan Newman is firing away like a trigger-happy character in a video game, blowing holes in a rusty old car -- it ought to have a No. 12 painted on it, someone jokes -- 300 yards away." David Caraviello, NASCAR

He took his team up to Ft Bragg and got a taste of Army life.  The biggest problem he may have is his team racing down to the recuiting office as more than one has expressed interest in a life they've just become acquainted with. 

Unlike many celebrities, Ryan Newman has a true appreciation of the risks, sacrifices, and valor of Our Troops.  He also was like a kid in the candy store on his tour of Ft Bragg.  I still won't be routing for the #12 this year, but I do welcome him  to the Army Team.  I wonder if Uncle Jimbo will choose this driver this year?

War on Terror News©2009, ARM, all rights reserved

Army's new NASCAR driver gets 'greening'

NASCAR driver Ryan Newman in Fort Bragg's weapons system vault
By: Cameras in Action

NASCAR's No. 43 to race for Air Force in 2009

by Daniel Elkins
Air Force Recruiting Service

1/22/2009 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Gillett Evernham Mortorsports and Petty Holdings announced in January to form a new NASCAR Sprint Cup team that partners one of the most recognizable cars in racing with the Air Force. 

Air Force officials will now be both the primary and associate sponsor for the No. 43 car driven by Reed Sorenson, a 22-year-old, three-time winner in the Nationwide Series.

Air Force announces NASCAR sponsorship for fiscal 2009

Air Force announces NASCAR sponsorship for fiscal 2009

by Christa D'Andrea
Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs

11/13/2008 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS)  -- Air Force officials announced Nov. 12 that it will begin a new NASCAR partnership with Gillett Evernham Motorsports when it sponsors the No. 10 car driven by Reed Sorenson for the 2009 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. The Air Force's advertising agency, GSD&M Idea City, organized the sponsorship and will roll out a multimedia advertising campaign to support the partnership in early 2009.

The Air Force is both a primary and associate sponsor for the No. 10 car driven by Reed Sorenson, a 22-year-old three-time winner in the Nationwide Series. As a primary sponsor, the car will feature the Air Force paint scheme in four of 38 NASCAR races this season.

For the 2009 season, the Air Force is changing their marketing strategy to rebalance their sponsorship and activation programs to increase public awareness about the Air Force and to attract more recruits.
"Advertising and marketing that goes beyond the race track will help us connect with fans and emphasize the speed, power, precision and team work that is common to both NASCAR and the Air Force," said Col. Timothy Hanson, Air Force Recruiting Service Strategic Communications director.

The Air Force has had a long-standing relationship with Wood Brothers Racing and the No. 21 car.

"They are perhaps the most respected team in NASCAR and they have been strong supporters of the Air Force," Colonel Hanson said. "While our sponsorship has changed we will always value the services they have provided us."

The colonel added that he is excited about this new venture and confident that Gillett Evernham Motorsports and driver Reed Sorenson will provide new opportunities for the Air Force to achieve their sponsorship goals and inspire young Americans to consider the Air Force as a great career choice.

NASCAR: #88 National Guard Climbs a Point in the Standings

It was a great week for the team at Hendrick Motorsports!  The Chase Leader in the #48, Jimmie Johnson, won this week again, increasing his points lead over his closest competition.  JJ now holds the highest lead ever achieved at this point in the history of the Chase for the Championship. Much like General Petraeus, he continues to demonstrate Sustained Successes.

But that isn't the end of the story. The #88 National Guard car finished Second, so Jr. gained a position in the standings of the Chase and minimized the increase in the points spread between him and his teammate Jimmie.  JJ gained only 35 points on Jr., who is now 379 points behind. Only the #99 car of Carl Edwards prevented a Hendricks trifecta by playing it safe to coast to third, maintaining a wedge between Jr. and Jeff Gordon in the #24 for the last several laps. This came on the same day Colin Powell drove the wedge between himself and McCain using Palin as the excuse for his endorsement of Obama.  Like Powell's statement of admiration and respect for McCain, Edwards demonstrated respect for those that finished ahead of him.

Jeff managed to lead 57 laps and finish 4th to allow only 30 more points to his now 275-point deficit behind teammate JJ.  And perhaps the surprise of the day was that the soon-to-be ex-teammate Casey Mears in the #5 finished 6th. Rick Hendrick was clearly pleased that his drivers took 4 of the top 6 finishing spots.

But while Jeff & Jr. each climbed a position in the standings, Kyle in the #18 lost 3 places by overusing his brakes, which resulted in him blowing tires, and losing traction. But they say that trials build character, so we can hope Kyle is learning some patience and humility as he has watched his championship hopes slip away. Undergoing trials themselves, Palin and McCain demonstrated great character in the face of adversity and gained points in the polls this week against Obama. Meanwhile, Obama went on the attack against Joe the Plumber, who dared to audaciously ask Obama the hard hitting question about taxing his ambition.

And while JJ gained only 30 & 35 points on his teammates in the #88 and #24, he opened the lead on Jeff Burton to 152 points from the 69 he had last week and the new #2 Greg Biffle, who is 149 points behind JJ.  Kyle in the #18 is now 445 points behind the leader, as far into 12th place as one can get and out of the running.  I didn't see anyone crying as Kyle sustained further losses, even if I do expect we will see weeping and gnashing of teeth if Obama loses on November 4th.

In the after race interviews, JJ, Jr., & Jeff exhibited the same grace we've come to expect from them, the same grace we saw Palin demonstrate as she bravely walked into the Lion's Den of Saturday Night Live, and the same grace McCain exhibited as he faced the aftermath of standing up David Letterman.  Team players all, the Hendrick drivers pointed to the hard work of their teams in the pits and garage and congratulated the winner, their teammate, on the track. McCain and Palin understand teamwork in a way Obama cannot possible grasp. McCain has repeatedly tried to work with the Democrats for real Change, not just the hype, and Palin understands that just being on the same political team with someone does not mean that their abuses of power should be tolerated. Let's hope that like the Hendrick boys, McCain/Palin continues to gain ground in their Chase for the presidential race.

War on Terror News©2008, ARM, all rights reserved.

NASCAR: #88 National Guard Car Faces Difficult Challenges

It was a bad week for the #88 National Guard Car.  It started in practice when a tire unexpectantly blew and put him in his backup car for the Race on Sunday.  The entire Team has been Amping up at the end of the Season, demonstrating greater skill and equipment than in the early part of the season.

And just as the recent blowout in the economy caused great harm to the McCain Campaign, so too did a blowout on Race Day set Earnhardt Jr. 100 points further out of the Chase.  With just 5 races left in the season, the #88 is sitting in 10th place 354 points behind the leader, teammate Jimmy Johnson.

It appears that the #88 ran over a sharp object on the track Sunday, which caused a blowout unexpectantly and put him in the wall for the race just as it had in practice.  He ended up finishing 36th Sunday, while Jeff Burton in the #31 pulled off the win, bringing him quietly up to #2 in the chase, with just 69 points to catch the leader.  But Dale Jr in the #88 didn't give up.  He got into the garage and started working on the repairs necessary to get back on the track.

Meanwhile, Jimmie Johnson in the #48 car had another strong showing, finishing #6 after leading 67 laps.  Like General Petraeus, he continues to be a winner, no matter what happens back in the pack.

Looking back to young upstart Kyle Bush who drove the pink #18 on Sunday, he was again causing wrecks in the Saturday race.  As the race leader in two restarts, he was setting a slow pace and used a technique known as a "brake check" which brought down a warning from NASCAR officials and appeared to many to cause several high dollar race cars to be wrecked.  Like the race card played in politics oh so often, this is considered a dirty trick.   Nevertheless, like Obama, he climbed 2 positions in the standings on the woes of others.

Teammate Jeff Gordon in the #24 finished 8th and held on to the 8th place in the chase, though still 245 points behind JJ in the #48.

It was a tough two weeks for the good guys, but the Chase for the Cup isn't over.  JJ like the General has to hold on to his lead, keep winning, and maintain the support of his team, both in the pit and on the track.  Jeff in the #24 and Earnhardt in the #88 both face uphill battles in the upcoming weeks trying to catch JJ. 

Kyle will no doubt keep destroying the property of others and doing whatever is necessary to win for himself, not his team.  His inexperience and arrogance will continue to shine through and he may even pull of a win, even if it takes out teammate Tony in the #20 or opponents like Kenseth in the #17.

It's been a painful few weeks, but the battle is not over.

Army Guard Adds to NASCAR Racing Stable

By Army Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy
Special to American Forces Press Service

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 2, 2008 – Many NASCAR fans are accustomed to seeing the National Guard name on Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s No. 88 car in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races.

The Army National Guard will sponsor driver Landon Cassill in the Mountain Dew 250 Fueled by Winn-Dixie NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The sponsorship of Cassill, who drives the No. 81 truck, at Talladega ties in with Guard recruiting and retention events to be held during the race. Photo by Nigel Kinrade  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Recently, however, the Guard added another driver and racing series to its roster.

This weekend, driver Landon Cassill will be sponsored by the National Guard in the Mountain Dew 250 Fueled by Winn-Dixie NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala.

The sponsorship of Cassill, who drives the No. 81 truck, at Talladega ties in with Guard recruiting and retention events to be held during the race, said Army Lt. Col. Joseph Day, chief of Army National Guard marketing programs.

Those events are scheduled to include an appearance by Cassill as well as a performance after the race by the band Three Doors Down, whose song “Citizen/Soldier” honors Army National Guard soldiers. Guard recruiting booths will be set up along the track during the race.

For Cassill, this weekend’s race will be his seventh start as part of the 2008 season of the truck series. While this is Cassill’s rookie season, he placed in the top 10 at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in May and finished third at the Milwaukee Mile in June.

Those wins, Cassill said, largely have been from the efforts of the team behind the No. 81 truck. He said he hopes that, as well as the Guard sponsorship, will bring him success at Talladega.

“We've got the National Guard on board, and I think it's a perfect combination for my first race at Talladega," he said in a news release.

This isn’t Cassill’s first time racing for the Guard. He also drives the National Guard-sponsored No. 5 car in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He took first place in the 2007 Busch Series 250 race.

Saturday may mark Cassill’s first race at Talladega in the truck series, but he is scheduled to make the rounds of Talladega’s 2.66-mile course the day before behind the wheel of the No. 88 car in the Automobile Racing Club of America’s Re/Max series race. That race, he said, will give him experience with drafting that he can build on for the truck race the following day.

"I learned a lot in Daytona this winter about drafting, but I also learned even more about drafting at some of the truck races that I've ran this year at fast tracks,” he said. “It's going to take a lot of focus to catch on to the drafting techniques on race weekend, but I think the seat time and experience that I'll get from the ARCA race will be able to transfer right over to the truck.”

And perhaps that is something that will translate into a win.

“Obviously, we want to put the National Guard truck in victory lane for [the Guard members], and I feel confident Landon and all the guys on the team can do just that,” said Randy Moss, co-owner of Randy Moss Motorsports, which owns the No. 81 truck.

(Army Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy serves at the National Guard Bureau.)

Related Sites:
National Guard Bureau
Army National Guard

NASCAR: The #88 National Guard Car is in the Championship Chase

This year's NASCAR season is drawing to a close.  "The Chase" is on and there are parallels between the efforts of the #88 National Guard car driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr, son of a legend, and the Presidential Campaign and Our efforts in the War on Terror, in Iraq and in Afghanistan, this year.

I should warn my non-NASCAR readers to execute caution when discussing drivers with NASCAR fans.  Fan is short for fanatic and the longer version of the word more aptly describes those that follow a driver.  But there is one driver that is (near) universally despised: Kyle Busch.  What a shame that M&M's bought advertising on his car.

Kyle is the Harry Reid of NASCAR.  No one defends him or his actions.  Everyone loves to see him crash but as we entered "The Chase for the Championship," he was leading the points.  He had many ill-begotten wins gained by rain, last lap crashes, and other such measures that while legal are not exactly embraced by Fans or reputable Drivers.  His team would gladly be rid of him if it weren't for him giving them wins and TV time.

When Kyle had problems in the Chase opener, no one lost a tear.  He dropped from running first to being back in the pack with little chance of winning.  Problems struck again Sunday, the 29th of September, even as Reid was spouting hatred in Washington.  Technically, he's still in the chase but reality is there isn't much of a chance.

Kyle's teammate Tony Stewart in the #20 Home Depot car is just ahead of him in the standings and has garnered much sympathy for it.  The two started the season out strong and it was Kyle's grandstanding lack of teamplay that cost Tony the first race of the season in Daytona.  They were running #1 & #2 as they entered the last corner but that wasn't good enough for Kyle who dove below Tony destroying the momentum and aerodynamics created in his bid to win, only to allow another pair of teammates to fly past.  So maybe Kyle is more like Hillary or Biden but with less respect.

But our favorite, Dale Jr. has only a single win all year.  He hasn't gotten into the chase by slacking off though.  He has gotten there by being consistent.  He's on a great team, 3 of 4 are in the chase which only includes 12 drivers.  Teammate, Jimmy Johnson in the #48 Lowe's car is leading the chase at the moment and teammate, Jeff Gordon in the #24 DuPont car gained two places this week with his 4th place finish.  They have a great team which  has decided to cut a non-performer of the year and replace him with #8 Mark Martin who currently drives the Army car part time.

The team drives with honor and skill and earn the respect of drivers and fans alike, even if some fans don't like the other drivers on the team.  There's particular distaste between the fans of Gordon and Jr. though great respect between the two drivers.  But it's hard to find someone that would badmouth the Chase Leader, Jimmie Johnson. 

Only 10 points behind Jimmie, because of their 1-2 finish Sunday, is Carl Edwards whose Aflac commercials have to be the funniest on television.  He too garners respect, has a great demeanor, and one fabulous trick that endears him to fans: a backflip off his car door window in the winner's circle.  He's a nice guy.  This could be our analgous Obama,  but nicer.  Even when Kyle commits immature acts, Carl maintains a calm and respectful demeanor, even when he's visibly annoyed by the unsportsmanlike conduct of Kyle, he tempers his words.

But Carl is a good speaker, without a teleprompter, so maybe he's not so much like Obama.  He almost won Sunday with an audacious move in the final lap swinging hard left underneath the #48 car of Jimmie Johnson, before losing his traction and ending up in the wall, but still good enough to finish 2nd.

And Jimmie would be like General David Petraeus, consistent, respected, respectable, delivering wins and strong finishes.  He's leading the team for America.  His Lowe's advertisements demonstrate his willingess to help others and his ability to fix things.  He has championships in the last two years and is certainly a contender for this years.

And Jeff Gordon could be our Sarah Palin.  Women love him and he's well-spoken.  He has some championships but no wins this year.  He's running strong with fans loving him based on his record or hating him based on his popularity and looks.  He's still in the chase and climbed a couple of spots this year but still needs to come through.  At 143 points behind the leader, he has some serious work  to do but is far from out of it.

Dale Jr, of the #88 National Guard car, has a strong demonstrated loyalty to Nation and service.  He honors our Troops, is a team player, and has a legend of a father, much like John McCain.  He has a win but needs several more.  At 190 points behind the leader, he's the underdog, but that's where he's always felt comfortable.  He's still in the chase and on his way to Alabama.  He ain't giving up, it's not over until November. 

The National Guard will continue to demonstrate strength and resolve.  It'll never give up, no matter who wins.  It'll demonstrate respect and team play, pulling for the Nation rather than its own interests alone.  It'll be back in the race every week until the politicians end the season.

Hopefully we'll know the winner of the Presidential Campaign before we know the winner of the NASCAR Championship Chase which in all liklihood will be settled  in Homestead, FL around 6:50 PM on the 16th of November 2008.  Once again, it'll be won in the South, in places like Alabama, Florida, Texas, Georgia and North Carolina, but Arizona and Virgina will have a role.

Twin 88's: Dale Earnhardt Jr & Brad Keselowski drive for the Military

Found at: http://www.iraqwarnews.net/

DARLINGTON, S.C. (May 9, 2008) NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski, driver of the No. 88 Navy Cheverolet Monte Carlo, takes a moment for photographs with members of the crew of high-speed vessel (HSV) 2 Swift prior to the start of the Diamond Hill Plywood 200 at Darlington Raceway. Swift Sailors attended the race as part of the Fleet Honoree program sponsored by the Navy Personnel Command. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Curtis K. Biasi

And of course from www.Army.mil , we have:

NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Drive National Guard Car

Sep 21, 2007
BY Master Sgt. Bob Haskell

Dale Earnhardt Jr., who will drive the National Guard car in 2008 in NASCAR's top-level Sprint Cup Series, stands tall among National Guard Soldiers in Dallas, Sept. 19. Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn (left), director of the Army National Guard, predicted that Mr. Earnhardt will attract more people to National Guard service. Photo by Master Sgt. Bob Haskell

DALLAS (American Forces Press Service, Sept. 21, 2007) - Dale Earnhardt Jr., whose family's name is part and parcel with American motorsports legend, will drive the Chevrolet the National Guard will sponsor in NASCAR's top-level Sprint Cup series in 2008.

Mr. Earnhardt – "Junior" to the millions who follow the sport – will drive the 88 car for Hendrick Motorsports' new team, officials announced during a nationally televised news conference here Sept. 19.

The popularity of the Earnhardt name raises the Guard's participation in one of America's two most popular spectator sports, the National Football League being the other, to a new level, said Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn, director of the Army National Guard.

NASCAR appeals to the same age group, 18-24, that is the prime recruiting group for the Guard and the other military services, Lt. Gen. Vaughn pointed out. The Army Guard has to recruit about 70,000 new people every year, he said at the Dallas Convention Center.

"If the strength of our recruiting is the same place that you run NASCAR, which it is, and if Dale Earnhardt Jr., is the most popular of all the NASCAR drivers, which he is, then you would think that would make a difference in the number of people who will follow the Guard, the Guard car, and maybe effectively think about joining our team," he said.

"And that's all we ask him to do. Dale will have an enormous, enormous impact on that effort," Lt. Gen. Vaughn predicted. "People will look at the partnership this way: 'The Guard is a great way to serve. It's a first-class organization. And I like Dale Earnhardt Jr. So does the Guard. I'm going to have to think about that.'"

"I think it's important to support the military, especially now," Mr. Earnhardt said, regarding his new affiliation with the National Guard.

....

He has one victory in the Guard/GMAC Chevrolet, coincidentally in  Ten drivers raced in cars painted in military camouflage patterns to signal their support for that cause.

(Army Master Sgt. Bob Haskell is assigned to the National Guard Bureau.)

The Memorial Day Coca-Cola 600 raises money for the Families of U.S. troops.