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Dover Air Force Base part of NASCAR activities

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Veronica A. Aceveda
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  About 20 Dover Air Force Base active-duty and Reserve Airmen participated in pre-race activities for two NASCAR races at the Dover International Speedway May 30-31. 

In addition to the Air Force-sponsored race car, No. 43 driven by Reed Sorenson, these Airmen made it possible for the Air Force and Air Force Reserve to receive national exposure.

The base's chaplain and the Airmen who performed honor guard duties before Saturday's race were part of the televised events covered by the American Broadcasting Company, which has an audience in the millions.

The May 30 race featured a Kids Zone, where the base highlighted two of its missions. An explosive ordnance disposal team demonstrated the use of a remote control robot used to identify and disarm unexploded ordnance, as well as a bomb suit. Children could also tour a base fire truck.

"It's a great opportunity for us to demonstrate some of our unique capabilities to all of the participants, young and old," said Capt. Patrick Wren, 436th Airlift Wing explosive ordnance team member. "We had a positive response from hundreds of children and parents, and we look forward to supporting future races."

As part of Sunday's Parade Lap, which featured drivers being introduced from various truck beds while cruising around the track, the wing commanders of the 436th and 512th AWs were also introduced to the arena, which seats 135,000 people. The commanders rode in a Humvee, driven by Tech. Sgt. Stephen Kaufman of the 512th AW.

Of the thousands who waved to the parade goers from the stands, were many service members who were able to watch the race live thanks to tickets donated to the United Serviceman's Organization Delaware.

In addition to Dover's participation, other Air Force agencies, such as the Brass Heritage Band from Langley AFB, Va., partook in race weekend activities. The quintet performed a patriotic medley during the pre-race ceremony May 31.

"The group played well and looked sharp," said Raymond Landon, the U.S. AF Heritage of America Band director of operations. "In addition to being heard around the track, they were even seen on the giant Jumbo Tron screen." 

The Air Force Recruiting Service showcased the Raptor, a sport-utility vehicle whose name stands for Reaching America's Public to Optimize Recruiting.  It features custom wheels, a large-screen television and video games. Along with the Humvee from the base, the SUV was part of the parade lap and trackside tours, where many race patrons paid extra money to see display vehicles and show cars on the actual track. 

Also part of the recruitment effort was Brig. Gen. Richard T. Devereaux, the Director of Intelligence, Operations and Nuclear Integration, who served as a special guest, representing Air Force racing.  The general performed a mass enlistment ceremony at the recruiter's booth.

And, before the familiar call of "start your engines," both races got underway following the air-soaring sounds of an Air Force fly over. On Saturday, Dover AFB showcased the C-17 Globemaster III; and, on Sunday, four F-16s from a Texas Air National Guard unit performed the honors.

As race weekend came to an end following 400 laps on the track May 31, the Air Force race car finished 19 out of 43 places and scored bonus points for leading four laps. Organizers of this bi-annual event, which typically draws 250,000 visitors, according to the Kent County Tourism Office, made it possible for Dover AFB Airmen to promote the base, the Air Force and Air Force Reserve.