Richmond track officials announce plans for 'Air Guard 400'

  • Published
  • By Army Staff Sgt. Andrew H. Owen
  • Virginia National Guard
RICHMOND, Va. (AFNS) --  Track President Doug Fritz and Master Sgt. Matt Leas jumped from an airplane and parachuted onto the pit road here at Richmond International Raceway Aug. 4 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," Mr. Fritz said. "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, Mr. Fritz said.

"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.

The Air Guard 400 race logo and official pace car were also unveiled at the event.

The race is a first for the Air Guard, which is picking up speed in its efforts to raise public awareness in communities across the country, Air Guard officials said.

"The Air Guard has about a one percent awareness rating across the nation," said Sergeant Leas, the noncommissioned officer in charge of advertising for the Air Guard. "That means that 99 percent of Americans don't know about the opportunities that are available in their communities. This is one way to get that message out."

With more than 140 units in the U.S., Air Guard members can serve where they live, Sergeant Leas said. Serving in the Air Guard helps Americans earn money for college, receive world-class training for a high-tech world, and gain the discipline and confidence to be successful in life.

It also allows Americans to serve part-time providing flexibility to live life on their terms while serving their community, their state and country with honor and pride, Sergeant Leas said.

The race, which will include the #26 Air Guard car driven by David Stremme, is scheduled for broadcast on the ABC-TV network at 7:30 p.m., on Sept. 11.