Airman's NASCAR paint scheme design debuts

  • Published
  • By Samuel King Jr.
  • Eglin Air Force Base Public Affairs
TALLADEGA, Ala. (AFNS) --  

Airman paint scheme design at Talladega

No. 43 NASCAR driver, Erik Jones, stands with Tech. Sgt. Andrew Brockman, 96th Maintenance Group, before the Talladega Superspeedway race April 24, 2022, in Alabama. Brockman received a trip to the NASCAR race after winning an Air Force Recruiting Service and Petty GMS design contest to create a paint scheme for one of the 2022 Air Force-sponsored cars. The Airman saw his car design come to life and even lead the race during various points of the race. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Four months ago, Tech. Sgt. Andrew Brockman, 96th Maintenance Group, won an Air Force Recruiting Service and Petty GMS-sponsored design contest. The contest was to create a new paint scheme to be featured on one of the 2022 Air Force-sponsored NASCAR stock cars. On April 24, Brockman saw his Air Force heritage-themed B-29 Superfortress design come to life and race for the win at Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.

“We wanted to showcase the talent of our Airmen outside of their normal jobs and then let the NASCAR fans decide their favorite design,” said Master Sgt. Shawn Emmerling, AFRS events marketing. “This paint design doesn’t just represent Air Force Recruiting; it reflects the entire Air Force and our heritage.”

Brockman was awestruck when he and his group saw the car for the first time as they turned the corner of the garage area. It was at that moment when the idea in his head became a reality right in front of him as it gleamed in the sun.

"Walking around the garage and seeing the car for the first time while the engine was roaring was incredible," Brockman said. "Then, when we were able to walk the car to the track and see it lined up and ready for battle is really when it became real."

Airman paint scheme design at Talladega

Tech. Sgt. Andrew Brockman, (fifth in uniform) 96th Maintenance Group, salutes with other Airmen during the national anthem and flyover at Talladega Superspeedway April 24, 2022, in Alabama. Brockman received a trip to the NASCAR race after winning an Air Force Recruiting Service and Petty GMS design contest to create a paint scheme for one of the 2022 Air Force-sponsored cars. Brockman saw his car design come to life and even lead the race during various points of the NASCAR race. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Air Force-sponsored car at Talladega

Erik Jones and the Air Force-sponsored No. 43 car speeds by his pit box while leading the pack during the Talladega Superspeedway NASCAR race April 24, 2022 ,in Alabama. Tech. Sgt. Andrew Brockman, 96th Maintenance Group, created the Air Force heritage B-29 Superfortress-themed paint scheme that appeared on the car during the race. Jones and the Air Force car led the NASCAR race multiple times and was in front until the final lap, ultimately finishing sixth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Airman paint scheme design at Talladega

Tech. Sgt. Andrew Brockman, (right) 96th Maintenance Group, salutes with other Airmen during the national anthem and flyover at Talladega Superspeedway April 24, 2022, in Alabama. Brockman received a trip to the NASCAR race after winning an Air Force Recruiting Service and Petty GMS design contest to create a paint scheme for one of the 2022 Air Force-sponsored cars. The Airman saw his car design come to life and even lead the race during various points of the NASCAR race. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res


As the contest winner, Brockman and his spouse, Valerie, toured the track and pit row, took a fast lap around the 2.66-mile track, met Erik Jones, the driver of the No. 43 Air Force car, and watched the race from the Petty GMS pit box.

Airman paint scheme design at Talladega

Tech. Sgt. Andrew Brockman, 96th Maintenance Group, and his spouse, Valerie, stand on the finish line at the Talladega Superspeedway April 24, 2022, in Alabama. Brockman received a trip to the NASCAR race after winning an Air Force Recruiting Service and Petty GMS design contest to create a paint scheme for one of the 2022 Air Force-sponsored cars. The Airman saw his car design come to life and even lead the race during various points of the NASCAR race. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
"Watching the 43 Chevy fly around the track as a top-10 contender all day was beyond an amazing feeling," Brockman said.

Jones and the Brockman’s Air Force paint-schemed car led at various points during the race and was in front until the final lap but ultimately finished sixth during the wild finish.

"Coming into that final lap, we thought he had it in the bag," Brockman said of Jones and his car. "I can only imagine he felt the same, but the speedway finish took over. Winner’s circle wasn’t in the cards but still a huge win for the Air Force."