The U.S. Air Force will
once again partner with Richard Petty Motorsports, serving as an associate
sponsor on Aric Almirola's No. 43 Ford for the entire 2013 season and as a primary
sponsor at the Memorial Day weekend race at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the
Fourth of July weekend race at Daytona International Speedway.
The Air Force paint
scheme adorned the historic No. 43 Ford for the same two marquee races in 2012;
the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, where Almirola earned his first career pole,
and the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona.
The Air Force will also
continue its experiential marketing activities at NASCAR events, air shows and
festivals throughout the year, taking the No. 43 U.S. Air Force Ford show car
and "Hangar 43" interactive display to environments where recruiters
can connect with young adults. It will also continue to hold swear-in
ceremonies of Airmen in the Delayed Entry Program at NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
races, giving fans an up-close, in-person look at the moment when groups of
young Americans commit themselves to their country.
Almirola, who was born
on Eglin (Fla.) Air Force Base and whose father served in the Air Force, will
participate in the at-track swear-in ceremonies and recognizes the value of the
partnership as a whole.
"I'm really proud
of how Richard Petty Motorsports helps connect the Air Force with race
fans," the 28-year-old driver said. "We go out to the Air Force
display and the swear-ins at the track, and it's great to see people lined up
wanting to learn about the technology and the opportunities available. It's a
perfect partnership, especially for me, having a life-long history with the Air
Force."
This is the 13th season
the Air Force has been associated with NASCAR, and the fifth year as a partner
with Richard Petty Motorsports, an organization known for its commitment to the
military and veteran community.
"RPM's
strong legacy in NASCAR and Almirola's values and character are a great fit for
the Air Force and the type of recruits that we look to attract through the
sponsorship, " said Col. Marcus Johnson, chief of the Strategic Marketing
Division at Air Force Recruiting Service. "Our association with NASCAR and
RPM is helping us achieve our strategic goal of connecting with the patriotic
fan base and recruiting technically inclined youth."
"We were so proud
to accept the Pole Award last Memorial Day weekend with the Air Force car
behind us in Victory Lane," team owner Richard Petty said. "This year
we plan to go back there - with a win. We're going to make them proud."
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