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

Published Jan. 22, 2009
By Daniel Elkins
Air Force Recruiting Service

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.

As a primary sponsor, the car will feature the Air Force paint scheme in four of 38 NASCAR races this season.

Air Force officials announced in November 2008 the new NASCAR partnership with Gillett Evernham Motorsports and its No. 10 car driven by Mr. Sorenson for the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The agreement by Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Holdings leads to a new team featuring the No. 43 car co-owned by Richard Petty of Petty Holdings and Gillett Evernham Motorsports.

Air Force Recruiting Service officials here said this new venture is an attractive venue for marketing the Air Force because the sport has a strong, patriotic fan base that really supports its teams and team sponsors. Additionally, they said the sport of racing aligns well with the fans' interests and the Air Force's brand of speed, teamwork and technology, inspiring young Americans to consider the Air Force as a great career choice.