NASCAR's No. 43 to race for Air Force Published Jan. 22, 2009 By Daniel Elkins Air Force Recruiting Service RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- The announcement this week by Gillett Evernham Mortorsports and Petty Holdings to form Richard Petty Motorsports brings one of the most recognizable cars in racing to the Air Force's partnership with NASCAR. The Air Force will now be both a 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. "I have great respect for the Air Force and I'm honored to represent them in the No. 43 car," Mr. Sorenson said. 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 Air Force is very excited about being a sponsor on the iconic No. 43 made famous by Petty Enterprises, " said Col. Timothy Hanson, Air Force Recruiting Service Strategic Communications director. "The No. 43 car and the Petty family have a rich history of success and they bring with them a strong, patriotic fan base that is sure to relate to the speed, technology and teamwork that is common to the Air Force and NASCAR racing."