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Air Force NASCAR team visits Robins AFB

  • Published
  • By George F. Jozens
  • 78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
ROBINS AFB, Ga. --  Robins Air Force Base was visited by an elite Air Force team March 15 - the Air Force-sponsored Wood Brothers Racing Nextel Cup No. 21 pit crew.

The race team, usually with a show car and occasionally the driver, visit several different Air Force bases and local events near NASCAR races supporting Air Force recruiting and retention efforts.

"This year we are going to have eight races with the Air Force sponsorship and paint scheme," said Master Sgt. Rupert Brown, Air Force Recruiting Service motor sports events manager. "Jon Wood will drive all of those races."

Although the driver is in high demand, the pit crew doesn't get requested as often.

"We (pit crew) don't get to go to too many events," said Mike Moore, Woods Brothers jack man. "Normally we only get to visit places in the Detroit area."

A pit crew competition culminated the visit. In it, nine team from base organizations competed against each other. Although there were some fast pit stops, the professionals of the Air Force No. 21's crew, led by Gary Smith, team pit crew coach, still paved the way, giving a two tire change in 5.82 seconds.

"We got here a little early this morning and spent some time showing the guys how to change tires, index some tires and jack the car," Mr. Smith said. "We are showing the Air Force, who is very big on teamwork, our side of teamwork - have some fun, (let them) learn what we do and learn what they do."

"This is a real race car, it ran last fall at Homestead (Fla.)," said Eddie Wood, team co-owner and Jon's father. "We brought the whole pit crew just like when they go over the wall at the race, all seven men. My guys really enjoy doing this."

As with every NASCAR victory, the driver got to finish with a burnout. This time Jon Wood got to do something he usually isn't allowed to do.

"It's awesome," he said. "I usually don't get to smoke the tires until one blows. It's great getting to come to Robins."

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