New racing partnership in support of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program
[media-credit name=”CIA Stock Photo” align=”alignright” width=”218″]
[/media-credit]FORT KNOX, Ky. (April 29, 2011) – The U.S. Army announced today a partnership with Revolution Racing and NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity (D4D) program for the 2011 season. During the upcoming racing campaign, the Army will serve as one of the primary sponsors for Revolution Racing in NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series races and as an associate sponsor for the entire roster of Revolution Racing drivers in both the K&N Pro Series and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.
“The Army is proud to join Revolution Racing and NASCAR in sharing with America’s youth the many opportunities available to them whether through education, in motorsports or through service to the Nation as an Army Strong Soldier,” said Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, commander of the U.S. Army Accessions Command. “Our Army offers many opportunities for young Americans to pursue an education and to become leaders both in uniform and back in their hometowns. Our shared values and commitment to America’s youth make this a great partnership.”
As part of the new partnership, Revolution Racing leadership and drivers will join the Army’s efforts in reaching young Americans and their influencers about the many education and leadership opportunities available in the Army. The Army will be a part of NASCAR’s Fueling Dreams Tour presented by Revolution Racing, an interactive display area that visits NASCAR and K&N Pro Series races, local high schools and colleges, and other multicultural events across the country. The interactive assets and speaker panels provide young Americans an opportunity to learn more about the career options and leadership opportunities within both NASCAR and the Army.
“We are very excited about our partnership with the U.S. Army,” said Max Siegel, chief executive officer, Revolution Racing. “Revolution Racing’s commitment to empowerment, education, opportunity and positive change is perfectly aligned with the values of the Army. The Army’s support of Revolution Racing clearly demonstrates their strong commitment to our nation’s youth and cultural diversity.”
Revolution Racing joins the U.S. Army Racing family which consists of Tony Schumacher, driver of the U.S. Army NHRA Top Fuel dragster, and Antron Brown of Don Schumacher Racing, along with Ryan Newman, who pilots the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series No. 39 U.S. Army Chevy, and Tony Stewart of Stewart-Haas Racing. The Army team of drivers represent more than one million brave Army Strong Soldiers, and give the men and women who serve this country a race team to be proud of. The motorsports program also provides opportunities for the Army to interact with prospects and influencers, and assists recruiters in building an all-volunteer force for our Nation.
Revolution Racing, owned by former Dale Earnhardt, Inc. executives Max Siegel and John Story, exists to provide opportunities in NASCAR for minorities and females, fielding four teams in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, six teams in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, multiple youth racing teams and a NASCAR pit crew development program. It brings together championship caliber executives, competition staff and equipment in a unique, academy-style environment.
Drivers on the 2010 Revolution Racing team enjoyed the best on-track season in the history of the Drive for Diversity program, earning four victories, 42 top-five finishes and 80 top 10s in 141 starts. Each team is part of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity program, now in its eighth season.
The 2011 season has started on a winning note for Revolution Racing with driver Darrell Wallace Jr. capturing a victory in the U.S. Army-sponsored car in Thursday night’s K&N Pro Series East race at Richmond International Raceway.
“NASCAR is proud of the long standing bond between our sport and the U.S. Army,” said Marcus Jadotte, vice president, NASCAR Public Affairs and Multicultural Development. “The Army’s sponsorship of Revolution Racing speaks to our organizations’ shared values.”
The Drive for Diversity program has been successful in creating meaningful opportunities for minority and female competitors. The program helps to further diversify NASCAR’s participant and audience base. The program has seen continuous growth since its inception in 2004.
About U.S. Army Accessions Command
The U.S. Army Accessions Command (USAAC), a subordinate command of U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, meets the human resource needs of the Army by transforming volunteers into officers, warrant officers, and enlisted Soldiers. In providing the force, the 18,391 men and women of Accessions Command prepare these future Soldiers and leaders for their initial military training. Commanded by Lt. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, USAAC is located at Fort Knox, Ky.
