The No. 43 race car owned by Richard Petty Motorsports will once again feature the Air Force paint scheme for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, announced Air Force Recruiting Service officials. Driver Aric Almirola’s father was in the Air Force and Almirola, 28, was born at Eglin AFB, Fla., states the service’s Feb. 5 release. “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 AFRS’ strategic marketing division. “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,” he added. The Air Force plans to take the No. 43 car and an interactive display to NASCAR events, air shows, and festivals, states the release.
The Air Force plans to add external weapons pylons on the B-1B bomber, both to increase the number of aircraft that can test hypersonic missiles and expand the Lancer’s loadout as USAF transitions to the B-21 bomber.