Nimitz Sailors Visit NASCAR in Las Vegas

NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (NNS) -- Four USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Sailors helped represent the Navy March 6 at a NASCAR Busch Series race held in Las Vegas. The No. 14 Navy “Accelerate your life” Chevrolet Monte Carlo ran in the Sam’s Town 300 and was dedicated to the ship and her crew.

Former pro-football player Terry Bradshaw and the FitzBradshaw racing team own the Navy-sponsored car that was dedicated to Nimitz. They've had an ongoing partnership with the Navy for two seasons. The car, which is driven by NASCAR driver Casey Atwood, helps serve as a recruiting tool for the Navy.

The Nimitz Sailors were given free admission to the race and were able to meet Bradshaw and Atwood. The Sailors also had the opportunity to meet Commander, Navy Recruiting Command Rear Adm. Jeffrey L. Fowler.

“NASCAR is a great American sport, a strong supporter of the military and has a strong Navy fan base,” said Fowler. “Being a part of this fast growing sport will allow us to tell young men and women about the Navy career opportunities, and to establish Navy presence all across America.”

Airman Michael Lewis, one of the four Nimitz Sailors who attended, said he enjoyed the opportunity to meet the admiral, the car owner and the driver.

“It was a great experience,” said Lewis. "Nimitz's name and hull number were on the car because it was the fleet honoree. The ship and its Sailors got a lot of recognition.”

Avid NASCAR fan and Nimitz Sailor Damage Controlman 3rd Class (SW) Michael Thomason said, “I live and breathe NASCAR, so I had a blast.”

The Navy is the primary sponsor for the FitzBradshaw team for the entire 2004 NASCAR race season. Navy representatives will continue touring with the car in order to encourage young men and women to “accelerate” their lives.

For related news, visit the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn68.

Description: Rear Adm. Jeffrey Fowler, Commander Navy Recruiting Command, takes a closer look at the U.S. Navy’s Busch series NASCAR. 040214-N-1126D-008 Daytona International Speedway, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2004) – Rear Adm. Jeffrey Fowler, Commander Navy Recruiting Command, takes a closer look at the U.S. Navy’s Busch series NASCAR prior to the 2004 Hershey's Kisses 300 at Daytona International Speedway. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Clarck Desire. (RELEASED)

040214-N-1126D-002 Daytona International Speedway, Fla. (Feb. 14, 2004) – Casey Atwood, driver of the Navy's Busch-series NASCAR, signs autographs for NASCAR fans prior to the Busch series 2004 Hershey's Kisses 300 at Daytona International Speedway. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Clarck Desire. (RELEASED)

040130-N-5576W-003 Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill. (Jan 30, 2004) - Recruit Division Commander (RDC) Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Duane Dominick practices being the “jackman” prior to the “pit stop” competition aboard Recruit Training Command Great Lakes. The Navy NASCAR Team, featuring Casey Atwood, who drives the Number 14 Navy car in the Busch Series, along with the car, pit crew and car co-owner Armando Fitz, of Fitz Bradshaw Racing, visited Naval Station Great Lakes to experience Recruit Training and were the special guests at a recent graduation review. Two teams of Recruit Training Command (RTC) Staff, instructed by the Navy NASCAR Team, competed changing tires in a pit stop scenario for best time. The winning RTC Staff at the dual tire change wrenched out a best time in 34.55 seconds. During their visit, the team experienced various boot camp evolutions first hand; gave “pit stop” instructions to Recruit Division Commanders (RDC); attended a graduation; and signed autographs for “A” school students and staff. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st class Michael Worner. (RELEASED)

Description: Sailors assigned to the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and embarked Carrier Air Wing One One (CVW-11) man the rails upon entering Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 030311-N-1974E-003 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Mar. 11, 2003) – Sailors assigned to the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and embarked Carrier Air Wing One One (CVW-11) man the rails upon entering Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Kristi Earl. (RELEASED)

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